Protocol Unit

The Protocol Unit is responsible for the security of key facilities and persons. It performs military protocol tasks of the highest level, such as ceremonial line-ups, guard duties and receptions.

Structure

The core of the Protocol Unit is composed of career soldiers, non-commissioned officers and officers. The Horse Unit is a part of the Protocol Unit. It includes members of the SAF contract reserve, employed at the Lipica stud farm which provides Lipizzaner horses to the unit. The horses are stabled and cared for at the farm. The education and training of the Horse Unit takes place in Lipica.

Tasks

One of the most important goals of the Protocol Unit is to acquire skills for the rendering of military honours and performance of other tasks during protocol events, so as to achieve exemplary appearance, a high level of consciousness and professional attitude towards affiliation to the Republic of Slovenia, its symbols and the Slovenian Armed Forces.

Protocol and demonstration programmes of the Protocol Unit vary according to protocol events, ceremonies, festivities, memorial ceremonies and swearing-in oaths in which members of the unit participate. In addition to standard programmes, they have developed programmes, which are the unit's trademark, such as the “domino-style” salute of honour and a special “exhibition” programme.

The unit performs tasks at protocol events with PAP M-59/66 and AP M-70 AB2 rifles, specially modified for this particular purpose. To mark special protocol events and important national holiday celebrations, members of the Guard fire gun salutes from M 48 B1 protocol guns.