They are getting new plastic helmets. Out of the 3D printer. Straight from Toys "r" Us. Guess the old ones were too heavy for them

http://www.tagblatt.ch/nachrichten/v...sts491071,7828

Asked what he thinks of the new helmet, a guard said: "I find it a very interesting idea, no idea how this will be, I will let myself be surprised."

WHAT a Swiss answer

Let's just hope, their life never depends on it

As opposed to their state-of-the-art halberds which are sure to keep 21st century Habsburgs at bay.

Modern soldiers all wear plastic helmets these days. (But not 3d printed.)

Your average security guard's or rent-a-cop's weaponry is well below a 15th century halberd. And yet we rely on them to maintain peace and order and kick drunks out of pubs. Do the Swiss Guard need to do much more than kick drunk cardinals out of evensong in the Sixtine Chapel?

Good point. I was actually thrown out of the Vatican by Swiss guards when I was 8yo because my dad thought it was a good idea to try and sneak a picture of the Sistine chapel but forgot to turn off the flash.

They didn't have to use them halberds on us though..

If I understood correctly (with 100% of my Swiss guards knowledge coming from watching Tom Hanks in Angels and Demons, obviously ) they are actually responsible for counter-terrorism and stuff like that. I guess there is a plausible constant threat against the Vatican in that respect.

Yes, they train with their firearms in Switzerland as there isnt that much space in Vatican to do so...


https://www.nzz.ch/panorama/schweize...ssin-ld.128531

I guess, as is the case with the guards at Buckingham Palace, that the quaint uniforms are primarily for sentry and parade purposes. That doesn't mean they don't also perform other duties in line with contemporary security threats, presumably in more suitable attire and with appropriate weapons.

They still have the appropriate weapons, rifles for most bits and bear skin hats to throw at protesting vegans.

They don't need those halberds. If a full grown man in such an outfit comes towards me, even I run!