The Pontifical Swiss Guard, also known as the Papal Swiss Guard or simply Swiss Guard, is an armed force and honor guard unit maintained by the Holy See that protects the Pope and the Apostolic Palace within the territory of the Vatican City State. Established in 1506 under Pope Julius II, it is among the oldest military units in continuous operation and is sometimes called "the world's smallest army". The Swiss Guard is popularly recognized by its Renaissance-era dress uniform, consisting of a tunic striped in red, dark blue, and yellow, high plumed helmet, and traditional weapons such as the halberd.