The Alliance Elite Guard functioned as an elite Rebel trooper unit within the Alliance to Restore the Republic. Their primary mission was the protection of high-ranking individuals, such as members of the Alliance High Command, during the duration of the Galactic Civil War. Following the Battle of Endor, it's speculated that they may have been reorganized to form a component of the New Republic Honor Guard.
During the initial stages of the Galactic Civil War, the Alliance to Restore the Republic lacked a well-defined command structure. To resolve this issue, a Field Commander was often necessary for significant Rebel engagements. These commanders served as a crucial link between ground troops and high-ranking generals.
Given the Alliance's nature as a guerrilla force operating without clearly defined territories, field commanders were typically leading offensive actions rather than defending fixed bases. This made them prime targets for enemy forces.
To safeguard these important officers, each commander was accompanied by a team of four Alliance Elite Guards. These guards provided constant protection, shielding them from enemy attacks.
Following the demise of the Galactic Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader above Endor on the Death Star II, a theory suggests they might have been restructured and integrated into the New Republic Honor Guard.
The training received by these soldiers was comparable to that of standard Alliance troops. However, there was a greater focus placed on defensive combat techniques and maintaining close-knit squad formations. Some members also received specialized training for operations in specific environments, in case battles occurred on unique planetary surfaces. Their equipment was the same as that given to standard soldiers.
The Alliance Elite Guard makes an appearance in Star Wars: Empire at War, serving as the Rebel equivalent to the Imperial Elite Guard. They are very similar to ordinary Rebel soldiers, but with increased health and attack power.