Gardebataillon

The Gardebataillon (Guard Battalion in English) is a ceremonial unit in the Austrian Armed Forces. The Gardebataillon is one of the most important military units in the Austrian Armed Forces as its main task is to represent Austria at home and abroad. It is stationed exclusively at Maria Theresien Barracks in Vienna.

History
The battalion was formed on March 1, 1935 as the Vienna Guard Battalion. At that time it was based at the Hofburg Imperial Palace. It was dissolved in 1938 following the German Anschluss. It was restored in 1956 with its current name, and has had its headquarters in the Maria Theresa barracks.

Regimental Structure

 * Staff Corps
 * Guard Companies
 * 1st Active Duty Company
 * 2nd Active Duty Company
 * 1st Honor Guard Company
 * 2nd Honor Guard Company
 * Gardemusik

Uniform
Their uniform is very similar to the uniform of the German Wachbataillon. The soldiers of the Guard are distinguished by their red beret, and their white collar. Apart from the beret, the battalion's uniform also includes a ceremonial helmet, with the Coat of arms of Austria on the front.

Purpose
It's tasks include the protection of federal buildings such as the Hofburg Imperial Palace and the Federal Chancellery.

The battalion is mainly provides Guards of Honour to carry out representative duties (such as accreditations of ambassadors, welcoming ceremonies, and parades).

Gardemusik Wien
The Gardemusik Wien (Guards Band Vienna) is one of the nine military bands in Austria and is the official regimental band of the Gardebataillon. It was formed after the Austrian State Treaty came into effect, the band was formed form the band of the Austria border guard department. It consists of 60 military musicians. It regualry provides musical accopaniment to the rest of the battalion. The unit always composes a new military march during a presidential inauguration in honor of the elected President of Austria (e. g. Alexander Van der Bellen in 2017. ). The current commander of the Band is Bernhard Heher.