The Prague Castle Guard is looking to take on new recruits and has relaxed its long-standing selection criteria. The Prague Castle Guard is a specialized military unit with over 100 years of history. From 1990, the Castle Guard served then president Vaclav Havel, who personally supervised its reorganization and new image. Serving in the Prague Castle Guard is perceived as a special honour and one has to meet strict requirements to even be considered for the position. “As of 1 January 2026, the starting net salary for a Castle Guard soldier in a basic position is around 50,000 crowns."