The unit's main function is the perform the changing of the guard every half-hour at the José Marti Mausoleum inside Santa Ifigenia Cemetery.

In addition to providing honors related to protocol (funeral honors, presentation of credentials, the delivery of national medals, welcoming of foreign naval fleets, wreath laying ceremonies, street lining for military parades on the Plaza de la Revolución).

In recent years, the unit has taken part in the welcoming of Barack Obama, the Prince of Wales and Felipe IV of Spain.

[1][2] During the rehearsals for the parade, the 82 member formation was often noted for being the last ones on the drill field and the few to use chinese martial arts such as Tai chi in their exercises.

[citation needed] The unit also played a large role in the death and state funeral of Fidel Castro in November 2016.