Actually they are extremely elite,, even more than the Delta force and Navy Seals,
Why you may ask --
Well to be a Swiss Guard one must be of the Elite Soldiers of his unit (in Switzerland). They must be able to pass test which revolve around land, sea and air (much like a Seal).
But unlike a Seal they must be able to speak 5 languages fluently and also be extremely efficient with medieval fighting forms of hand to hand combat (this is along with modern day forms).
They also train everyday with a varity of weapons, not just pikes as presumed by lots of visitors to Rome.
The reason the Vatican only takes the Swiss as their Guards is they believe the Swiss to be the most formidable soldiers in the world. This was based largely on the location of their homeland right smack in the middle of many world powers throughout time.
The Swiss military had to be tough and well trained all the time to ensure their countries survival.
-two notes, you have to be Swiss born to be a Swiss Guard, (which is sad incase anybody has dreams of becoming one).
-They are extremely well paid,, extremely.
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DeaconRien Founding Father of the Deacon Empire "I am the Dragon, before me you tremble"
-Francis Dolarhyde (Red Dragon 2002)