The halberd is a weapon enastada of wooden shaft about two feet in length and having its "head of weapons " as a spearhead upper breast , a blade -shaped cross ax blade on one side, and a breastplate hooking of punctured or its opposite smallest . It was used with great success as infantry weapon since the end of the Middle Ages to the seventeenth century. The use of this weapon in infantry battles , which resulted in victories facing heavy cavalry troops , reformed the composition of armies and returned to give vital importance to the infantry . It was well-deserved fame that many elite troops or nobility wore the versions " ostentatious " , with some military bodies that are used these days at public and ceremonial military parades as a weapon . Today, the Royal Guards Alabarderos Spanish or Vatican Swiss Guard used this weapon not only ceremonially , they are also trained to use it as a combat weapon . The soldier who is armed with a halberd was called yeoman . Also called and the soldier honor guard carried the kings of Spain . It is an elite Spanish Royal Guard , who are direct custodians of Real People , which give protection guard and walk .