Fresh soldiers join Honor Guard

The cream of the Russian military has sworn in the lucky few to make it into its ranks this year.

Dozens of young soldiers took a special oath to join the nation's finest – the Honor Guard.

The elite regiment was established in 1979, and many young Russian soldiers dream of making the grade.

But the selection process is tough, as everything from their height to their eye color matters.

Every year, thousands of soldiers try to become one of the chosen few, but only a small, select number get through.

The Honor Guard watches over Presidential meetings, and is the first to march in military parades and other events.