The Bavarian Gebirgsschützen, a traditional company of mountain rangers, aims for recognition with the inclusion on the national list of intangible cultural heritage. The approximate 12,000 members of the 47 companies wear traditional clothing and rifles and describe themselves as guardians of Bavarian folk culture.
The history of the Gebirgsschützen tradition goes back to the Middle Ages and they have proven themselves in war on several occasions. Nowadays, their aim is to preserve traditional Bavarian culture. They are often asked to represent themselves or Bavarian culture on official occasions.
Read more (in German) at der Spiegel.