Streltsy

The streltsy (Russian: стрельцы, IPA: [strʲɪlʲˈt͡sɨ], lit. 'shooters/riflemen'; SG стрелец, strelets, IPA: [strʲɪˈlʲet͡s]) were the units of Russian firearm infantry from the 16th century to the early 18th century and also a social stratum, from which personnel for streltsy troops were traditionally recruited. They are also collectively known as streletskoye voysko (стрелецкое войско, riflemen army). These infantry troops reinforced feudal levy horsemen or pomestnoye voysko (поместное войско). The first units were established by Ivan the Terrible as part of the first standing army in Russia.