Reserve and the basis for the formation of regular military detachments. The White Guard () of the White Army (, whose members were called ), the military forces of the Russian White Movement, which opposed the Bolsheviks after the October Revolution and fought against the Red Army during the Russian Civil War from 1918 to 1921. Soviet Guards "Guards" () designations were awarded to units and formations that distinguished themselves during the Second World War by the order of People's Commissar for Defence of USSR No.303 on the 18 September 1941, and were considered to have elite status. However, the Guards badge was not introduced until 21 May 1943. In late 1941, the Stavka began awarding the honorific title 'Guards' to regiments, divisions, and corps that had distinguished themselves in combat. Units earning this title had often suffered up to 30 percent or more casualties after successfully performing desperate missions. It was not only a prestigious designation, as units so honoured were thereafter better equipped and given preference in personnel, supplies, equipment and material. Zhukov said "the first period of the war gave birth to the Soviet Guards. For mass heroism and success in the battles of 1941-1942 the Guards title was awarded to 789 groups, formations, separate units, and fighting ships of the Soviet Armed Forces." Pik Sovetskoy Gvardii, meaning "Soviet Guard Peak", the second highest mountain in the Anyuy Range, was named after the Soviet Guards. There were eleven Guard Armies and six Guard Tank Armies: 1st Guards Army 2nd Guards Army 3rd Guards Army 4th Guards Army 5th Guards Army 6th Guards Army 7th Guards Army 8th Guards Army 9th Guards Army 10th Guards Army 11th Guards Army 1st Guards Tank Army 2nd Guards Tank Army 3rd Guards Tank Army 4th Guards Tank Army 5th Guards Tank Army 6th Guards Tank Army Russian Federation Guards The Guards distinction was retained as designations of units and formations in the armed forces of the former Soviet Union: Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. See also List of guards units of Ukraine References Military units and formations of Russia Military units and formations of the Soviet Union