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"The Vanguard military civic describes an elite military force that usually answers directly to the ruler of the nation. A Vanguard could be the rulers personal bodyguard unit, or might just be the elite (and somewhat ceremonial) soldiers of the nation. Examples of Vanguards throughout history include janissaries of the Ottoman Empire, who were under direct control of the Sultan, or the Praetorians of Imperial Rome, who served to protect the Emperor. A Vanguard could also describe the military-political revolutionary force in a communist revolution. This type of Vanguard often does not disband even after the revolution is complete, and still exist to guard the legitimacy of the communist party that created them. The Red Army of the USSR is an example of this.
The advantages of having a Vanguard-type military are that the Vanguard is efficiently controlled by simply the rulers (or partys) whim. Vanguards also tend to be very well trained, as a wise ruler would want a very powerful guard. Since Vanguards often remain legitimate to the people through claims of patriotism and existing to protect the sovereignty of the nation, the people will often be happy and feel protected by their presence. The disadvantage include that Vanguards are often a very SMALL elite core, and may have a difficult time if they are thinly stretched across the nation.
By: turquoiseninja"
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