Its primary role is protection of the President and other VIPs, as well as performing ceremonial functions.

[4] The US was highly involved with the training of officers, coordinated by Lt. Gen. Keith Dayton.

The training was part of a systematic effort to bolster Abbas and his Fatah loyalists to counter the political success of Hamas, who had won the 2006 legislative election and formed the new PA government.

Hamas had formed its own security service within the Palestinian Authority, the Executive Force.

[4][5] As of 2006, the estimated strength of the PPG was some 3,500 men, while a considerable increase was planned.