What was the elite army established by Ivan the Terrible called?

The elite army established by Ivan the Terrible was called the Streltsy. These troops formed part of a significant military and administrative reform during Ivan IV's reign in the 16th century. The Streltsy served as a standing army and were particularly known for their proficiency with firearms, which was a crucial component of warfare at the time. They were instrumental in various military campaigns and played a key role in the political landscape of Russia, particularly during Ivan the Terrible's consolidation of power.

The Streltsy also became a distinct social class with unique privileges and responsibilities, which made them an essential force within the Russian state. Their establishment marked a shift towards more organized and professional military structures in Russia, moving away from feudal levies and ad-hoc armies. This innovation not only reflected Ivan's aspirations to strengthen central authority but also laid the groundwork for future military organization in Russia.

In contrast, while the Cossacks and Kazaks were influential in Russian history, especially in the context of the expansion and control of territories, they were not created specifically as an elite army under Ivan the Terrible. The Guardians, seemingly a fabrication in this context, do not relate to any historical military group established during this period.