The guys in the striped balloon pants you see at the Vatican are part of the Pope's private army. They belong to the Pontifical Swiss Guard, the oldest and smallest active military unit in the world. They serve as personal escorts to the pontiff, and as guards for Vatican City and Castel Gandolfo. But it's not all standing around and looking good, even if there is a good chance you would spend a few hours standing guard at the Apostolic Palace, or the Pope's private apartment. Or you may guard the entrance to the Sistine Chapel once in a while.
When you are not busy standing guard, there are inspections, drills, courses in self-defense and shooting practice. But it's not all work. You might play in the band or be a member of the soccer team and play a game or two against the Vatican Security Corps. The one thing you won't have to do is cook. The Albertine Sisters, Servants of God, have that covered.
