THE PERFECT GUARDSMAN SHOE SHINE

Captain Martin Brennan -- The Irish Guards

Captain Martin Brennan gives a step by step guide to achieving the perfect guardsman shine.

Captain Martin Brennan served 25 years with the Irish Guards, achieving the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major. He has served as Drill Weapons and Tactics Instructor at the Guards Depot, Caterham, as well as two tours of The Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, as a Colour Sergeant and a Company Sergeant Major and then three years as an Instructor at the School of Infantry, Brecon.

At present, Brennan is the Adjutant of the Tonbridge School Combined Cadet Force, where he instructs in military skills.

The Irish Guards complete a number of ceremonial duties at Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace. They can be distinguished by their uniforms' buttons, which are arranged in groups of four as they were the fourth Foot Guards regiment to be founded. They also have a prominent St Patrick's blue plume on the right side of their bearskins.