The Sammarinese Armed Forces () are the national military forces of the Republic of San Marino. It is one of the smallest military forces in the world, with its different branches having varied functions including: performing ceremonial duties; patrolling borders; mounting guard at government buildings; and assisting police in major criminal cases. There is also a military Gendarmerie which is part of the military forces of the republic. The entire military corps of San Marino depends upon the co-operation of full-time forces and their retained (volunteer) colleagues, known as the , or Voluntary Military Force. National defence in the face of an aggressive world power is, by arrangement, the responsibility of Italy's armed forces. The component parts of the military (other than the purely historical Crossbow Corps) are distinguished (as in many nations) by distinctive cap badges, one each for the Fortress Guard (uniformed), Fortress Guard (artillery), Guard of the Council, Uniformed Militia, Military Ensemble (band), and Gendarmerie. There is no compulsory service, however under special circumstances citizens aged 16 to 55 may be drafted for the defence of the state.
Military Branches
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Corps
!English
!Size
!Highest rank
|-
|
|Superior command of the militias
|
| General
|-
| -
| - Military health service
|
|Superior officer
|-
|
|Crossbow Corps
|70
|
|-
|
|Uniformed company of the militias
|80
|Captain
|-
| -
| - Military Band
|60
|Maestro Lieutenant
|-
|
|Guard of the Great and General Council
|60
|Captain
|-
|
|Guard of the Rock
|
|Colonel
|-
| -
| - Guard of the Rock Company of Artillery
|45
|Captain
|-
| -
| - Guard of the Rock Uniformed Core
|40
|Captain
|-
|
|Corps of the gendarmerie of the Republic of San Marino
|90
|Colonel
|}
The Crossbow Corps
Although once at the heart of San Marino's army, the Crossbow Corps is now an entirely ceremonial force of about 70 volunteer soldiers. The Crossbow Corps has a continuous history from its first mention in the national statutes of 1295. Described by the Government as "The oldest military formation in the Republic, nominated in the statutes of 1295",
The Guard of the Rock (or Fortress Guard Corps)
Uniformed Unit
thumb|300px|Three members of the Guard of the Rock, wearing the Number 2 uniform (informal ceremonial). A non-commissioned officer is in the centre.
The Guard of the Rock () is a front-line military unit in the San Marino armed forces. Its precise origin is difficult to pinpoint due to amalgamations. Its role was last redefined by statute in 1987, and it probably came into being as a military branch in 1754; however, the unit also uses the name "Fortress Guards" which may be traced back to much earlier units of Sammarinese military. The Guard of the Rock are the state border patrol, with responsibility for patrolling borders and defending them. In their role as Fortress Guards they are also responsible for the guarding of the Palazzo Pubblico in San Marino City, which is the seat of national government. In this role, they are the forces most visible to tourists, and known for their colourful ceremony of Changing the Guard. Under the 1987 statute, the Guard of the Rock are all enrolled as 'Criminal Police Officers' (in addition to their military role) and act to assist the police in investigating major crime.
The uniform of the Guard of the Rock is distinctively red and green, This volunteer unit maintains the original artillery function of the Fortress Guard. As of 2026, the Artillery Company had 33 personnel of the 45 planned.
The Guard of the Council
thumb|150px|An officer of the Guard of the Council - this is the number 1 uniform (formal ceremonial).
Its full name is 'The Guard of the Council Great and General' and it is also known locally as the 'Guard of Nobles'. The official tourism website of the nation explains this alternative name by stating: Originally called “Guardia Nobile” (Noble Guard), this name is still sometimes used today to underscore the highly prestigious institutional duties the Corps is called upon to perform. This unit, formed in 1740, is composed almost entirely of volunteers, and its duties are largely ceremonial, although members undergo full military training. Due to its striking uniform, it is arguably the best-known part of the Sammarinese military, and appears on countless postcard views of the republic. The functions of the Guard of the Council are to protect the Captains Regent, and to defend the Great and General Council during its formal sessions. They also provide a ceremonial bodyguard to government officials on festivals of both state and church. It is a matter of civic pride for many Sammarinese to belong to the force, and all citizens with at least six years residence in the republic are entitled to enroll. Both male and female soldiers belong to the Company of Uniformed Militia, although men predominate in numbers.
Officers are armed with swords and pistols, whilst other ranks are equipped with muskets and bayonets. The uniform is dark blue, with a kepi bearing a blue and white plume. The ceremonial form of the uniform includes a white cross-strap, and white and blue sash, white epaulettes, and white decorated cuffs.
The Military Ensemble
Formally this is part of the Army Militia, The uniform is largely similar to that of the Army Militia itself, though with some differences in decoration. The music of the Military Ensemble accompanies most state occasions in the republic.
The Gendarmerie
thumb|right|A [[Subaru of the Gendarmerie]]
Established in 1842, the 'Corps of Gendarmerie of San Marino' () is a militarized police service, under the control of the Secretary of State for Foreign and Political Affairs. Its members are full-time and have responsibility for the protection of citizens and their property, and for the preservation of law and order. It is currently led by Colonel Maurizio Faraone.
The Gendarmerie issues the Glock 17 9x19mm as the sidearm and also has access to the Heckler & Koch MP5 9x19mm sub-machine gun.
Municipal Police
The Municipal Police () is not part of the armed forces of San Marino, but it does work closely with them, particularly with the Gendarmerie. It is responsible for policing local communities, tax collection, traffic control, and civil defence. The Municipal Police are required by statute to collaborate with the Gendarmerie and the Fortress Guard Corps in policing the state.
Ranks
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Gallery
{|
|thumb|A [[Fiat Punto used by the Guard of the Rock.]]
|thumb|right|A [[Subaru Forester used by the Guard of the Rock.]]
|}
Notes
References
External links
- Official Military Corps page
- Guard of the Great and General Council
- The publication "Military Corps of San Marino, ancient land of liberty" contains a full history of the military and is published by SA International of Murata Fiorentino, San Marino.