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The quarter guard is a small detachment of troops that can be used as a ceremonial guard which may be mounted at the entrance of a military unit to pay compliments as required. A quarter guard is to consist of one non-commissioned officer and six or eight other ranks formed up in two ranks.[1] It is technically[clarification needed] a minuscule guard of honour.
In the Indian Army, the quarter guard is the main point of security arrangements for the army camp/garrison Regimental depot. The regimental colours, the armoury and the treasury would be kept in this building. In addition to this, the quarter guard also has a lock-up often in the guardhouse to hold soldiers charged with minor crimes (absent without leave, drunkenness being among the usual crimes).
The standard guard strength is 6 guards, 1 guard 2/ic (2nd in command - usually a Naik or Lance Naik) and a guard commander (usually a Havildar). Additionally, in some units, a bugler would also be present for calling the various duty calls etc. At the time of emergencies/threats, the strength of the guard would be increased.
The Armoury is a part of the Quarter Guard. A Quarter Guard is a place of pride for the Army Unit and the guards detailed on duty there are always in ceremonials. A visiting dignitary invariably visits the Quarter Guard. A Quarter Guard is expected to reflect the high standards of the unit. It has some relation with the number of troops in presidential guard. May be a quarter of governor general guard in British Empire.
In Indian Border Security Force battalions, like the Indian Army, the quarter is a special place where along with armory and treasury there subsist a guardhouse lockup where defaulting border troopers, accused of petty indiscipline cases like intoxication, AWOL, are kept under force custody. It also has a chime that is called for important regimental functions in the Battalion.
The guard consist of total 8 troopers including one guard commander and one guard second-in-command in addition to a battalion Bugler. The quarter guard reflects the moral and motivation of the battalion, hence it's a well maintained and revered place in a BSF battalion. Battalion Adjutants are responsible for the overall upkeep and regular change of guard at the quarter guard.