The Galactic Guard was an offshoot of the Imperial Military, providing the army with an expendable militia force. They were led by General Echon Tarkin from its creation in 2 ABY until Tarkin's alleged death in 4 ABY. The members of the Galactic Guard earned the nickname of "beachtroopers" after footage of a party taking place at the Imperial Resort on Feriae was leaked to the press.