WW2 Soviet Guards Private

The Guards designation originated during World War II, its name coming both from the Russian Imperial Guard, and the old Bolshevik Red Guards. Practical benefits of the status included double pay for ordinary soldiers and the designation often served as a morale-boosting source of unit pride. Guards status also resulted in higher priority for replacements and equipment than normal units, although they were still often understrength due to high casualty rates and their frequent usage in offensives.