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Castle Guard: A Matter of the Heart // Humans of NATO Days

The Castle Guard’s Ceremonial Unit is one of the most recognisable symbols of Czech military tradition and representation. At this year’s NATO Days in Ostrava, it impressed audiences with a precise performance combining military discipline, coordination, and professionalism. We spoke with Sergeant First Class Karel Pospíšil, a member of the 2nd Battalion of the Castle Guard, about the demanding preparation, everyday service, and the atmosphere of this year’s event.

How would you describe the mission of the Castle Guard Ceremonial Unit in one sentence?
The Ceremonial Unit of the Castle Guard is made up of standard members of the Castle Guard whose duty is to protect and defend the residence of the President of the Republic and to provide ceremonial support at events connected with the head of state. What you saw at NATO Days in Ostrava & the Czech Air Force Days is something extra – an additional activity on top of their regular duties. It’s a unit that represents us in public.

You mentioned the display the visitors could see. How long does it take to prepare for such a performance?
If we were to start the training completely from scratch, the preparation for this kind of performance would take roughly half a year.

Could you describe your typical working day?
On a typical working day, when I’m on duty, I arrive at work in the morning, pack everything I need for service, and attend the daily briefing and duty allocation. When we take up guard duty at Prague Castle, we begin with the ceremonial changing of the guard in the first courtyard. We then take over both mobile and fixed posts at the entrances to the Castle complex and provide security for twenty-four hours. The handover of duty concludes the next day with another ceremonial change at noon.

Does the service of the Ceremonial Unit differ from that of other units?
As I mentioned earlier, it doesn’t really differ. It’s more of an additional duty. The lads from the Ceremonial Unit carry out standard guard service, training, and other Castle Guard tasks — and this activity is something they do in their own time, on top of that. It’s really a matter of the heart.

Was this year’s event special for you or your unit in any way?
For my unit — the Ceremonial Unit of the 2nd Battalion of the Castle Guard — it was special because this was our first time here. Our motorbike team has taken part in several previous years, but for us as, this was the debut.

How did the overall atmosphere of the event strike you?
The atmosphere felt very positive. People came from all over the country and neighbouring states — real military enthusiasts. It’s invaluable for them, so I’d definitely rate it positively.

Did you have the chance to talk to visitors or meet them in person? What kind of questions or reactions stood out to you?
There wasn’t much time, as we had two performances. But between them we walked around to see the other units’ stands and what the day had to offer. At our own stand, visitors mainly asked about the Castle Guard’s service — how it works and what our main duties are.

If you compare the display you performed here with your daily service, did you feel more responsibility here in front of the audience, or when on duty at the Castle?
There’s definitely more responsibility when we’re on guard duty. What we do here is something extra — the icing on the cake. The greater responsibility lies with us when guarding the residence of the President.

What do you find most fulfilling about this work?
What fulfils me most is working with my lads — they enjoy it, they do it with heart and passion. And it’s wonderful to feel the audience’s response — when they like the performance and show it with applause.

Do you have a memorable or unforgettable experience you can share?
A memorable one was last year’s performance at the All-Sokol Rally in the O₂ Arena, where we performed with the ceremonial unit in front of a sold-out crowd. The atmosphere was incredible.

And what about this year’s event?
Yes — the lads flew from Prague to Ostrava in a CASA aircraft, which was a kind of reward for us.

Do you have a message for young people who might want to join the Castle Guard?
Definitely. It’s a demanding service, but also a unique one. Serving at Prague Castle is a prestigious duty. We are a selective unit, and I believe it would be an honour for anyone to serve with us.

And what would you like to say to the visitors of NATO Days?
Enjoy NATO Days — and get home safely.