1/38 National Guard Command
The 1/38 National Guard Command "Bizani" is an infantry unit of the Hellenic Army, based in Rhodes island as part of the 95th National Guard Higher Command. It carries on the traditions of the elite 1/38 Evzone Regiment.
Evzones of the 1/38 attack in Asia Minor, August 1921.
The Evzones or Evzonoi were several historical elite light infantry and mountain units of the Greek Army. Today, they are the members of the Presidential Guard, a ceremonial unit that guards the Greek Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Mansion in Athens. An Evzone is also known, colloquially, as a Tsoliás. Evzones are known for their distinctive uniform, which evolved from the clothes worn by the klephts who fought the Ottoman occupation of Greece. The most visible item of this uniform is the fustanella, a kilt-like garment. Their distinctive dress turned them into a popular image for the Greek soldier, especially among foreigners.
Greek Army Evzones c. 1900
Men of the light infantry battalions established by Ioannis Kapodistrias
Rumeliote light infantry in 1838
Men of the Mountain Guard battalions with a captive