This position was established at the beginning of the 18th century. High-ranking commanders gave important assignments to aides-de-camp: they relayed commands to the flanks of the troops, monitored execution of orders and carried out important personal instructions of the commanders. The position was honorable, because it implied proximity to the highest military leadership. In the 19th century, aides-de-camp ceased to perform actual adjutant functions, and the position was becoming more and more honorary and not associated with specific duties. As a rule, members of the Emperor’s retinue served in other military and civilian positions.

Being an adjutant to the Emperor was considered a great honor. Members of the imperial retinue enjoyed benefits and privileges. Unlike ordinary officers, they were free to visit the royal palace during various events. Members of the retinue had the right to audiences with the Emperor, and could submit reports directly to him. They escorted foreign delegations, accompanied the Emperor at parades, shows and in the theater. Aides-de-camp attended the Tsar in the palace: it was their duty to introduce to the Emperor the guests who came to receptions, and they were responsible for keeping order during the official reports. Aides-de-camp wore uniform decorated with epaulettes and with a special aiguillette, a shoulder sign in the form of a silver cord.