Airborne uniform, history from leather helmet to blue beret

On November 2, 1930, during an exercise in the Moscow Military District, twelve people were air-dropped as part of a special unit. It is this moment that is taken as the starting point of the history of our Airborne Forces. Throughout its existence, not only the status of the paratroopers changed more than once, but also their uniforms.

The uniform of our Airborne Forces received its current form relatively recently and has become a kind of calling card of one of the elite units of the Russian army.

First paratrooper uniform

Until the 40s of the last century, the uniform of the airborne detachment differed little from the uniform of the Red Army soldiers serving in the aviation troops. It consisted of a leather or canvas helmet with a soft lining and overalls made of moleskin or avisent. The blue buttonholes sewn to the collar of the overalls indicated that the detachment belonged to aviation.

The edging of the buttonhole indicated the official position of the serviceman: the command staff had a golden edging, while political workers, sergeants and privates wore uniforms with buttonholes with black edging, which was considered an everyday (or as it is now called - office) option. At the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, overalls were replaced by trousers with large patch pockets and a jacket.

The paratrooper's equipment in the pre-war years, in addition to the uniform, consisted of the following elements:

1. Main parachute. Before the war of 1941 and for some time after its outbreak, airborne troops used the PD-6 parachute, which is essentially a licensed analogue of the American “Irvin”. Before establishing their own parachute production, the Soviet military performed jumps with American parachutes.
2. A reserve parachute, a Finnish knife or a line cutter.

The complete equipment of an Airborne Forces employee was:

• two parachutes (main on the back, reserve in the lower abdomen);
• duffel bag;
• a machine gun with a magazine removed, which was attached vertically with the barrel down behind the left shoulder.

In winter, a large fur collar of dark blue, brown or khaki color was attached to the overalls using buttons or a zipper. When raised, the collar was tightened with internal straps. Often, the style of winter airborne uniforms directly depended on the manufacturer's factory.

After the failed Finnish campaign, the military personnel were dressed in padded jackets, short fur coats, felt boots, cotton trousers, and a hat with earflaps. At the same time, the winter version is equipped with a camouflage white robe with a hood.

“Guards Corner” - a band on the Airborne Forces beret

Red badges were attached to the paratroopers' berets, which were worn on the left side of the berets in everyday life, and during parades they were tilted to the right side. Later, such a badge - a band on the Airborne Forces beret - began to be worn in all formations and units of the Airborne Forces. However, there were no standardized sizes.

And since 1989, the mandatory wearing of uniform badges by all airborne troops has been enshrined at the legislative level. These badges were flags made of brass or rondole.

The corner beret of the USSR Airborne Forces is today considered a collector's item

Since 1995, the band began to be made for the first time with the image of the Russian coat of arms. Subsequently, he was accepted along with a modified military uniform, and this was recorded at the legislative level. Corresponding changes to the military uniform of the paratroopers were made retroactively. This was the decision of the Head of the Central Clothing Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Defense in July 1995.

Such beads are of great value to their owners. Especially those that were created by skilled soldiers with their own hands even before 1989. Moreover, most of the bands made before 1989 are rare works of folk craft and are highly valued by collectors.

Headgear of paratroopers

The headdress was another way to show the official affiliation of a soldier. For commanders after 1938, a dark blue cap was officially approved as a headdress.

After 1941, its color was changed to a protective green hue.

The upper part, rim and band of the cap were decorated with blue edging. She also wore a cockade with a red star surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves. During the parachute jump, the command staff used special caps, which were fastened under the chin with straps.

Ordinary paratroopers wore caps of dark blue color with blue piping and stars made of cloth, on top of which red stars were attached.

By the beginning of the war, the Airborne Forces had several standard clothing options, which depended on the time of year and official position:

Since the helmet could fly off the paratrooper during a jump, this headgear was used exclusively during ground battles.

Airborne Forces uniform in the USSR

The uniform Airborne Forces was the same as in Red Army Air Force and in the first special purpose aviation battalions. Jumping equipment included a blue-gray canvas or leather helmet and a similar moleskin overall . On the collar of the overalls there were sewn buttonholes insignia on them . At the beginning of the war, instead of overalls, avisent jackets with pants with large patch pockets appeared. In winter, paratroopers wore insulated sheepskin uniforms with a dark blue or brown fur collar, fastened with a zipper.

The uniform Airborne Forces during this period was no different from the uniform of the first special purpose aviation battalions. Jump uniform included:

- a gray-blue canvas or leather helmet with a soft lining;

- loose-fitting moleskin or avisent overalls of a similar color, on the collar of which buttonholes with distinctive insignia were sewn.

Airborne units that took part in the war with the Finns were equipped with ear flaps, padded trousers, padded jackets, sheepskin coats and felt boots, and white camouflage coats with hoods. Soldiers of rifle units then wore budenovkas and boots . In addition to canvas helmets, the paratroopers were equipped with large pilot's goggles. In newsreel footage and photos of the Airborne Forces of that time, Soviet paratroopers can be seen in parachute overalls, helmets and goggles even during parades.

Before parachute jumping, Airborne put on caps with a chin strap, and Red Army soldiers hid their caps in their bosoms. There were no special jumping boots then. The paratroopers wore ordinary tarpaulin boots, the commanders wore chrome boots, and in winter they wore felt boots, which often flew off their feet during the deployment of the parachute. The command staff wore fur boots.

The paratroopers wore everyday general military uniforms, distinguished by blue buttonholes, with gold trim on the command staff. The edging of the buttonholes of political workers, privates and sergeants was black. The commanders' uniforms were distinguished by the presence of blue piping on the collar, the upper edge of the cuffs, and the side seams of the riding breeches. Officers wore caps with blue piping and red stars or dark blue caps with enamel red stars.

cap was approved as headdress for command personnel . In 1941, it was replaced by a similar product, but in a protective green color. The band of the cap , its rim and the crown part were equipped with a blue edging. The cap also replenished with a cockade with a red star surrounded by a laurel wreath. These stars on the cap badges have been preserved in the modern Airborne Forces . The privates wore dark blue caps with blue piping and cloth stars, on which red enamel stars were attached on top. During the landing, commanders used caps equipped with special straps. Soldiers' caps were simply removed from the head.

Already in the forties, the military uniform for aerial reconnaissance was changed to avisent jackets with trousers. The pants had huge patch pockets. The winter clothes of the USSR paratroopers were insulated with sheepskin uniforms: a brown or dark blue fur collar, which was fastened with a zipper.

At the beginning of the war, overalls were replaced by avisent jackets and trousers with large patch pockets. Under their jackets and trousers, Airborne Forces wore standard combined arms uniforms. Winter uniforms were insulated with a large dark blue or brown sheepskin fur collar, which was fastened with a zipper and covered with a counter flap. The winter clothing of soldiers during the Finnish War also included a hat with earflaps, a padded jacket, padded trousers, a sheepskin coat, felt boots , and a white camouflage robe with a hood . The buttonholes were blue for all categories of military personnel. The only difference was the edging, which was golden for commanders and black for petty officers, sergeants, privates and political workers. Blue piping along the collar, along the side seams of the riding breeches and along the cuffs at the end of the sleeves was a distinctive feature of the commander's uniform. The commander's uniform was complemented by a dark blue (since 1938) or protective green (since 1941) cap with a blue edging on the crown and band, and the rim of the cap . After 1939, a cockade , consisting of a red star superimposed on a double gilded bay surrounded by a laurel wreath. Airborne Forces cockade is still decorated with a similar star. Another common headdress is a dark blue cap with blue piping and a cloth star, on top of which a red enamel star was attached.

Blue piping on the collars, side seams on the riding breeches and in the cuffs at the ends of the sleeves - these were distinctive features in the commander's uniform. The commander's uniform was complemented by dark blue (1938) or protective green (1941) caps with blue edging on the crowns and bands, and rims of the caps. Beginning in 1939, caps began to have cockades of red stars on double gilded bays surrounded by laurel wreaths.

Another common headdress was a dark blue cap with blue piping and a cloth star, to which a red enamel star was attached. Before parachute jumping, the command staff put on caps with a chin strap, and the Red Army soldiers had to hide their caps wherever they could.

In 1941, the summer Soviet combined arms uniform for women was supplemented with a beret. headgear in the airborne troops only since 1967. Initially, the beret in the uniform of Soviet paratroopers, as in the armies of other states, was crimson. The Soviet version differed from foreign ones by the presence of a blue flag, which was called a “corner”. Over time, berets became a mandatory attribute of the airborne forces (officers and soldiers). However, there were certain differences: an Airborne Forces cockade was sewn to the front of the officers' berets , and a red star with the image of ears of wheat was sewn to the soldiers' berets. In 1968, the color of this headdress was changed from crimson to blue . The corner of the beret, on the contrary, instead of blue, became red. At the front of the headdress only a star in an oval-shaped wreath remained.

Military clothing the Airborne Forces was divided into 4 groups:

• summer uniform for every day for sergeants and soldiers;
• summer casual clothing airborne cadets , soldiers;
• summer casual clothing of cadets, where buttonholes and shoulder straps indicated the branch of service;
• winter clothing for sergeants, cadets, military builders, where buttonholes , shoulder straps and a badge on the sleeve are according to the branch of service.

In addition, the military uniform in the USSR had to take into account the climatic features of the area where the troops were located. For example, in the Finnish war, a soldier’s winter clothing was supplemented with:

• hats with earflaps,
• padded jackets,
• cotton pants,
• white camouflage robes and hoods.

The rest of the military clothing in the USSR, for example, for rifle units, looked like a simple budenovka and boots . In addition to their canvas helmets, the paratroopers had large goggles for pilots. This attribute was issued due to the fact that they often had to parachute. If you take a close look at the photo or film materials of those times, you can see that even ceremonial clothing could consist of helmets and glasses, and a parachute jumpsuit.

The military uniform of a USSR officer had a cap with a chin strap for parachute jumping; ordinary Red Army soldiers hid their caps in their bosoms. There were no special shoes for jumping, so felt boots often fell off the feet when the parachute opened. Officer's shoes also presupposed the existence of fur boots.

The usual uniform of the Airborne Forces in Russia differed from other troops only in blue buttonholes; officers had gold trim around them. The piping on the buttonholes of political workers, sergeants or privates was black; this was considered a kind of office option. Officers were also distinguished by blue piping on the collar and the upper edge of the cuffs, and side stitched seams on the riding breeches. Caps with blue piping and red stars or dark blue caps with red enamel stars - all this was typical for the leadership of the Airborne Forces .

During the existence of the Soviet Union, Airborne Forces were no different in their military uniform from the Russian troops; one single template was in effect throughout the entire USSR. After the collapse of the state, Ukraine had to “redraw” not only the meaning of the type of troops itself, but also the form of intelligence. Until recently, the airborne forces of these two countries could only be distinguished by different stripes, which depicted the coats of arms of different countries. Ukraine's uniform depicts a trident on a yellow-blue background.

The uniform in the Airborne Forces also consisted of double-breasted commander's overcoats of dark blue color, and later - gray combined arms color, with commander's earflaps. During the war, paratroopers wore various camouflage overalls - white winter ones and spotted summer ones, as did scouts and riflemen of assault groups. The issuance of special airborne uniforms (overalls, helmets, high boots) was carried out before the landing of parachute troops. After completing the task, he was confiscated and replaced with a combined arms one.

After shoulder straps , paratroopers began wearing aviation insignia. Privates and sergeants had blue shoulder straps with black edging, the stripes were brick-red. The officers' uniform jackets were distinguished a blue edging, and their caps by a blue band.

By decree of 1988, the following uniform samples were adopted for serving in the airborne forces.

The following changes have appeared in the summer Airborne Forces dress uniform:

• Sea green caps
• Open uniform;
• untucked sea green trousers
• white shirt with black tie;
• black boots or low shoes :
• White gloves .

In the winter ceremonial version:

• hats with ear flaps, hats for lieutenant colonels;
• steel-colored overcoats;
• open uniform;
• untucked blue trousers
• white shirt with black tie;
• black boots or low shoes :
• brown gloves :
• white muffler

In summer field uniform:

• camouflage coloring of a field cap :
• paratrooper jacket and trousers :
• vest :
• boots or boots with high tops;
• equipment .

In winter field uniform:

• hats with earflaps;
• Airborne winter jacket khaki pants :
• vest :
• boots or boots with high tops;
• brown gloves
• gray muffler.

The airborne officer's winter uniform was equipped with a dark blue double-breasted overcoat, then the color was changed to regular gray and earflaps. field clothing did not differ from other units at the time of the war, so in winter everyone wore white camouflage overalls , and in summer the colors changed to camouflage .

The paratroopers were given special uniforms immediately before the landing; later the uniform was replaced with a regular one, one might say, office uniform, and clothing was confiscated. shoulder straps were introduced , the Airborne Forces began wearing aviation insignia. For privates and sergeants, blue shoulder straps with black edging were introduced, and the stripes were brick-red. The dress uniform has always been distinguished by a blue edging, and the caps have a blue band. The same form was characteristic of the Ukrainian Airborne Forces at the time of being part of the USSR and military operations on one side.

The evolution of the Airborne Forces headdress

The blue beret can easily be called the calling card of a modern paratrooper, but it only became part of the uniform after 1969. On June 30, 1967, the commander of the Airborne Forces, Colonel General V.S. Margelov. a new sample of the form was approved, created according to the sketches of the artist A.B. Beetle.

The artist proposed two options for the appearance of Airborne Forces employees:

• The daily uniform of the Airborne Forces included a khaki beret and a red star. This coloring of the headdress remained on paper.
• The second option involved wearing a crimson beret, and it was this that was accepted.

The right side of the beret was decorated with a blue flag with the symbols of the Airborne Forces, the so-called “corner”, and on the front side of the beret there was a star surrounded by a wreath of ears.

For officers, a beret with a 1955 model cockade and a star with wings were provided.

During the military parade on November 7, 1967, paratroopers wearing crimson berets marched across Red Square. And already in 1969, an order was issued that officially approved a new type of uniform for Airborne Forces employees with a blue beret.

The tradition of wearing a beret is different among paratroopers and airborne reconnaissance officers. The former wear the beret curved to the right, while the special forces of the air forces have an unspoken rule to bend the beret to the left.

Blue berets of the Airborne Forces - how they appeared

Seeing a blue beret on a person in military uniform, not many in Russia will be able to recognize in what branch of the military this person served or is serving.
This headdress is considered a traditional component of the military uniform in general, not only in Russia, but only in this country are the blue berets worn only by members of the Airborne Forces. But the color of the headdress was not always blue. The beret has its own history of origin, its own reputation, which every Airborne Forces employee is proud of, because it is thanks to this most recognizable component of the military uniform that the employee is immediately visible from afar and one can immediately figure out exactly where he is serving. And the Airborne Forces in Russia are considered one of the most prestigious branches of the military, where many conscripts want to get into. History of the Blue Beret .

The military uniform of the Airborne Forces was approved in the late 60s of the last century. Berets were introduced immediately as the only type of headdress, since they were common before, including among military personnel of other states. Probably the first to wear a beret as a military headdress were the Scots living in the 17th and 18th centuries. In principle, it existed before, but it was rather unofficial (however, not only in Scotland, but also in Spain and France). The fashion for berets in military uniform was introduced simultaneously by Britain and France in the First World War, transferring it first to Germany and then to the United States. The Second World War further extended the tradition of wearing this headdress in the Armed Forces of various countries. In the USSR, this fashion reached only the beginning of the 60s. It is noteworthy that the first who began to wear this

thing, there were Marine Corps employees. However, even then there were additional identification badges on the beret. Berets came to the Airborne Forces only in 1967. Not many people know that the berets were originally intended not to be blue at all, but crimson. The blue color in the uniform of the Airborne Forces was present only in the form of edgings and shoulder straps. The crimson color was the initiative of an artist named Zhuk, who took the berets of airborne troops from other countries as a model. However, crimson was not the only color. The artist showed two color options to Colonel General Margelov. In addition to the crimson one, there was a khaki beret. It was supposed to be worn in everyday service. However, this color remained in the projects and was never brought to life. The crimson color seemed to Margelov more suitable for occasions such as parades, so it was not approved as an everyday option.

In 1967, a new military uniform was approved, including the beret. And in the same year, Airborne Forces employees were given the opportunity to demonstrate their crimson berets at the parade. However, this color was not present in military uniforms for long. For some reason, the high command decided to change the color. Probably, government officials of allied importance did not like the crimson one, and perhaps they did not want to create potential confusion with airborne troops of other countries. There is also a version according to which the blue color was associated with the sky, and therefore it was more suitable for the Airborne Forces. No one can say for sure the reason for the change in color of the beret. Historians know one thing for sure: the employees clearly liked the beret. In 1969, the color was changed to what we can see now - blue. Moreover, there was no longer an everyday and ceremonial option expressed in color. On the berets of the guardsmen was attached a red Airborne Forces badge, whose appearance differed significantly from badge to badge. He was worn on the left side of the beret on non-holiday days, and during parades he moved to the right side. Later, such flag-shaped badges began to be worn in all units. The consequence of this was the lack of unification of exact size and proportions. In 1989, the law established the obligation to wear a uniform badge for employees of all units and divisions. They are flags, which are most often made of brass. Previously, when the flag model was not approved as a single one, military personnel came up with completely different versions of it, containing special features that, in their opinion, distinguished the Airborne Forces from other branches of the military. Such flags were made at that time by each employee using improvised means. Most often, on such flags one could see a star - a symbol of the USSR, a symbol of the Airborne Forces. In 1995, for the first time, an image of the coat of arms of Russia was produced as such a badge; later, this badge was adopted as part of changes in military uniforms in general through the issuance of a legislative act. Such badges are of great value to their owners, who created them with their own hands before 1989. In addition, this is a whole treasure for collectors who pay a lot of money for an exclusive version of the flag (for example, with the autograph of the owner).

Today, the blue beret is the most recognizable feature of the Airborne Forces, on par, perhaps, only with the vest. It should not be confused with a maroon beret. Employees of only a few bodies and departments have the right to receive the latter: the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Federal Drug Control Service, the Federal Penitentiary Service. And it’s not so easy to get it: the employee goes through obstacle courses, several battles, and simulated situations from the service. In addition, the maroon beret is worn on the left side, and the blue one on the right. The only exception for the blue beret is the parade, but absolutely all military personnel wear their berets on the left side, as required by the protocol of the event. It is worth noting that, despite the fact that the blue color of the beret is present in the armed forces of other countries, as well as in the UN, the shade of the Airborne Forces beret is completely different from all the others. This is how it should be, otherwise in any conflict it would be very awkward to confuse representatives of not just different branches of the military, but also different countries in principle. The blue beret is currently a source of pride for every employee in the Airborne Forces; on his professional holiday on August 2, every employee, even a former one, will always take a blue beret with him when leaving home for the festivities.

05.04.2016
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Clothing of paratroopers in the Soviet Union

The airborne troops were separated into a separate branch of the military only in 1991. Until this moment, paratroopers belonged to the ground forces, navy, and air force, and since 1946 they have been included in the reserve structure of the Supreme Commander and are directly subordinate to the supreme commander in chief.

In this regard, the color scheme of the uniform and insignia of the senior and junior command staff of the Airborne Forces were associated with the branch of the military to which they belonged at the moment.

In addition, the type of uniform of the Soviet paratrooper depended on the climatic conditions of the landing site and the position of the employee. It is customary to distinguish four groups of military clothing of the Soviet Airborne Forces:

• casual summer uniform for sergeants and privates;
• summer uniform for sergeants, privates and air force cadets;
• casual summer set with shoulder straps and buttonholes for cadets;
• winter version of the uniform with sleeve insignia for sergeants, military builders and airborne cadets.

At the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, the equipment of paratroopers included a dark blue overcoat; a little later its color was changed to a combined arms color. Also, the equipment of the airborne special forces included so-called camouflage robes: white for winter and protective spotted colors for summer. Exactly the same robes were worn by scouts and riflemen of the assault group.

During the special mission, the landing group was additionally equipped with special uniforms. This included overalls, helmet, high boots, and goggles.

After the introduction of shoulder straps, aviation insignia appeared. The famous emblem with a parachute and two planes on either side was introduced in 1955. It is this badge that today is a symbol of unity and brotherhood among those serving in the air force.

In 1979, a limited contingent of troops was introduced into Afghanistan, including a special group of airborne forces. In view of the climatic conditions of the territory of presence, a special uniform was developed for the airborne special forces. The prototype was the uniform of the army of the President of the Congo.

Nikolay Starikov

Source: museumvdv.ru The blue beret is a uniform item of airborne, air assault units and special forces units of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the USSR and the Russian Federation. At the same time, it is one of the symbols of the Russian Airborne Forces. Exactly 50 years ago, the blue beret became an element of the uniform in the USSR Airborne Forces.

The exact date of its appearance in 1968 has not been established. Currently, there is a version based on the article by Alexei Stepanov “Berets in the Armed Forces of the USSR” (military history magazine “Tseichgauz”, 1991).

In June 1967, the commander of the Airborne Forces, Colonel-General Vasily Filippovich Margelov, considering a new uniform for the Airborne Forces, decided to take the black beret of the Marine Corps, introduced back in 1963, as a model, and ordered the development of sketches. Drawings of the new uniform for paratroopers were developed by artist Alexander Borisovich Zhuk. On June 30, 1967, the commander of the Airborne Forces approved his drawings of a new uniform for paratroopers, including two berets. In everyday uniform, it was expected to wear a khaki beret with a red star. However, this beret remained on paper. Another drawing showed a paratrooper wearing a crimson beret. On it, the commander of the Airborne Forces put a resolution: “Leave it for parades in Moscow.” Crimson berets began to be supplied to the Airborne Forces in August-September 1967. At the military parade on November 7, 1967, parachute units marched across Red Square for the first time in new uniforms and berets. Later, the crimson berets were replaced with blue ones. In August 1968, when troops entered Czechoslovakia, Soviet paratroopers were already wearing blue berets, and, judging by eyewitness accounts, local residents initially mistook them for representatives of UN peacekeeping troops.

Soviet paratroopers in crimson berets, model 1967. Czechoslovakia, Prague, 1968.

There is evidence that soldiers of the 317th Guards Parachute Regiment of the 103rd Vitebsk Guards Airborne Division entered Czechoslovakia wearing crimson berets. And the servicemen of the 7th Kaunas Guards Airborne Division, also part of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, wore blue berets.

In 2012, the author of an article about berets A. Stepanov in a new article “Uniforms and insignia of the Airborne Forces. Part 3. 1967-1968." (Tseichgauz magazine No. 4 / 2012) revised the old version of the appearance of the blue beret:

“Back in 1990, when preparing an article on the history of Soviet berets for the 1st issue of the Zeichgauz magazine, I, trusting the story of one of the participants in the Czechoslovak events, wrote that in August 1968, when troops entered Czechoslovakia, Soviet paratroopers were already wearing berets blue in color and, judging by eyewitnesses, local residents initially mistook them for representatives of UN troops.”

Alas, this turned out to be just a beautiful legend that has nothing to do with reality. Amateur historian Alexander Serebryakov from Lithuania spent several years meeting and talking with former officers of the 7th Guards Airborne Division who lived in Kaunas and took part in Operation Danube. They all confirmed that in 1968, on the territory of Czechoslovakia, paratroopers wore only crimson berets. This is evidenced by photographs from their family archives.

In this regard, the memoirs of Boris Shmelev, who served in the 1141st Guards Artillery Regiment of the 7th Guards Airborne Division, are of interest: “...In addition to them, everyone was given vests, crimson berets and winter airborne jackets with cotton wool! ... We arrived in Prague wearing thin cotton jumping helmets that fastened under the chin. And then whoever wanted, wore what he wanted: a helmet or an ordinary cap...”

“By the way, our crimson berets, vests and jackets were taken away from us at the same time (in November 1968, upon returning to Lithuania - author’s note), explaining that they were issued only “to Prague”.”

Thus, in August 1968, blue berets had not yet entered the Airborne Forces.

The initiator of the introduction of blue berets is considered to be the deputy commander of the Airborne Forces for airborne training, Lieutenant General Ivan Ivanovich Lisov. In the biography “Trooper No. 1, Army General Margelov” (2003), the authors of which were the sons of the commander of the Airborne Forces - Hero of the Russian Federation, Colonel of the Airborne Forces Alexander Vasilyevich Margelov and Vasily Vasilyevich Margelov, you can find information about the appearance of the first blue beret:

“Lieutenant General Ivan Ivanovich Lisov, a military veteran, made a proposal to change the headdress and introduce a blue beret. The initiative found warm approval from Margelov, so the first experiments showed that the soldiers liked the beret...

...Somewhat later (in 1968) the crimson berets were replaced with blue ones. On July 26, 1969, by order of the USSR Ministry of Defense No. 191, new rules for wearing military uniforms were introduced. For the first time, a blue beret “officially” appeared in them (before this, there were no orders for the introduction of berets for the Airborne Forces).”

Deputy Commander of the Airborne Forces for airborne training (1964-1975), Lieutenant General Ivan Ivanovich Lisov.

In the photo: summer casual uniform of sergeants, soldiers and cadets of the Airborne Forces, model 1969.

Therefore, the most likely year of the appearance of the blue beret in the Airborne Forces can still be considered 1968. The sons of Army General V.F. Margelov were probably aware of the events described, because the same author of the book, Colonel A.V. Margelov, began serving in the USSR Airborne Forces back in 1971, when direct participants in the adoption of berets served in the Armed Forces.

In addition, the blue beret itself was color-matched to the uniform of the airborne troops of the 1963 model. By order of the USSR Minister of Defense No. 160, it was introduced in July 1963 as a new uniform for the airborne troops, both in ceremonial and weekend form, and for airborne officers in everyday wear it was similar to the uniform for aviation. The most likely is that , that in 1968, after the events in Czechoslovakia, where paratroopers for the first time put on crimson berets en masse, General I. I. Lisov made a proposal to replace them with blue ones. The Airborne Forces commander supported the idea of ​​his deputy. And at the end of 1968, a test batch of blue berets was sent to the troops. After positive feedback from the troops, it was decided to adopt this beret as an element of everyday uniform.

On July 26, 1969, by order of the USSR Ministry of Defense No. 191, new Rules for wearing military uniforms, introduced on January 1, 1970, were approved. It was in the new Rules that the blue beret was officially approved. In Article 60 “Everyday Uniform,” the beret was classified as a summer airborne uniform with a corresponding design.

The woolen blue beret consisted of a solid bottom and band. A five-pointed star with an emblem was attached to the front (a star in a wreath was attached to soldiers and sergeants, and an Air Force cockade for officers), and a flag made of red instrument cloth in the form of a triangle with the emblem of the airborne troops was sewn on the left. Moreover, in the Rules for Wearing, the red flag with the emblem of the Airborne Forces was absent from the picture, but, despite this, it was worn on the left side by servicemen of the guards units, and at parades in Moscow it was moved to the right side. The idea of ​​wearing flags also belonged to the Commander of the Airborne Forces. Unlike the blue flags on crimson berets, the dimensions of which were indicated in the technical specifications for production, the red flags in each part were made independently and did not have a single sample.

A paratrooper in a blue beret, model 1969. Cover of the magazine “Soviet Warrior” (No. 18, 1972).

As per the instructions of the unit commander, the paratroopers were allowed to wear the new beret with their everyday and field summer uniforms.

Military personnel of the 822nd separate special forces company of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU), which was part of the Ural Military District (military unit 74973). Aramil, 1970-1971 From the personal archive of a former serviceman of the Vvedensky company, Mikhail Konstantinovich.

There is an opinion that the blue berets of the 1969 model are on a par with the crimson beret of the 1967 model in terms of rarity. In old photographs, this beret stands out for its baggy shape and the absence of facing the lower edge of the band with a strip of black or gray dermantine.

Still from the film “Officers” (1971). Personnel of a battery of a separate self-propelled artillery division of the Airborne Forces in blue berets, model 1969.

On November 1, 1973, by Order of the USSR Ministry of Defense No. 250, new Rules for wearing military uniforms were approved, which came into force on January 1, 1974. Now airborne troops could wear a blue beret along with their dress uniform (in this case, a vest was worn under the jacket instead of a shirt). The blue beret was allowed to be worn together with a field uniform, which included various means of camouflage and camouflage suits, which were not regulated in any way by the Wearing Rules.

Cadets of the Ryazan Higher Airborne Command School named after Lenin Komsomol in blue berets, model 1973. Late 1970 - early 1980s.

In the photo: summer casual uniform of sergeants, soldiers and cadets of the Airborne Forces, model 1988.

Only on March 4, 1988, the new rules for wearing clothing stipulated the wearing of a flag on berets by all military personnel of the Airborne Forces, air assault units and special forces units of the Special Forces of the GRU General Staff.

In May 1994, by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation (dated 05.23.94, No. 1010), a new uniform was introduced for the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. By Order of the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation dated May 28, 1994 No. 255, the “Rules for wearing military uniforms and insignia by military rank approved by the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation by military personnel of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation” were put into effect. The Airborne Forces beret received new cockades for privates and officers of the 1994 model and an established emblem (as on caps). Officers, warrant officers and female military personnel wore a beret with a cockade framed by a golden-colored emblem; petty officers, sergeants, soldiers and cadets - with a golden-colored cockade.

Paratroopers in blue berets, model 1994. 2000s.

The photograph shows an Airborne Forces serviceman in a 2010 model summer uniform.

By Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of March 11, 2010 No. 293 “On military uniforms, insignia of military personnel and departmental insignia,” a new uniform of the RF Armed Forces was introduced, in which the airborne beret remained unchanged. True, in addition to paratroopers, military personnel of the Air Force and Aerospace Forces began to wear a blue woolen beret.

In the photo: Major General of the Airborne Forces in a summer casual uniform for the formation (option No. 1) of the 2015 model.

Order of the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation dated June 22, 2015 No. 300 “On approval of the Rules for wearing military uniforms, insignia, departmental insignia and other heraldic insignia in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and the Procedure for mixing items of existing and new military uniforms in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation “Changes have been made to the uniform of the RF Armed Forces. Now woolen blue berets of the Airborne Forces and the Air Force are worn with a golden-colored cockade.

Author: A. S. Mamakin, senior researcher.

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Features of the old-style Airborne Forces dress uniform

For special occasions, the air infantry was provided with a ceremonial set of uniforms, presented in summer and winter versions. In 1988, it underwent a number of changes.

Old style summer dress uniform:

• cap with band;
• untucked trousers;
• open uniform;
• White shirt;
• black tie;
• White gloves;
• black low shoes or boots.

The ceremonial set of the summer uniform had a blue (sea) wave color.

The ceremonial winter uniform of an old-style Airborne Forces soldier:

• hat with ear flaps, lieutenant colonels have a hat;
• gray overcoat;
• open uniform;
• untucked blue trousers;
• White shirt;
• black tie;
• white muffler;
• brown gloves;
• black boots.

Since 1967, the beret has become part of the ceremonial set of clothing, replacing the cap.

New sample of the Airborne Forces uniform

Various conditions and situations in which a paratrooper, or any other military personnel, may find themselves dictate certain requirements directly to the uniform, fabrics and colors used. And, of course, we should not forget about functionality. The new airborne uniform was made from high-quality material from Russian manufacturers using the latest nanotechnology. In particular, it is a ripstop with a reinforcing weave structure and reinforced thread, which increases the strength of the material without increasing its weight.

Much attention was paid to the development of the winter kit, which was tested in very low temperatures and strong winds. Men's coats for officers are 90% wool, while women's coats are entirely wool and lightweight.

For various situations and weather conditions, suitable combinations of clothing are provided for employees in the Airborne Forces . The new uniform features a functional jacket that can be worn in cool weather with a detachable lining or without it in more favorable conditions. In fact, it is now a transformer, capable of turning into both a light windbreaker and a warm pea coat . A jacket under a jacket will provide even better warmth from the winds. jumpsuit made of water-repellent fabric will be appropriate in the rain.

Early shortcomings were also taken into account. In particular, the ears of hats with ear flaps have become longer, they now overlap each other, are fastened with Velcro and protect the chin. The top flap on the earflaps now bends back to form a sun visor. Instead of felt boots, the servicemen changed their shoes to warm boots with inserts. The field boots are made of soft, hydrophobic leather and have a molded rubber sole. The insulated version of the field uniform now includes a vest that does not impede movement. A specially designed bib scarf provides excellent protection from the wind. Prototypes of the mold for use in hot climates are still being finalized.

At the 2014 Victory Parade, the new dress uniform of the Russian Airborne Forces was presented to the entire country. Almost all units and units of these military branches are already equipped with it.

The new form for 2014 can be combined in different ways:

• for cool weather it will be enough to wear a lined jacket,
• for windy conditions it is recommended to wear a jacket under the jacket,
• in rainy weather, airborne can wear a fleece shirt with a waterproof overall.

During the active training phase or march , the Airborne Forces wear their usual uniform. During theoretical classes, fighters wear lighter office attire.

The uniform of the Russian Airborne Forces in 2014 went through a number of changes: the ears on the earflap hat became longer, easily overlap at the back and are fastened with Velcro, this is quite important and comfortable for the chin. The hat has a top flap that can, if necessary, turn into a sun visor. Outerwear a jacket can be disassembled into several elements. It has become a kind of construction set that can be transformed from an ordinary windbreaker to a warm pea coat.

The entire 2014 field uniform consists of 16 pieces that easily fit into a backpack . Depending on the time of year, the backpack can be light or heavy. In the new field footwear, felt boots were replaced by warm boots with inserts. vest has also been added , which does not restrict movement. A warm scarf and a comfortable balaclava were added to the whole set. Reconnaissance overalls are made of waterproof material.

The new winter airborne uniform was tested both in very low temperatures and in piercing, fairly strong winds. The Minister of Defense presented the Order of Kutuzov to the paratroopers, and the event was held on an open parade ground. The paratroopers marched in front of the top leadership of the Russian army. This uniform was brought to the 74th Brigade as an experimental one. Now the entire uniform , consisting of nine different options, has been approved.

The uniform of the Russian Airborne Forces provides for its own combination of clothing in different situations. In cooler weather, soldiers simply need to add a jacket, either lined or unlined. In windy weather, military personnel wear a jacket under their jacket. In rainy weather, they can wear waterproof overalls, an underwear fleece shirt, etc. During the active phase of service: forced marches, exercises, military personnel wear their uniforms. During theoretical training classes, soldiers wear lighter uniforms.

Airborne Forces uniform has undergone many changes regarding details. Ushankas now have long ears, easily overlapping each other and fastened with special Velcro, which is important for protecting the chin. The earflaps are equipped with a top flap that can be folded down and turned into a sun visor.

Heavy shoes have been replaced with insulated boots equipped with special thermal inserts. The changes also affected outerwear. In addition to the modern military uniform of the Airborne Forces (photo presented in the article), an insulated vest . As the paratroopers testify, it does not at all restrict movement when performing physical exercises. In addition to the vest, the modern uniform kit includes a comfortable balaclava , as well as a scarf-front, with which the paratrooper can cover himself from the wind. Depending on weather conditions, the jacket can transform into a windbreaker or an insulated peacoat.

Many changes concern outerwear. A modern paratrooper jacket can be disassembled into several elements. Now, in fact, it is a construction set with the ability to transform, turning into either a windbreaker or an insulated peacoat .

The field uniform of an airborne warrior consists of sixteen items that easily fit in a compact backpack. The weight of the backpack increases in warm weather, and sharply decreases in cold weather. And the felt boots have been replaced with new warm boots with inserts. The insulated version of the field uniform now has a vest that does not restrict the paratrooper’s movements. It is impossible not to mention a special scarf-front, which serves as protection from the wind, and a comfortable balaclava. The overalls are made in a waterproof version.

The training and work of paratroopers is carried out at any time of the year and in any weather conditions, be it heat, frost or pouring rain, therefore, in order to successfully complete tasks, the airborne uniform must be best adjusted to any conditions.

A modern set of clothing involves a special suit . Note that the field clothing will be exactly the same for both soldiers and officers. The set of modern field clothing includes:

• Several jackets that differ depending on seasonality;
• Matching Suit :
• Insulated vest;
• Beret and hat :
• Three pairs of boots, different for the season;
• Two pairs of gloves and mittens;
• Balaclava .

Distinctive features of the field uniform

Soviet paratroopers had two options for clothing for field conditions: summer and winter. The summer field uniform set included:

• cap;
• jacket and trousers in khaki colors;
• vest;
• boots or high boots.

Description of the winter uniform of the Airborne Forces:

• hats with earflaps;
• khaki jacket and pants;
• gray muffler;
• brown gloves;
• berets or boots.

The entry of Soviet troops into Afghanistan required the leadership to reconsider the equipment of employees. The classic field uniform is being replaced by a lighter version, popularly called Mabuta after the colonel of the Congolese army. It was made of raincoat fabric with water-repellent impregnation, a ventilation system and a more comfortable cut.

The sand uniform consisted of trousers, a jacket and a cap and was used during combat missions in regions with a hot climate.

What do modern paratroopers wear?

The shape of the new airborne forces is based on the principle of multi-layering. Depending on weather conditions, military personnel are allowed to combine clothing:

• the modern uniform of the Russian Airborne Forces includes several combinations and sets of diverse clothing;
• in the cool season, soldiers are provided with an additional lined jacket;
• often military personnel from the special forces of the Airborne Forces are allowed to wear a jacket under their jacket;
• in rainy, damp weather, the uniform consists of an underwear fleece shirt and overalls with waterproof impregnation.

Thus, what uniform the airborne soldiers will have in a particular case is decided independently by the unit commander, taking into account weather conditions.

A modern hat with earflaps has elongated ears, making it easy to overlap and fastened with Velcro, protecting the chin.

Additionally, the hat is equipped with a top flap, allowing it to turn inside out and transform into a visor. Felt boots were replaced with warm boots with thermal inserts. The outer jacket is a designer one and can easily be transformed from a windbreaker into a warm peacoat.

The new uniform set of the Russian Airborne Forces uniform for soldiers and field officers includes 19 items:

• several jackets;
• insulated vest;
• costume;
• three types of boots (summer, demi-season and winter);
• balaclava;
• mittens and gloves.

The summer uniform of the airborne special forces includes:

• underwear (T-shirt and boxer shorts);
• light jacket;
• trousers;
• cap (beret);
• summer boots.

To sew a lightweight version of the airborne uniform, a mechanical stretch treated with a water-repellent compound is used.

Winter uniform for the Airborne Forces option includes:

• two sets of insulated underwear (lightweight and fleece);
• demi-season suit;
• windproof suit;
• insulated vest;
• boots;
• balaclava.

In winter, it is allowed to wear a blue sweater under a jacket that is part of the uniform.

The winter uniform of an officer and warrant officer of the Airborne Forces allows the wearing of a black fur hat and a black jacket.

For hot climates, a separate set of uniforms for airborne troops was developed. The new uniform of airborne troops has a light brown or sandy color.

The first option consists of a short-sleeved shirt with a turn-down collar, shoulder straps, trousers and boots in a basic color. The headgear used is a soft cap similar to a baseball cap with a hard visor and a field cockade.

Shorts are allowed instead of trousers. Insignia on this type of uniform are placed similarly to everyday uniforms. This clothing option does not include award stripes. The second option consists of an elongated jacket with shoulder straps, trousers tucked into ankle boots. On the head is a cap or Panama hat that matches the statutory uniform.

Casual or office workwear for the air infantry is similar to the uniform of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, only in blue.

The field uniform of an officer is exactly the same as that of the enlisted personnel of the Airborne Forces, only the dress clothes are different.

The ceremonial set of the Airborne Forces uniform consists of a blue jacket and trousers, a vest, a blue beret, aiguillette, white gloves and ankle boots.

Officer ceremonial uniform:

• blue jacket;
• untucked blue trousers;
• shirt;
• black tie;
• White gloves;
• black boots;
• gold aiguillette;
• blue cap with cockade.

The winter dress uniform of midshipmen and airborne officers includes a black jacket, a woolen cap or blue beret, a vest and combat boots. For enlisted personnel and cadets:

• gray hats with earflaps;
• demi-season blue jacket;
• costume;
• vest;
• beret.

Airborne special forces take part in the parade in field uniform. Not only shoulder straps, but also chest and sleeve stripes and chevrons are used as insignia. Before the collapse of the Soviet Union, the uniform was identical for all Airborne Forces employees, regardless of the republic.

Today, each country that was part of the USSR has its own version of the uniform. In the Russian Federation, the main ceremonial color of the Airborne Forces uniform is blue.

For example, not so long ago, the uniform of the highly mobile Ukrainian Airborne Forces was completely changed, in particular, the blue beret was removed from the military personnel’s clothing, replacing it with a similar purple-colored headdress. The main reason for this transformation is that in Russia the blue beret is an integral part of the Airborne Forces uniform.

In turn, in the Republic of Belarus the uniform of the special forces of the airborne special forces still includes a blue beret, as in Russia.

Step-by-step instructions on how to return the beret

Initially, the beret is issued to a serviceman in the form of a disk, which undoubtedly looks very ugly on the head. In order to give it a presentable appearance, soldiers beat off their berets, which is a very simple procedure and is performed using improvised means.

Correct beret

First you need to cut out the lining in the beret with scissors, but leave the liner for the cockade. Then immerse the headdress in hot water for two minutes until it is completely limp. Next, take out the headdress, squeeze it lightly, insert the cockade strictly in the center (you should follow the liner inside the headdress), put it on your head and tighten it with a rope at the back of your head

Without removing the headdress, use your hands to smooth it in the required directions. The left side is smoothed back, the crown is smoothed to the right, thus creating something like a half-disk at the right ear.

The arch for the cockade is made like this: the cockade is held with the left hand, and smoothed from the top forward with the right, forming an edge.

After giving the shape to the headdress, its improvement continues. To do this, take shaving foam and apply it to the headdress, and a lot. Next, you need to wet your hands with water and rub in the foam, without pressing hard on the headdress.

When all the stains with white spots have been removed, a final inspection should be made to look for any defects and eliminate them. Under no circumstances should you take off your beret; you will need to walk in it for approximately 1.5 hours.

After the beret dries on the head, it is dried on a table or radiator. In order for the beret to become as hard as possible and keep its shape longer, folk craftsmen advise spraying hairspray inside the headdress.

That's all, the beret is ready. All that remains is to cut the plastic card so that it matches the size of the cockade. Two holes are made for the antennae of the cockade, the cockade is inserted, after which a cut-off plastic card is secured inside and the antennae are spread out on the sides. This will give the cockade a more stable, stationary position. If you place the flag on the left side, then you need to do it evenly and not very far from the cockade.

Clothing option for women

Despite the fact that there have been girls in the ranks of paratroopers before, until recently, service in the Airborne Forces was the privilege of men. So in 2008-2009 “Ryazan Higher Airborne School named after. Margelov” was recruiting girls to master the profession of a paratrooper officer. Six years later, the educational institution repeated the experiment.

The female airborne combat uniform is exactly the same as that of men:

• several jackets;
• costume;
• three boot options;
• mittens and gloves;
• balaclava;
• insulated vest.

Women's parade airborne uniform:

• blue jacket;
• blue skirt;
• White gloves;
• white muffler;
• black boots.

Winged infantry. Airborne Forces signs and icons

The idea of ​​transporting troops by air has been in the minds of the military since the moment man was able to take to the skies. And this happened even before people could do it on airplanes. There are known notes from Napoleon's contemporaries about his plans to transport troops to Great Britain in... balloons! In 1785, a hot air balloon carrying two aeronauts crossed the English Channel for the first time. This was widely discussed, written about in the newspapers, and less than 20 years later, the energetic and “creatively thinking” Napoleon, who was seriously planning an invasion of England, thought about using balloons to transport part of his army across the strait. Giant balls were thought out that could move not only infantry, but also cavalry and artillery. These plans, as well as the invasion of England in general, were not destined to come true, but the idea itself was not so fantastic. However, the ideas of mass transportation and landing of troops from the sky were destined to come true already in the 20th century.

The first successful parachute jump from an airplane was made in 1912 in the United States by Captain Albert Berry, but the aircraft of those years were too limited in their ability to transport troops en masse.

In our country, the birthday of the Airborne Forces is considered to be August 2, 1930, when a unit of 12 people landed during the exercises of the Moscow Military District. As a result of analyzing the prospects for using airborne units to solve tactical problems, already in 1931 the USSR formed an airborne group under the name “airborne landing detachment”. And already in 1935, during the exercises of the Kyiv Military District, an operation was carried out to parachute 1,188 paratroopers with weapons and disembark another 1,765 paratroopers on landed military transport aircraft.

Gathering of paratroopers after landing. Maneuvers of the Kyiv Military District in 1935

Foreign military attaches were present at the exercises, about which a film was even made. Alfred Knox, the British military attache to the USSR, shared his impressions of what he saw: “I have always been convinced that the Russians are a nation of dreamers.”

It is worth noting that in Germany the year of creation of the Airborne Forces is considered to be 1933, in France - 1937, in Great Britain - 1940, and in the USA - 1942. Thus, the Soviet Union became the first state in the world where the Airborne Forces began to be used as separate military formations.

The first airborne operation in combat conditions was carried out by German paratroopers in 1940. 78 fighters landed on gliders on the territory of the Belgian fort Eben-Emael and in the shortest possible time captured all its key positions, managing to wait for the main forces to arrive. The enemy garrison of the fort consisted of 650 people!

The Second World War fully demonstrated the effectiveness of airborne troops. Their elitism was clear from the very beginning, and the experience and effectiveness of their use in combat further strengthened the understanding that the Airborne Forces are a branch of the military where only the most selected soldiers should serve. The term “special forces” was not yet widespread during the Second World War, but it can easily be applied to the airborne forces of those years. Soviet paratroopers, the Wehrmacht's Green Devils, British commandos, US paratroopers - all these units shrouded themselves in glory from the first days of participation in hostilities.

After World War II, the development of airborne troops proceeded at an accelerated pace throughout the world, and the experience of the past war made it possible to more thoroughly develop the concept of their use. On the basis of the Airborne Forces, all kinds of special units were created - the “elite of the elites”. Within the Airborne Forces themselves, divisions were carried out according to tasks, and special airborne transport and military equipment were created. Russia occupies a special place in the world in terms of the quantity and quality of “winged infantry” troops.

Today, the number of military personnel in the Russian airborne forces is about 45,000 people.

Immediately after the appearance of airborne units in our country, their insignia appeared. The first “Parachutist” sign was introduced in 1931 and was an irregular rhombus with an elongated lower end.

Parachutist badge. USSR, 30s

At first, apart from the “parachutist” badge, there were no other special insignia, and only in 1946, when the Airborne Forces were reassigned directly to the Minister of the Armed Forces of the USSR, stripes with the designation of the branch of service appeared on the paratroopers’ uniforms.

Paratroopers on parade. Moscow 1951. Sleeve insignia for those walking in the first rank

When the legendary V.F. became commander of the Airborne Forces. Margelov, through his efforts, attention to the Airborne Forces, prestige and emphasis on the difference between this type of troops and the rest of the army grew significantly.

Vasily Filippovich Margelov

Along with innovative solutions, enhanced training and increased funding, attention was also paid to the appearance of military paratroopers.

In 1955, a new uniform was introduced into the Soviet Army. The Airborne Forces have their own insignia - the famous, familiar to everyone today, emblem on buttonholes and chevrons.

Airborne Forces emblem for mounting on uniforms

The sketch of this emblem was developed by Zinaida Ivanovna Bocharova, a draftsman at the headquarters of the Airborne Forces.

The creator of the Airborne Forces emblem is Zinaida Ivanovna Bocharova

Among hundreds of other sketches proposed as an emblem, the version of Zinaida Bocharova was personally chosen by Vasily Filippovich Margelov, who set the only requirement: “No heraldic frills are needed. The emblem should be simple and understandable.”

In the Soviet Army, it was not customary to create special emblems for individual military units of one type of military. In the Russian army, on the contrary, this practice has gained great popularity. Since the beginning of the 90s, divisions and brigades of the Airborne Forces began to acquire their own emblems, and since the 2000s, the Airborne Forces themselves received three emblems: small, medium and large. In modern Russia, the symbols of the Airborne Forces use the principles of classical heraldry. True, the basic symbol of this type of military remains unchanged - a parachutist landing and two military transport aircraft on the sides of the parachute.

The small emblem is a golden grenade with wings. The Grenada (a spherical hand grenade in the 17th-19th centuries) originally symbolized the striking power and remote attack of troops, and is now a symbol of the special combat training of paratroopers.

The middle emblem depicts a double-headed eagle with a shield on which St. George the Victorious is placed. In its talons the eagle holds a sword and a grenade with wings - a small emblem of the Airborne Forces.

The large emblem, which today is considered the official emblem of the Russian Airborne Forces, is a blue circle. In the center of the circle is a small emblem of the Airborne Forces, framed by oak branches. At the top is the emblem of the Airborne Forces, but on it the eagle holds a laurel wreath in the claws of its right paw.

One of the most recognizable signs of the Airborne Forces is the “parachutist” sign described above, the design of which has changed several times. A pendant was subsequently attached to the bottom of the sign, on which the number of jumps was indicated. The signs “excellent parachutist” and “parachutist instructor” appeared. Initially, such badges were issued upon completion of 8 and 50 jumps, then the requirements for obtaining such badges were tightened to 10 and 100.

In the Soviet Army, in addition to the “parachutist” badges, there were no other special Airborne Forces badges issued to paratroopers. Ordinary soldiers and sergeants could be awarded combined arms badges based on their specialization. Thus, a paratrooper-signalman could receive the “Excellent Signalman” badge, a reconnaissance company soldier could receive the “Excellent Scout” badge, etc. Later, when they were abolished and replaced with the universal “Excellence in the Soviet Army,” such a badge was given to paratroopers as a reward.

The Russian Army has introduced a special badge for ordinary paratroopers - “Excellent Airborne Trooper”.

Badge "Excellent Airborne Forces", Russia

For the command staff of the Airborne Forces there are a number of special awards for various service achievements:

The medal “Participant in the forced march on June 12, 1999 Bosnia - Kosovo” was awarded for participation in the transfer of an airborne battalion to the city of Pristina in order to establish control over the Slatina airport during the fighting in Yugoslavia in 1999.

The Badge of Merit is awarded for more than five years of service in the Airborne Forces and the absence of penalties.

The Badge of Distinction is awarded for completing special tasks.

The Army General Margelov medal is awarded if there is a badge of merit and more than fifteen years of service in the Airborne Forces.

Medal "Army General Margelov"

The badge “For Service in Military Intelligence of the Airborne Forces” does not have a regulated award principle.

In addition to insignia issued on behalf of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, there are also awards presented by official public organizations. The most famous of them is the “Veteran of the Airborne Forces” medal, established by the Council of Veterans of the Russian Airborne Forces. There are also a number of memorable awards established by the Union of Russian Paratroopers. These could be awards for a set of merits, commemorative medals for participation in specific military conflicts, or anniversary medals and badges dedicated to the 75th, 85th and 90th anniversary of the Airborne Forces.

Author of the article – Mikhail Kolesov

What is a birch pattern

Camouflage is a mandatory part of the equipment of the military and, in particular, the reconnaissance troops of the Airborne Forces. The range of camouflage suits is wide, which allows you to choose the ideal camouflage for any climatic and weather conditions. Despite this, the leader of camouflage clothing until recently was the birch (official name KZM-P).

Initially, camouflage with a birch tree pattern was developed for border troops; later it was liked by airborne reconnaissance officers.

A camouflage suit with a birch pattern was created in 1957 and was used as part of the summer equipment of border guards and paratroopers. This camouflage ideally hid the fighter in deciduous forests and swampy areas. Due to its special pixel pattern, KZM-P is capable of dispersing the silhouette of a person at short and long distances.

The raster pattern of the birch camouflage suit resembles spots with jagged edges. Large and small patterns create an optical illusion of a melting silhouette. The light and dark colors of the camouflage coat suggest its use during the day and at night.

Ghillie suits with a birch tree pattern are presented in the form of a camouflage suit with a voluminous hood, overalls and a jacket with pants.

Although today the birch camouflage is not a statutory uniform, it is still popular, not only among the military, but also among civilians.

UN blue beret

Blue berets

from the Philippines

During the Arab-Israeli War, from June 1948, when the first UN peacekeeping operation in the Middle East began, UN peacekeeping officers acting as mediators could only be identified by armbands with the inscription "United Nations" and armbands with the emblem UN, which were barely noticeable in desert conditions. They could easily be confused with the sleeve patches worn by military personnel from Great Britain, France and Israel.

At this crucial moment, UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld managed to find a way out of the situation. It was decided to issue UN peacekeepers blue berets and helmets At the same time, two English letters “UN” (English abbreviation for “UN”) were painted on the helmet with white paint, and on the blue berets

, as well as
blue cap, Sikhs in UN troops wear blue turbans.

What kind of demobilization uniform do paratroopers have?

The tradition of sewing a demobilization outfit comes from the Soviet Union, when military service was considered honorable. DMB is a kind of confirmation that the soldier served well and is proud of his army uniform. What can we say about the guys who paid their debt to the Motherland in the ranks of the Airborne Forces.

And although in the early 90s they preferred to go into the reserves in civilian clothes, today military personnel have returned to this beautiful custom.

The demobilization uniform of an Airborne Forces soldier is prepared on the basis of a field uniform using several rules:

• the suit should not be pretentious or overly elegant;
• placement of insignia and external chevrons is carried out in accordance with the statutory rules.

For the layout of the suit, an acanthus tunic or “gorka” can be used, which is often chosen by airborne special forces, trousers, a vest and combat boots. A mandatory attribute of the finished outfit is a blue beret.

Today it is not at all necessary to sew a demobilization suit yourself, since online stores offer ready-made options.

It is an honor to serve in the airborne forces and many guys would like to be in the ranks of the blue berets. But this honor is not granted to everyone, which does not prevent civilians from trying on the paratrooper uniform.

Today there are not only adult, but also children's airborne uniforms on sale. Why do civilians wear military uniforms at events dedicated to the celebration of victory and other celebrations? Everyone has their own reasons for this. For example, children's military uniforms of the Airborne Forces are popular during the celebration of Victory Day.

On the other hand, as boxer Denis Lebedev explained, this shows respect for the paratroopers. It's hard to disagree with the athlete; they really deserve respect.

Berets in Russian and other security forces

Currently, blue berets are the most recognizable attribute of airborne troops, along with the blue and white vest. Recently, berets in general have become widespread, and the legendary maroon berets have also become especially popular. Military personnel of only a few special units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs are entitled to receive the latter.

Philippine UN Peacekeeping Force Blue Berets

In addition, maroon berets are worn on the left side, and blue berets are worn on the right. The only exception for blue berets is parades, when absolutely all military personnel have to wear their hats on the left side, in accordance with the event protocol. You should also know that berets with blue colors are present in the armed forces of other states. For example, blue berets are worn by UN military personnel, although the shades of berets of the Russian Airborne Forces are different from all others.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them Source