The regiment in the Plaza de Armas of Lima in This Regiment of Dragoons [1] was raised in following the recommendations of the first French military mission that undertook the Peruvian Army reorganization in Formerly the Cavalry Squadron "President's Escort" and later a full ceremonial regiment of cavalry, it received its present designation in , named after Field Marshal Domingo Nieto.
Today, if the President is absent, the Chief of the Presidential Military Staff and on the solemn changing ceremonies on Sundays, members of the Council of Ministers of Peru, takes the salute on the President's behalf. The Regiment, as a result, was disbanded that February and was reformed later in Sullana as the 17th Armored Cavalry Regiment.
Their arrival was signaled by the regimental mounted band playing the Triumphial March from Verdi's Aida. They moved to the Army Education and Doctrine Command in after 25 years of service, but the regiment still rides to the Palace and in state ceremonial events when needed.
Their Guard Mounting ceremony happens 2 times a week when dismounted while the mounted version is done only twice a month 1st and 3rd Sundays only. Aside from presidential security, it is also in charge of providing the guard during state visits to Peru and during state funerals. Dress uniform[ edit ] A dragoon soldier in dress uniform Their full dress uniforms include either white tunics in the summer or blue tunics in the winter, worn with red breeches all year around.
Also worn are epaulettes gold for officers and red for NCOs and enlisted personnel , similar to the French practice, and a bronze metal helmet with the coat of arms of Peru. Formerly the dragoons were armed with sabres, lances, and the FN FAL rifle, one of the standard issue rifles used by the Peruvian Army. Today, however they are equipped with lances and sabers only.
