Wachbataillon

Guard Battalion at the Federal Ministry of Defence
Wachbataillon beim Bundesministerium der Verteidigung
Wachbataillon members shoulder arms in formation at the Defense Ministry in Berlin.
Active15 February 1957 - present
Country Germany (West Germany to 1990)
Branch Streitkräftebasis Bundeswehr
TypeArmy, Navy, Air Force, Jägertruppe (Army part)
RoleDrill, ceremonial and guarding and security duties
Size7 active companies
Garrison/HQ Kommando Territoriale Aufgaben der Bundeswehr
Berlin
Nickname(s)Protter or Protokollsoldaten
Motto(s)Semper talis (always the same/great)
MarchYorckscher Marsch
Commanders
Current
commander
Oberstleutnant Hans Domrich
Insignia
Shoulder sleeve insignia of the Wachbataillon
Cuff title of the Wachbataillon
Beret badge of the Wachbataillon

The Wachbataillon (full name: Wachbataillon beim Bundesministerium der Verteidigung (WachBtl BMVg) (Guard Battalion at the Federal Ministry of Defence)) is the German Bundeswehr's honour guard. The Wachbataillon number about 1,000 soldiers stationed in Berlin. It consists of seven active companies (see list below) and belongs to the Streitkräftebasis (Joint Service Support Command) of the Bundeswehr. The soldiers of the Wachbataillon often refer to themselves as Protter or Protokollsoldaten, meaning protocol soldiers.