la guardia en alto

[Heredianista]

I have a photograph of a painted Cuban street sign saying,
"Con la guardia en alto
defendiendo el socialismo".

Would the following be an accurate translation?

"With security forces on high alert,
defending socialism"

If so, would the following syntax be more accurate?

"Defending socialism
with security forces on high alert"

Thank you for your help!

 

[Mirlo]

Mantener la guardia en alto = to keep your guard up

 

[Heredianista]

Thank you, Mirlo!

So, how would you translate this sign?

 

[Mirlo]

Thank you, Mirlo!

So, how would you translate this sign?

Creo que literalmente:
With the guard up
defending .....

Otra palabra que se puede usar es "vigilant", pero no se como encajarlo en este caso.
A lo mejor:
Always vigilant
defending....