Pride mixed with pain: Members of the PLA's honour guard of women wear blisters like a badge

They train so much, they wear out a pair of riding boots every month, but the PLA's honour guard of women is determined to catch the eye of the nation in next month's military parade.

All the members of the unit were chosen according to strict standards in February last year, but the women taking part in the September 3 event to commemorate the victory over Japan 70 years ago want to exceed expectations.

The initial competition was intense and lasted three rounds. Each woman had to march before a panel of judges. Out of the PLA's existing 120 women honour guards, only 62 made the cut. The number will trim further, with only 51 spots available for the big day.

"For each line of guards, their heads, hands, guns, legs, … and hats must be in a level line and the formation must have a clear transverse line, vertical line and diagonal line," said Liu Shixu, a senior colonel and a chief coach of the 11 foot formations taking part in the parade.

The selected women average about 1.78 metres in height and 22 years in age. Although there is no specific weight requirement, they must be physically fit, said Cheng Cheng, a lieutenant and one of the honour guards.

They have trained at least eight hours every day, often under an intense sun, six days a week since June, marching and turning their heads until they move as one. Army physicians are on stand-by 24 hours a day because of the immense physical challenge.