Army shoulder straps were divided according to their purpose into field and everyday. The former were worn on field uniforms, the latter on everyday and dress uniforms, in accordance with the rules of wearing announced by order of the USSR NCO No. 25. When introducing shoulder straps, it was understood that field shoulder straps would be provided to servicemen of the Active Army, as well as units prepared to be sent to the front; and everyday - the rest of the military personnel “in the rear” and all military personnel wearing full dress uniform.
Order No. 25 of the USSR NKO gave a general description of the new insignia. "Shoulder shoulder straps. The contour of the shoulder strap is a strip with parallel long sides. The lower end of the shoulder strap is rectangular, the upper end is cut at an obtuse angle; for the shoulder straps of marshals of the Soviet Union, generals and senior commanding officers, the top of the obtuse angle is cut parallel to the lower edge. The edges of the shoulder strap, except for the bottom , are edged."
Depending on the height of the serviceman, the length of the shoulder straps was set in the range of 14–16 cm. The width of the bulk of the shoulder straps was 6 cm, except for the Marshals of the Soviet Union and generals, who were entitled to shoulder straps 6.5 cm wide. The shoulder straps of medical and veterinary generals were 4.5 cm wide services, as well as senior military-legal personnel. The shoulder straps of the officers of the medical and veterinary services and the commanding military-legal personnel were 4 cm wide. All dimensions are indicated along with the edging, the width of the edging itself was 0.25 cm.
In accordance with the assigned rank and branch of the military (service), stars and stripes were placed on the shoulder straps
by rank, emblems, and on the shoulder straps of cadets and soldiers - also encryption stencils. On the uniform of generals
(except for veterinary and medical services) emblems were not required. Also, traditionally there were no emblems on the shoulder straps of the main branch of the military - the infantry. The emblems were not worn on the field shoulder straps of junior commanding officers, commanding officers and rank-and-file personnel.
By design, the shoulder straps were sewn on and removable (although the order itself did not directly call them that). Sewn on, their lower edge was sewn into the shoulder seam of the sleeve, and the upper edge was fastened
on a button. The removable ones were fastened with a half-strap, threaded into a belt loop on the shoulder, and fastened together with the upper end of the shoulder strap with a button.
The button fastening was different for soldiers' and officers' shoulder straps. In the first case, the button was sewn to the uniform near the collar, in the second, it was fastened with a special cord threaded
through holes in the uniform, half-strap, shoulder strap and into the eye of the button.
Diagram of the front and back side of the shoulder strap model 1943.
Selected materials from the book
Introduction of new insignia in the Red Army,
shoulder straps, model 1943
It is impossible, describing the year 1957, not to mention the most unusual insignia in the Soviet Union.
The armies are the fruits of the failed reform of Marshal of the Soviet Union G.K. Zhukova.
By order of the USSR Minister of Defense No. 185 dated September 28, 1957, changes were introduced in the uniform of military personnel of the Soviet Army; shoulder straps were especially radically transformed.
Description of shoulder straps from Appendix No. 1 to Order No. 185 of the USSR Ministry of Defense: “Epaulettes have a cone-shaped shape with an upper obtuse angle. Shoulder strap width: bottom 5 cm, top 4 cm. Shoulder strap length from 10 to 14 cm, respectively
shoulder length. The color of the field, edgings and gaps on the shoulder straps is determined by the branches of the military and services. The crimson color is replaced by red. The diameter of the coat of arms of the Soviet Union on the shoulder straps of marshals of the Soviet Union and admirals of the fleet of the Soviet Union is 32 mm. Diameter of the star on the shoulder straps of Soviet marshals
Union - 35 mm, and on the shoulder straps of the chief marshals and marshals of the military branches - 30 mm."
The transition to a new uniform and shoulder straps was supposed to begin in 1958. But after the removal of Marshal Zhukov from his post, the reform was suspended, and in March 1958, the new Minister of Defense, Marshal of the Soviet
Union R.Ya. Malinovsky’s order No. 185 was completely canceled.
[...]
Reform of 1957, cone-shaped shoulder straps
Shoulder straps arr. 1957: major general for ceremonial uniform and junior lieutenant of aviation for a shirt. Reconstruction
[...]
New rules for wearing military uniforms 1958
By Decree of the USSR PVS No. 1808-VI dated October 24, 1963 and the subsequent Order of the USSR Minister of Defense No. 247 dated November 5, 1963, on the shoulder straps of military personnel with the rank of foreman, instead of two stripes (transverse and longitudinal), it was established to wear one longitudinal stripe wide 30 mm. For shoulder straps of military school cadets with the rank of “sergeant major”, the width of the braid on the sides was set to 6 mm instead of 13 mm, and the upper sides of the shoulder straps were no longer trimmed with braid in the case of factory production. If the shoulder straps of a cadet sergeant major were made independently, then one longitudinal stripe of galloon 15 mm wide was sewn onto the standard cadet shoulder strap.
[...]
Change in the location of petty officers' stripes on shoulder straps in 1963
Sergeant Major Starikov in a tunic with shoulder straps mod. 1943 Petty Officer's stripes for the period 1943–1963.
Long-term service foreman A.K. Sorokin
in a ceremonial weekend uniform arr. 1958 with sewn shoulder straps. Sergeant major's stripes - after 1963
On June 26, 1969, by Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR No. 4024-VII, a number of fundamental changes were made to the description of insignia for military personnel of the Soviet Army and Navy, which exactly a month later, on July 26, 1969, were announced by order of the USSR Minister of Defense No. 190. On the same day, by order of the USSR Ministry of Defense No. 191, new rules for wearing military uniforms were introduced. The changes introduced by the Decree of the PVS and the previous order of the USSR Ministry of Defense No. 190 and described by these rules affected many aspects of the military uniform, including shoulder straps.
One of the main innovations was the changed form of soldiers' shoulder straps. Due to the complete abandonment of tunics and closed uniforms and the introduction of tunics and open ceremonial uniforms, the shape of shoulder straps for most types of uniforms of soldiers and sergeants of the Soviet Army was changed from 5-gonal to 4-gonal, with a beveled upper edge. In addition, such shoulder straps were sewn onto uniforms; removable ones were preserved only for short fur coats and insulated padded jackets for particularly cold areas, and for officers and generals - also for shirts. And unlike the 60s. detachable soldier's shoulder straps were already one-sided, although the old double-sided shoulder straps continued to be worn. They could not be used only by motorized rifle troops, whose instrument color was changed.
This was another cardinal change introduced by the Decree of the USSR PVS on June 26, 1969. Now the main branch of the Soviet Army wore not crimson shoulder straps, but red ones. The colors of the edgings and gaps of the officers' shoulder straps also changed accordingly.
For the first time, red color for the shoulder straps of conscripts was established in 1957 during the failed reform of Marshal Zhukov. Various experiments were then carried out to introduce the color red. For example, the Moscow Command School named after the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR wore pentagonal cadet shoulder straps with a red field instead of crimson and black edging for the November 1968 parade. And red was finally established as a general army color in 1969. The shoulder straps of soldiers and sergeants of motorized rifle troops, cadets of higher combined arms command and military-political schools became red.
The crimson color was preserved or was re-established by the generals of the engineering troops, signal troops, technical troops, generals, officers and cadets of the quartermaster, medical, veterinary and justice services, administrative service officers, the piping and gaps of the shoulder straps, as well as some other elements of the uniform, were crimson.
It is also necessary to dwell on such an interesting and controversial issue as crimson soldier's shoulder straps. The fact is that in the order declaring the rules for wearing military uniforms, there is not a word about soldiers and sergeants of medical units. Specifically, order No. 191 says: " Officers, sergeants and soldiers of units of the military branches (services) of the Soviet Army that are part of a military unit (military school) wear the uniform established for a given military unit, but with the emblem of their branch of military service (service) on shoulder straps (buttonholes). Generals and officers of justice, quartermaster, medical, veterinary and administrative services, regardless of what branch of the Soviet Army they serve in, wear the uniform established for these services"That is, medical service officers, regardless of the unit where they serve, wear “crimson” shoulder straps, and soldiers and sergeants wear shoulder straps in the color of the branch of service of the unit where they serve, but with medical emblems.
Doubts have been expressed about the existence of such crimson soldier's shoulder straps and their legality. But if you strictly follow the letter of order No. 191, it turns out that soldiers serving in centrally subordinate medical units (and there were such in the army) had to wear the insignia of medicine specifically. As was the case in practice, for example, in the service departments of the Burdenko Central Military Clinical Hospital, where soldiers and sergeants sewed crimson shoulder straps.
In addition to those described above, soldiers' army shoulder straps in 1969 could have two more instrument colors: blue and black (the protective color will be discussed below). The first was assigned to aviation, airborne troops and airfield engineering units. The second - to all other "technical branches of the military", including armored vehicles, artillery and others, as well as military builders.
Always, not only in 1969, in the army, when switching to new uniforms or insignia, it was allowed
wear old ones for a certain period of time. And since this is the first time after the transition
If there was a shortage of new items, soldiers and sergeants used old closed uniforms and tunics for many years after the official introduction of the new uniform. Removable and sewn pentagonal shoulder straps were worn on both old and new uniforms.
In this case, it was easier for the officers; their shoulder straps differed in cut only in the size of the bevel of the upper edge, which was still not visible under the collar. So all that remained was to change the stars on the ceremonial uniform, but on the everyday uniform this was not required.
With the introduction in 1969 of a new soldier's uniform, which had buttonholes on the collar, emblems
almost completely moved from shoulder straps to them. The soldiers' emblems remained on removable shoulder straps for short fur coats and insulated padded jackets for particularly cold areas, which had a fur collar,
where it was impossible to attach buttonholes, as well as for work uniforms, which will be described below.
[...]
Reform of uniforms and insignia of 1969.
This photograph clearly shows that during the transition period they could wear both the new uniform and the old one at the same time. The tanker on the left is dressed in an open ceremonial uniform mod. 1969 with shoulder straps and red buttonholes (according to the branch of service of the unit), the driver on the right is wearing a closed ceremonial uniform mod. 1956, which likely features crimson shoulder straps converted from pentagonal to hexagonal, which was common practice at the time. Lvov, 1970
Junior sergeant from the 11th Cavalry Regiment in the parade uniform mod. 1969, on which light blue shoulder straps with metal letters SA are sewn. Odintsovo, b/g.
Private in a motorized rifle engineering unit
units in ceremonial dress uniform arr. 1969 with shoulder straps with a red field, on which the metal letters SA are installed. November 1970
An ordinary artilleryman in a ceremonial uniform
arr. 1969. Shoulder straps with the letters "SA" made of polyvinyl chloride plaster. After 1980
Private artilleryman in a cotton casual field jacket mod. 1969 with sewn shoulder straps made of cotton suede, without letters. Early 1970s
Junior sergeant in a wool-blend jacket mod. 1969 with shoulder straps with the letters "SA" made of polyvinyl chloride film, topographic service emblems are installed on the buttonholes.
Private of the automobile troops in an overcoat. The shoulder straps on it are with letters made of polyvinyl chloride film, 25 mm high. Germany, 1981
In 1969-1973 The set of emblems on shoulder straps (buttonholes) for military personnel of the Soviet Army was revised. In July 1969, by order of the USSR Ministry of Defense No. 190, a new emblem was installed for the engineering troops, bearing both the old symbolism of these troops in the form of crossed axes, and a new one - a track-laying blade, an anchor, a mine, lightning, and all this - against the backdrop of a gear. The former engineering emblem was transferred to construction and engineering-airfield units and military builders.
According to the same order, the pipeline troops received their own emblem in the form of a five-pointed star, a node of a field main pipeline, an intersecting key and a hammer with a common frame in the form of oak leaves.
In 1971, instead of an adjustable wrench and a hammer, the chemical troops were given a new emblem in the form of a five-pointed star, bordered by oak branches and covered with a shield depicting a benzene ring and radioactive rays (Order of the USSR Ministry of Defense No. 75 of April 15, 1971).
[...]
Illustrations of shoulder straps.
On the ceremonial uniform of marshals and generals, sewn shoulder straps of golden (silver) color with piping in the color of the branch of service were worn. Silver was reserved for the generals of the medical and veterinary services and justice. In addition, these generals, as well as the artillery generals, had emblems on their shoulder straps.
On the shoulder straps of the Marshals of the Soviet Union, in the upper part the coat of arms of the Soviet Union with a diameter of 47 mm was embroidered in golden thread and colored silk, and below the coat of arms there was a golden five-pointed star edged with red silk with a diameter of 50 mm.
On the shoulder straps of the chief marshals of the military branches, a golden emblem of the military branch was embroidered in the upper part, and below the emblem was a golden five-pointed star with a diameter of 40 mm, edged with colored silk, framed by two laurel branches. The edging of the shoulder straps and the edging of the stars were colored according to the branch of the army. The shoulder straps of the marshals of the military branches were the same as the shoulder straps of the chief marshals, but without the star being framed with laurel branches.
Stars were embroidered on the generals' shoulder straps: silver ones on the golden field, silver ones on the silver field
- golden.
The ceremonial overcoat was equipped with removable hexagonal shoulder straps with a golden (silver) field, similar in appearance and arrangement of emblems and stars to the sewn ones. Sewn shoulder straps were also allowed.
Marshals of the military branches and generals wore sewn shoulder straps on their summer coats; Marshals of the Soviet Union wore detachable shoulder straps.
The everyday uniform of marshals and generals relied on shoulder straps with a field of silk
galuna of protective color. The coat of arms of the Soviet Union, stars, emblems, piping on the shoulder straps of the Soviet Marshals
Union and marshals of the military branches, everything was the same as on the shoulder straps for the ceremonial uniform. On the generals' everyday shoulder straps, the stars were golden. Sewn shoulder straps were worn on an everyday tunic, removable or sewn on a casual field overcoat, and removable on a bekesh.
The shirt shoulder straps have changed compared to 1957 in that the stars on them are no longer silver,
but golden. They also began to rely on golden metal buttons with the image
coat of arms of the Soviet Union, and not plastic, as before. Marshals already have buttons on their shirts
The shoulder straps were gold plated.
Hero of the Soviet Union Marshal of the Soviet Union K.S. Moskalenko and Lieutenant General V.N. Egorov among the participants in the meeting of excellent combat and political training students. Both of them are dressed in casual tunics with shoulder straps arr. 1958 with a khaki field. Late 1950s
The entire period of the existence of the USSR can be divided into several stages based on various epoch-making events. As a rule, changes in the political life of the state lead to a number of fundamental changes, including in the army. The pre-war period, which is limited to 1935-1940, went down in history as the birth of the Soviet Union, and special attention should be paid not only to the state of the material part of the armed forces, but also to the organization of the hierarchy in management.
Before the beginning of this period, there was a kind of disguised system by which the military ranks of the Soviet army were determined. However, quite soon the question arose about creating a more advanced gradation. Although ideology did not allow the direct introduction of a structure similar to the one currently in use, for the reason that the concept of an officer was considered a relic of the tsarist era, Stalin could not help but understand that such a ranking would help clearly establish the boundaries of the duties and responsibilities of commanders.
The modern approach to the organization of army subordination has one more advantage. The activities of personnel are greatly facilitated, since it was possible to develop individual functionality for each rank. It should be noted here that the transition to the introduction of officer ranks has been prepared for several years. The very fact that such concepts as “officer” or “general” were returning into use was perceived critically by military leaders.
Military ranks of the Workers 'and Peasants' Red Army
In 1932, a resolution of the Council of People's Commissars was issued, according to which the previously existing division into conventional categories was abolished. By December 1935, the transition to ranks was completed. But until 1943, the ranks of privates and junior officers still included job titles. The entire contingent was divided into the following categories:
- command staff;
- military-political;
- commander;
- military-technical;
- economic or administrative;
- medical and veterinary;
- legal;
- private.
If you imagine that each squad had its own specific ranks, it becomes clear that such a system was considered quite complex. By the way, it was only possible to finish off its remains closer to the 80s of the 20th century. Reliable information on this issue can be obtained from the edition of the military regulations of the Red Army Armed Forces dated 1938.
Stalin's strange decision
The totalitarian regime, which was especially pronounced during the Great Patriotic War, did not even allow thoughts contrary to the opinion of I.V. Stalin, and his decision to return shoulder straps and officer ranks to the Red Army was openly criticized not only in the foreign press, but also by the most prominent representatives of the Soviet command.
Reform in the army took place during the hottest stages of the war. At the beginning of 1943, the officers “returned” to their previous ranks and shoulder straps. Dissatisfaction was caused by the fact that the builders of communism had long ago renounced these archaisms.
By decision of the Presidium of the USSR Supreme Court, a corresponding Decree was adopted. Until now, historians consider such a decision somewhat strange.
- Firstly, only a person who clearly understands the ultimate goals can decide to reform the army during a period of active hostilities.
- Secondly, there is a certain risk that the soldiers will feel certain steps backward, which will significantly break their morale.
Although the end justifies the means, there is always a percentage probability of a positive outcome of the reform. Naturally, the Western press saw in this the first notes of the Soviet Union's loss in World War II.
It cannot be assumed that the new shoulder straps were an exact copy of the shoulder straps of Tsarist Russia, both the designations and the ranks themselves were significantly different. The lieutenant replaced the second lieutenant, and the captain replaced the staff captain. Personally, Stalin was the initiator of the idea of using stars on shoulder straps of different sizes.
For example, the highest ranks in the USSR army have since that time been designated by large stars (marshal - one star with a coat of arms). Only later did history reveal the real reason for the leader’s decision. At all times, the era of Peter's reforms was revered and evoked a feeling of patriotism. A return to that scheme establishing the rank of each soldier was supposed to inspire the soldiers of the Red Army. Despite the war, the USSR was preparing for the Great Victory, which means that Berlin had to be taken by officers whose ranks were consistent with the ranks of the allied countries. Was there a political motive to this? Definitely yes.
Military ranks in the 50s - 80s of the century
Shoulder straps and ranks in the USSR army were revised more than once until the end of its existence. Almost every decade in history has been marked by reforms. Thus, in 1955, the title “Admiral of the Fleet” was abolished, and the title “Admiral of the USSR Fleet” was established. Later, everything returned to its place with the interpretation “... for consistency between the ranks of senior officers.”
In the sixties, it was decided to designate education by adding the specialty of engineer or technician. The complete hierarchy looked like this:
- junior engineer lieutenant – engineer-captain;
- Major Engineer and further respectively.
- junior technical lieutenant - technical service captain;
- Major of Technical Services and further accordingly.
By the mid-eighties, the idea had matured to completely remove the previously existing line between command personnel, to equate the ranks of military personnel with different education levels, to establish a single training profile, and to bring the ranks of the ground forces and naval forces into line. Moreover, this correspondence does not consist only in consonance. The fact is that exercises are increasingly being held in which several branches of the military are involved simultaneously. For effective management of the army, the names of these branches began to be excluded from ranks. By a resolution of the Presidium of the USSR Armed Forces, military ranks in the Soviet army ceased to contain special articles.
Since 1969, the procedure for wearing military uniforms has been introduced. It is now divided into front, everyday, field and work. Work uniforms are required only for privates and non-commissioned officers undergoing military service. The shoulder straps of military personnel of the ground forces, air force and navy differ in color. For the category of sergeants, foremen, warrant officers and midshipmen, the following standard is established: SV - red shoulder straps, Air Force - blue, USSR Navy shoulder straps - black.
The corporal in pursuit wears a cloth stripe located across. The SV and Air Force shoulder straps contain the letters SA, which stands for “Soviet Army.” Navy shoulder straps are distinguished not only by color, but also by the presence of a gilded letter F. Since 1933, on the shoulder straps of a petty officer, the stripe has been located lengthwise, and before that it was supplemented by a transverse stripe, forming something like the letter “T”. Receiving the new rank of senior warrant officer since 1981 is accompanied by the addition of a third star on the shoulder strap.
By the way, in the modern army the warrant officer's stars are arranged transversely, and the senior warrant officer's stars form a triangle. During the Soviet era, these stars were lined up along the shoulder strap.
The shoulder straps for the officers' dress uniform were made in gold. The edgings and stripes had the same color differences as in the previous categories. Before the 1974 reforms, the army general wore shoulder straps with four stars. After the transformations, they were replaced by one large star together with the coat of arms of the USSR. The same can be said about Navy veterans.
Senior officers with the rank of marshal, in addition to the star on their shoulder straps, wore a special badge indicating the type of military service. Accordingly, it was added to the rank as an addition. This provision has been abolished only in the Russian army, which was formed in 1992. The highest rank in the Soviet Union is Generalissimo. Today the President of the Russian Federation is the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, and the marshal is considered the second in importance in the hierarchy.
Shoulder straps of SENIOR COMMAND STAFF (GENERALS, MARSHALS)FIELD EMAILS
A field of shoulder straps made of specially woven silk braid on a cloth lining. The color of the shoulder straps is protective. Color of shoulder straps: generals, artillery generals, tank troops, medical and veterinary services, senior commanders. composition of the military legal service - red; aviation generals - blue; generals of technical troops and quartermaster service - crimson.The stars on the shoulder straps were embroidered in silver, 22 mm in size. On the shoulder straps of generals of the medical and veterinary services and the highest command. members of the military legal service - gold, size 20 mm. The buttons on the shoulder straps with the coat of arms are gilded. On the uniforms of generals there is honey. services – gilded metal emblems; there is a breeze on the generals' uniforms. services - the same emblems, but silvered; on uniform of the highest beginning. members of the Supreme Legal Service - gilded metal emblems.
By order of the NKO of the USSR No. 79 dated February 14, 1943, shoulder straps were installed, including. and for the highest engineering and technical personnel of the signal troops, engineering, chemical, railway, topographic troops - to the generals of the engineering and technical service, according to the model established for the generals of the technical troops. From this order the highest beginning. The composition of the military legal service began to be called generals of justice.
EVERYDAY EPAILS
A field of shoulder straps made of galun of a special weave: made of gold wire.
For generals of medical and veterinary services, the highest level. members of the military legal service - made of silver wire. Color of shoulder straps: generals, artillery generals, tank troops, medical and veterinary services, senior commanders. composition of the military legal service - red; aviation generals - blue; generals of technical troops and quartermaster service - crimson.The stars on the shoulder straps were embroidered on a gold field - in silver, on a silver field - in gold. The buttons on the shoulder straps with the coat of arms are gilded. On the uniforms of generals there is honey. services – gilded metal emblems; there is a breeze on the generals' uniforms. services - the same emblems, but silvered; on uniform of the highest beginning. members of the Supreme Legal Service - gilded metal emblems.
By order of the NKO of the USSR No. 61 dated February 8, 1943, silver emblems were installed for artillery generals to wear on their shoulder straps.
By order of the NKO of the USSR No. 79 dated February 14, 1943, shoulder straps were installed, including. and for the highest engineering and technical personnel of the signal troops, engineering, chemical, railway, topographic troops - to the generals of the engineering and technical service, according to the model established for the generals of the technical troops. Probably from this order the highest beginning. The composition of the military legal service began to be called generals of justice.
These shoulder straps existed without fundamental changes until 1962, when by order of the USSR Ministry of Defense No. 127 of May 12, sewn shoulder straps with a steel-colored field were installed on the ceremonial overcoats of generals.
Over the 19 years of existence of lapel insignia, changes in Insignia And buttonholes Red Army small contributions were made.
The appearance of the emblems of the military branches and services changed, the colors of the edgings and buttonholes, the number of badges in the buttonholes, and the technology for producing badges underwent changes.
Over the years, as an additional element to the buttonholes, sleeve bands were introduced and abolished. stripes .
Many people get confused about military ranks; it’s all about changes in 391 orders.
For example, until the age of 40, the foreman had three triangles in his buttonhole and three stripes on the sleeve, and since 40, four.
Squares and rectangles defining military rank were colloquially called “kubari” or “cubes”, respectively, rectangles “sleepers”.
Diamonds and triangles had no slang names, with the exception of foreman, its four triangles were called "saw".
Artillery and armored troops used black buttonholes, but among tank commanders buttonholes were velvet. The emblem of artillerymen and motorists was introduced in the First World War, crossed cannons and winged wheels with a steering wheel for drivers. Both are still used today with minimal changes. The tankers have emblems in the form of miniature BT tanks. The chemists had two cylinders and a gas mask on their emblem. In March 1943 they were changed to hammer and wrench.
| Rank | Insignia V buttonhole | Sleeve insignia according to rank |
| middle and senior com. compound |
||
| Junior Lieutenant | One square | One square made of gold braid 4 mm wide, on top of the braid there is a gap of red cloth 10 mm wide, at the bottom there is a edging 3 mm wide |
| Lieutenant | Two squares | Two squares made of gold galloon 4 mm wide, between them there is a gap of red cloth 7 mm wide, at the bottom there is a edging 3 mm wide |
| Senior Lieutenant | Three squares | Three squares of gold braid, 4 mm wide, between them two gaps of red cloth, each 5 mm wide, with a 3 mm wide edging at the bottom. |
| Captain | One rectangle | Two squares made of gold galloon 6 mm wide, between them there is a gap of red cloth 10 mm wide, at the bottom there is a edging 3 mm wide |
| Major | Two rectangles | |
| Lieutenant colonel | Three rectangles | Two squares made of gold braid, the top 6 mm wide, the bottom 10 mm, between them there is a gap of red cloth 10 mm wide, at the bottom there is a 3 mm wide edging |
| Colonel | Four rectangles | Three squares made of gold braid, the top and middle 6 mm wide, the bottom 10 mm, between them two gaps of red cloth, each 7 mm wide, at the bottom a 3 mm wide edging |
| Political composition |
||
| Junior political instructor | Two squares | |
| Political instructor | Three squares | Red star with hammer and sickle |
| Senior political instructor | One rectangle | Red star with hammer and sickle |
| Battalion Commissar | Two rectangles | Red star with hammer and sickle |
| Senior battalion commissar | Three rectangles | Red star with hammer and sickle |
| Regimental Commissar | Four rectangles | Red star with hammer and sickle |
Regarding military ranks "of the 1935 model" The rank of “lieutenant colonel” is introduced for command personnel, and “senior battalion commissar” for military-political personnel.
On the buttonholes of the Army General there were five gilded stars, Colonel General- had four, the lieutenant general had three stars, the major general was supposed to wear two in his buttonholes. Komkor G.K. Zhukov was the first to receive the rank of army general.
The title of Marshal of the Soviet Union was established on September 22, 1935 by a resolution of the Central Executive Committee and the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR. The marshal was dressed in a general's uniform, the distinctions were red buttonholes, a gold embroidered star, laurel branches and at their crosshairs a hammer and sickle, sleeve squares with laurel branches embroidered in gold and large sleeve stars. Until the fortieth year, there was no ornament of laurel branches with a hammer and sickle on the marshal’s buttonholes.
The difference between the Marshal's buttonholes is clearly visible on Budyonny's uniforms. S.M on the left is the uniform of the 1936 model, and K.E. Voroshilov in a 1940 uniform
The first to be awarded the title of Marshal of the Soviet Union were Tukhachevsky, Voroshilov, Egorov, Budyonny and Blyukher.
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Front-line soldier Corporal 1 in a 1943 model uniform. Rank insignia from the buttonholes was transferred to shoulder straps. The SSh-40 helmet became widespread since 1942. At about the same time, submachine guns began to arrive in large quantities to the troops. This corporal is armed with a 7.62 mm Shpagin submachine gun - PPSh-41 - with a 71-round drum magazine. Spare magazines in pouches on the waist belt next to a pouch for three hand grenades. In 1944, along with the drum
Metal helmets, widely used in the armies of the world long before our era, lost their protective value by the 18th century due to the massive spread of firearms. By the time of the Napoleonic Wars in European armies, they were used primarily in heavy cavalry as protective equipment. Throughout the 19th century, military hats protected their owners, at best, from cold, heat or precipitation. The return to service of steel helmets, or
As a result of the adoption of two decrees on December 15, 1917, the Council of People's Commissars abolished all ranks and military ranks in the Russian army remaining from the previous regime. The period of formation of the Red Army. The first insignia. Thus, all soldiers of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army, organized as a result of the order of January 15, 1918, no longer had any uniform military uniform, as well as special insignia. Nevertheless, in the same year, a badge was introduced for soldiers of the Red Army
In the last century, during the Soviet Union, there was a highest rank of generalissimo. However, during the entire existence of the Soviet Union, not a single person was awarded this title except Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin. The proletarian people themselves asked for this man to be awarded the highest military rank for all his services to the Motherland. This happened after the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945. Soon the working people asked for such an honor
PILOT Introduced by order of the People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR 176 of December 3, 1935. The cap for command personnel is made of woolen fabric, similar to the French tunic. The color of the cap for the command staff of the air force is blue, for the command staff of the auto-armored forces it is steel, for all others it is khaki. The cap consists of a cap and two sides. The cap is made on a cotton lining, and the sides are made of two layers of main fabric. Front
Oleg Volkov, senior reserve lieutenant, former commander of the T-55 tank, gunner of the 1st class gun. We have been waiting for her for so long. Three long years. They waited from the very minute they exchanged their civilian clothes for soldier's uniforms. All this time she came to us in our dreams, during breaks between exercises, shooting at firing ranges, studying materiel, outfits, drill training and other numerous army duties. We are Russians, Tatars, Bashkirs, Uzbeks, Moldovans, Ukrainians,
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FITTING, ASSEMBLY AND SAVING UNIFIED MARKING EQUIPMENT OF THE RKKA MANAGEMENT STAFF order of the USSR RVS 183 1932 1. General provisions 1. The uniform equipment of the command personnel of the ground and air forces of the Red Army is supplied for supply in one size, designed for the greatest growth of the command personnel and wear on top overcoats and warm workwear, leather clothing, fur clothing with waist and shoulder belts in three sizes 1
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FITTING, ASSEMBLY AND SAVING UNIFIED MARKING EQUIPMENT OF THE RKKA MANAGEMENT STAFF order of the USSR RVS 183 1932 1. General provisions 1. The uniform equipment of the command personnel of the ground and air forces of the Red Army is supplied for supply in one size, designed for the greatest growth of the command personnel and wear on top overcoats and warm workwear, leather uniforms, fur clothing with waist and shoulder belts in three sizes 1 size, namely 1 Equipment
The entire period of the existence of the USSR can be divided into several stages based on various epoch-making events. As a rule, changes in the political life of the state lead to a number of fundamental changes, including in the army. The pre-war period, which is limited to 1935-1940, went down in history as the birth of the Soviet Union, and special attention should be paid not only to the state of the material part of the armed forces, but also to the organization of the hierarchy in management. Before the beginning of this period there was
The era, a couple of decades long, which begins after the Bolsheviks came to power, was marked by numerous changes in the life of the once former Empire. The reorganization of almost all structures of peaceful and military activities turned out to be a rather lengthy and controversial process. In addition, from the course of history we know that immediately after the revolution, Russia was overwhelmed by a bloody civil war, which was not without intervention. It is difficult to imagine that initially the ranks
Winter uniform of the Red Army 1940-1945. OVERCOAT Introduced by order of the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR 733 dated December 18, 1926. Single-breasted overcoat made of gray overcoat cloth. Turn-down collar. Concealed clasp with five hooks. Welt pockets without flaps. Sleeves with stitched straight cuffs. At the back, the fold ends in a vent. The strap is fastened to the posts with two buttons. The overcoat for command and control personnel was introduced by order of the People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR
The Soviet system of insignia is unique. This practice cannot be found in the armies of other countries of the world, and it was, perhaps, the only innovation of the communist government; the rest of the order was copied from the rules of the army insignia of Tsarist Russia. The insignia of the first two decades of the existence of the Red Army were buttonholes, which were later replaced by shoulder straps. The rank was determined by the shape of the figures: triangles, squares, rhombuses under a star,
Insignia of Red Army military personnel by rank, 1935-40. The period under consideration covers the time from September 1935 to November 1940. By the Decree of the Central Executive Committee and the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR dated September 22, 1935, personal military ranks were established for all military personnel, which strictly correlated with the positions held. Each position has a specific title. A serviceman may have a rank lower than that specified for a given position, or corresponding. But he can't get
Official insignia of the Red Army military personnel of 1919-1921. With the coming of the Russian Communist Party to power in November 1917, the new leaders of the country, based on the thesis of K. Marx about replacing the regular army with the universal armament of the working people, began active work to eliminate the imperial army of Russia. In particular, on December 16, 1917, by the decrees of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee and the Council of People's Commissars on the elective beginning and organization of power in the army and on the equal rights of all military personnel, all military ranks were abolished
The clothing of military personnel is established by decrees, orders, rules or special regulations. Wearing a naval uniform is mandatory for military personnel of the state armed forces and other formations where military service is provided. In the Russian armed forces there are a number of accessories that were in the naval uniform of the times of the Russian Empire. These include shoulder straps, boots, long overcoats with buttonholes
In 1985, by Order of the Minister of Defense of the USSR 145-84, a new field uniform was introduced, the same for all categories of military personnel, which received the common name Afghanka. The first units and units located on the territory of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan received it. In 1988 In 1988, Order of the USSR Ministry of Defense 250 dated March 4, 1988 introduced the wearing of a dress uniform by soldiers, sergeants and cadets without a jacket in a green shirt. From left to right
MAIN QUARTERMAN DIRECTORATE OF THE RED ARMY INSTRUCTIONS FOR LAYING, FIT, ASSEMBLY AND WEARING MARKING EQUIPMENT OF THE RED ARMY INFANTRY FIGHTER MILITARY PUBLISHING DATE NPO USSR - 1941 CONTENTS I. General provisions II. Types of equipment and composition of the kit III. Equipment fit IV. Stowing equipment V. Making an overcoat roll VI. Assembling equipment VII. Procedure for donning equipment VIII. Instructions for operating equipment IX.
Continuity and innovation in modern military heraldry The first official military heraldic sign is the emblem of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation established on January 27, 1997 by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation in the form of a golden double-headed eagle with outstretched wings holding a sword in its paws, as the most common symbol of the armed defense of the Fatherland, and a wreath is a symbol of the special importance, significance and honor of military labor. This emblem was established to indicate ownership
Considering all the stages of the creation of the Russian armed forces, it is necessary to dive deeply into history, and although during the time of the principalities there is no talk of the Russian empire, and even less of a regular army, the emergence of such a concept as defense capability begins precisely from this era. In the 13th century, Rus' was represented by separate principalities. Although their military squads were armed with swords, axes, spears, sabers and bows, they could not serve as reliable protection against outside attacks. United Army
The emblem of the Airborne Forces - in the form of a parachute surrounded by two aircraft - is known to everyone. It became the basis for the subsequent development of all symbols of airborne units and formations. This sign is not only an expression of the serviceman’s belonging to the winged infantry, but also a kind of symbol of the spiritual unity of all paratroopers. But few people know the name of the author of the emblem. And this was the work of Zinaida Ivanovna Bocharova, a beautiful, intelligent, hardworking girl who worked as a leading draftsman at the headquarters of the Airborne Forces
This attribute of military equipment has earned its rightful place among others, thanks to its simplicity, unpretentiousness and, most importantly, complete irreplaceability. The name helmet itself comes from the French casque or from the Spanish casco skull, helmet. If you believe the encyclopedias, then this term refers to a leather or metal headdress used to protect the head by military and other categories of persons operating in dangerous conditions by miners,
Until the end of the 70s, the field uniform of the KGB PV was not much different from that of the Soviet Ground Army. Unless it’s green shoulder straps and buttonholes, and the more frequent and widespread use of KLMK camouflage summer camouflage suit. At the end of the 70s, in terms of the development and implementation of special field uniforms, some changes occurred, which resulted in the appearance of summer and winter field suits of a hitherto unusual cut. 1.
Summer uniform of the Red Army for the period 1940-1943. SUMMER GYMNASTER FOR COMMAND AND MANAGEMENT STAFF OF THE RED ARMY Introduced by order of the People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR 005 of February 1, 1941. The summer tunic is made of khaki cotton fabric with a turn-down collar fastened with one hook. At the ends of the collar, khaki-colored buttonholes with insignia are sewn. The gymnast has a chest plate with a clasp
Camouflage clothing appeared in the Red Army back in 1936, although experiments began 10 years earlier, but it became widespread only during the war. Initially, these were camouflage suits and capes of spotted color with spots in the shape of amoebas and were unofficially called amoeba in four color schemes: summer, spring-autumn, desert and for mountainous regions. In a separate row are white camouflage coats for winter camouflage. Much more mass produced.
Even during World War II, squads of Marines struck terror into German soldiers. Since then, the latter have been given a second name: black death or black devils, indicating inevitable reprisals against those who encroach on the integrity of the state. Perhaps this nickname has something to do with the fact that the infantryman wore a black peacoat. Only one thing is known for certain: if the enemy is afraid, then this is already the lion’s share of victory, and, as you know, the motto is considered a symbol of the Marine Corps
USSR Navy staff sleeve insignia Information presented on this page, order numbers, etc. , based on materials from the book by Alexander Borisovich Stepanov, Sleeve Insignia of the Armed Forces of the USSR. 1920-91 I Patch of anti-tank artillery units ORDER OF THE PEOPLE'S COMMISSIONER OF DEFENSE OF THE USSR dated July 1, 1942 0528
Order on the Naval Forces Workers-Cross. Red Army 52 of April 16, 1934 Specialists of private and junior command personnel, in addition to sleeve insignia, also wear specialty insignia embroidered on black cloth. The diameter of round signs is 10.5 cm. The circumference of signs according to specialties for long-term servicemen is embroidered with gold thread or yellow silk, for conscripts with red thread. The design of the sign is embroidered with red thread.
June 3, 1946 in accordance with the resolution of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, signed by J.V. Stalin, the Airborne Troops were withdrawn from the Air Force and subordinated directly to the Ministry of the Armed Forces of the USSR. Paratroopers at the November 1951 parade in Moscow. The sleeve insignia on the right sleeve of those walking in the first rank is visible. The resolution ordered the Chief of Logistics of the USSR Armed Forces, together with the Commander of the Airborne Forces, to prepare proposals
By order of the Revolutionary Military Council of the Republic 572 of April 3, 1920, sleeve insignia of the Red Army were introduced. A detailed analysis of the history of patches and chevrons of the Red Army of all periods in the Voenpro material. Introduction of sleeve insignia of the Red Army stages, features, symbolism Distinctive sleeve insignia are used to identify military personnel of certain branches of the military. To better understand the specifics of the sleeve insignia of the Red Army and the chevrons of the Red Army, we recommend
Soviet mountain riflemen in an ambush. Caucasus. 1943 Based on the significant combat experience gained during the Great Patriotic War, the Main Directorate of Combat Training of the GUBP Ground Forces of the Red Army took up a radical solution to the issues of providing the latest weapons and equipment to the Soviet infantry. In the summer of 1945, a meeting was held in Moscow to discuss all the problems facing combined arms commanders. At this meeting, presentations were made by
In the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army of the Red Army, in the summer they wore ankle boots, or boots, and in the cold winter they were given felt boots. In winter, senior command personnel could wear burka winter boots. The choice of shoes depended on the rank of the serviceman; officers were always entitled to boots and on the position they held. Before the war, many improvements and changes took place in the field
From buttonholes to shoulder straps P. Lipatov Uniforms and insignia of the ground forces of the Red Army, internal troops of the NKVD and border troops during the Great Patriotic War The Workers' and Peasants' Red Army of the Red Army entered the Second World War in a uniform of the 1935 model. Around the same time, they acquired their usual We see the appearance of Wehrmacht soldiers. In 1935, by order of the People's Commissariat of Defense of December 3, new uniforms and insignia were introduced for all personnel of the Red Army
They do not emit a warlike roar, they do not sparkle with a polished surface, they are not decorated with embossed coats of arms and plumes, and quite often they are generally hidden under jackets. However, today, without this armor, unsightly in appearance, it is simply unthinkable to send soldiers into battle or ensure the safety of VIPs. Body armor is clothing that prevents bullets from penetrating the body and, therefore, protects a person from shots. It is made from materials that dissipate
Various types of small arms and bladed weapons that were in service with the partisans. Captured weapons of the partisans. Various independent modifications of Soviet and captured weapons. Actions of the partisans behind enemy lines; damage to power lines, posting propaganda leaflets, reconnaissance, destruction of traitors. Ambushes behind enemy lines, destruction of enemy columns and manpower, Explosions of bridges and railway tracks, methods
PERSONAL MILITARY RANKS OF MILITARY SERVANTS 1935-1945 PERSONAL MILITARY RANKS OF MILITARY SERVANTS OF THE GROUND AND SEA FORCES OF THE RKKA 1935-1940 Introduced by resolutions of the Council of People's Commissars 2590 for the ground and air forces of the Red Army and 2591 for the naval forces of the Red Army KKA dated September 22, 1935. Declared by order of the People's Commissar of Defense 144 of September 26, 1935. Rank and command personnel Political composition
The Red Army used two types of buttonholes: everyday color and field protective. There were also differences in the buttonholes of the command and command staff, so that the commander could be distinguished from the chief. Field buttonholes were introduced by order of the USSR NKO 253 of August 1, 1941, which abolished the wearing of colored insignia for all categories of military personnel. It was ordered to switch to buttonholes, emblems and insignia of completely green khaki color
Uniforms of the Red Army Headdresses of the Red Army Sleeve insignia Sleeve insignia Sleeve insignia Sleeve insignia Sleeve insignia Sleeve insignia Sleeve insignia Sleeve insignia Sleeve insignia Sleeve insignia Sleeve insignia Sleeve insignia
We will have to start the story about the introduction of insignia in the Soviet army with some general questions. In addition, a short excursion into the history of the Russian state will be useful so as not to formulate empty references to the past. The shoulder straps themselves represent a kind of product that is worn on the shoulders to indicate a position or rank, as well as the type of military service and service affiliation. This is done in several ways: attaching strips, sprockets, making gaps, chevrons.
On January 6, 1943, shoulder straps were introduced in the USSR for personnel of the Soviet Army. Initially, shoulder straps had a practical meaning. With their help, the belt of the cartridge bag was held on. Therefore, at first there was only one shoulder strap, on the left shoulder, since the cartridge bag was worn on the right side. In most of the world's navies, shoulder straps were not used, and rank was indicated by stripes on the sleeve; sailors did not wear a cartridge bag. In Russia shoulder straps
Commanders IVAN KONEV 1897-1973, commanded the Steppe Front during the Battle of Kursk. He graduated from school at the age of 12, then became a lumberjack. He was mobilized into the tsarist army. During the Civil War, he joined the Red Army and fought as a commissar in the Far East. In 1934, he graduated from the Frunze Academy and became a corps commander. In 1938, Konev commanded the Separate Red Banner Army as part of the Far Eastern Front. But to lead military action against
Commanders Vasily Ivanovich Chuikov Born on February 12, 1900 in Serebryanye Prudy, near Venev, Vasily Ivanovich Chuikov was the son of a peasant. From the age of 12 he worked as a saddler's apprentice, and when he turned 18 he joined the Red Army. In 1918, during the Civil War, he participated in the defense of Tsaritsyn and later Stalingrad, and in 1919 he joined the CPSU and was appointed regiment commander. In 1925, Chuikov graduated from the Military Academy. M.V. Frunze, then participated
Even before the First World War, a uniform appeared in the Russian army, consisting of khaki trousers, a tunic shirt, an overcoat and boots. We have seen it more than once in films about the Civil and Great Patriotic Wars. Soviet uniform from World War II. Since then, several uniform reforms have been carried out, but they mainly affected only the dress uniform. The piping, shoulder straps, and buttonholes in the uniforms changed, but the field uniform remained virtually unchanged.
MINISTRY OF DEFENSE OF THE USSR RULES FOR WEARING MILITARY UNIFORM BY SERGEANTS, Sergeants-Major, SOLDIERS, SAILORS, CADETS AND TRAINERS OF THE SOVIET ARMY AND NAVY IN PEACETIME Order of the Minister of Defense of the USSR. General provisions. Uniform for long-term service sergeants. Uniform for conscript sergeants and long-term and conscript soldiers. Uniform for military school cadets. Suvorov students' clothing uniform
MINISTRY OF DEFENSE OF THE UNION SSR RULES FOR WEARING MILITARY UNIFORMS BY SOVIET ARMY AND NAVY SERVICEMEN in peacetime I. GENERAL PROVISIONS II. MILITARY UNIFORMS Uniforms of marshals of the Soviet Union, marshals of military branches and generals of the Soviet Army Uniforms of admirals and generals of the Navy Uniforms of officers of the Soviet Army Uniforms of female officers of the Soviet Army
MINISTRY OF DEFENSE OF THE UNION SSR RULES FOR WEARING MILITARY UNIFORMS BY SOVIET ARMY AND NAVY SERVANTS Order of the Minister of Defense of the USSR 191 Section I. GENERAL PROVISIONS Section II. MILITARY UNIFORM Chapter 1. Uniform of Marshals of the Soviet Union, marshals of military branches and generals of the Soviet Army Chapter 2. Uniform of officers and sergeants of long-term service of the Soviet Army Chapter 3. Uniform of female officers
MINISTRY OF DEFENSE OF THE UNION SSR RULES FOR WEARING MILITARY UNIFORM BY SOVIET ARMY AND NAVY SERVANTS Order of the USSR Minister of Defense 250 Section I. BASIC PROVISIONS Section II. UNIFORM OF SOVIET ARMY SERVANTS. Chapter 1. Uniform of Marshals of the Soviet Union, army generals, marshals of military branches and generals of the Soviet Army Chapter 2. Uniform of officers, warrant officers and long-term military personnel
MINISTRY OF DEFENSE OF THE UNION SSR RULES FOR WEARING MILITARY UNIFORM BY SOVIET ARMY AND NAVY SERVANTS Order of the USSR Minister of Defense 250 Section I. BASIC PROVISIONS Section II. UNIFORM OF SOVIET ARMY SERVANTS. Chapter 1. Uniform of marshals and generals of the Soviet Army Chapter 2. Uniform of officers, warrant officers and long-term servicemen of the Soviet Army Chapter 3. Uniform of clothing
We continue to talk about the uniform of the Red Army. This publication will focus on the period 1943-1945, that is, the very height of the Great Patriotic War, and attention will be paid to the changes in the uniform of the Soviet soldier that occurred in 1943. An Air Force senior sergeant with his father, who is a major. Winter and summer uniforms, 1943 and later. The winter tunic looks neat and clean, the summer one looks dirty
Military uniforms, which include all items of uniform, equipment, and insignia established by the highest government bodies for personnel of the state’s armed forces, not only make it possible to determine the affiliation of military personnel to the types and branches of the military, but also to distinguish them by military rank. The uniform disciplines military personnel, unites them into a single military team, helps to improve their organization and strict performance of military duties.
Victor Saprykov
The uniform of a serviceman, be it an officer or a private, has always attracted attention. It emphasizes that a person belongs to the defenders of the Fatherland and testifies to the special discipline, smartness and other high qualities of a person in military uniform. One of its most important attributes is shoulder straps - the insignia of military personnel.
In the Red Army they were introduced in accordance with the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated January 6, 1943 at the request of the People's Commissariat of Defense of the USSR. For the personnel of the Navy, shoulder straps as insignia are also established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of February 15, 1943.
That was the time of the beginning of a radical change in the course of the Great Patriotic War. The prestige of the Soviet Army grew, and the authority of its rank and file and commanders increased. This was reflected in the introduction of shoulder straps, which served to determine the military rank and affiliation of military personnel to a particular branch of the military or service. The introduction of new insignia also pursued the goal of further strengthening the role and authority of military personnel.
When establishing a sample of new insignia, the experience and insignia of the Russian army that existed before 1917 were used. Even before the introduction of shoulder straps in Russia in the 16th-17th centuries, the initial people (officers) of the Streltsy troops differed from the rank and file in the cut of their clothes, weapons, and also had a cane (staff) and mittens or gloves with wrists. They first appeared in the regular Russian army created by Peter I in 1696. Back then, shoulder straps served only as a strap to keep the gun belt or cartridge pouch from slipping off the shoulder. Shoulder straps were an attribute of the uniform of the lower ranks. The officers did not have guns and therefore did not need shoulder straps.
Shoulder straps began to be used as insignia in Russia with the accession to the throne of Alexander I, in 1801. They indicated belonging to a particular regiment. The number depicted on the shoulder straps indicated the number of the regiment in the Russian army, and the color indicated the number of the regiment in the division.
This is what officer's shoulder straps looked like at the start of the First World War.
Shoulder straps made it possible to distinguish a soldier from an officer. Officer's shoulder straps were first trimmed with galloon (a patch of gold or silver braid on uniforms). In 1807, they were replaced by epaulettes - shoulder straps ending on the outside with a circle on which insignia were placed: since 1827, these were stars indicating the military rank of officers and generals. One star was on the epaulettes of the ensign, two - on the second lieutenant, major and major general, three - on the lieutenant, lieutenant colonel and lieutenant general, four - on the staff captain. Captains, colonels and full generals did not have stars on their epaulettes.
In 1843, insignia were introduced on the shoulder straps of lower ranks. One stripe (a narrow transverse stripe on shoulder straps) went to the corporal, two to the junior non-commissioned officer, three to the senior non-commissioned officer. The sergeant major received a 2.5 centimeter wide transverse stripe on his shoulder strap, and the ensign received the same one, but located longitudinally.
In 1854, changes occurred in the insignia of officers and generals: shoulder straps were introduced for everyday (camping) uniforms. The ranks of officers were indicated by the number of stars and colored gaps (longitudinal stripes) on their shoulder straps. One colored gap was on the shoulder straps of officers up to and including the staff captain, two gaps were on the shoulder straps of officers from major and above. The ranks of generals were indicated by the number of stars and the zigzag gap on their shoulder straps. As for the previously introduced epaulettes, they were left only on ceremonial uniforms.
Shortly before the start of the First World War, khaki shoulder straps were introduced on the marching uniforms of the Russian army.
Soon after the October Revolution of 1917, by decree of the Soviet government, shoulder straps, like other insignia and distinctions of the old army, were abolished.
The first insignia in the Red Army were introduced in January 1919. Made of red cloth, they were sewn onto the left sleeve of the tunic and overcoat above the cuff. The stripes consisted of a five-pointed star, under which insignia were placed - triangles, cubes, rhombuses. They represented commanders at various levels.
In 1922, these geometric insignia were attached to sleeve flaps, very similar to shoulder straps. They were made in different colors, each of which corresponded to a specific type of army. In 1924, another innovation was introduced: triangles, cubes, and diamonds were moved to the buttonholes. They were replenished with another geometric figure - a sleeper, which was a rectangle in shape. They designated representatives of the senior command staff: one - captain, two - major, three - colonel.
In December 1935, in connection with the introduction of personal military ranks, insignia began to be established according to the assigned rank. Rank insignia was placed on the buttonholes and sleeves above the cuffs. The color of the buttonhole, sleeve flap and their edging indicated a certain type of troops. The insignia, compared to those installed in 1924, has remained almost unchanged in appearance. For recognition of additionally established military ranks, the following insignia were introduced: for a junior lieutenant - one square, for a lieutenant colonel - three, and for a colonel - four rectangles. The four-dice combination disappeared completely. In addition, the rank of Marshal of the Soviet Union was introduced, denoted by one large gold star on a red collar flap with gold edging.
In July 1940, general military ranks were established. Their insignia was placed on their buttonholes: a major general had two gold stars, a lieutenant general had three, a colonel general had four, and an army general had five.
Shoulder straps introduced into the Red Army in 1943.
At the beginning of 1941, new insignia for junior commanding officers were introduced - triangles placed on the buttonholes: one for a junior sergeant, two for a sergeant, three for a senior sergeant, four for a sergeant major.
In this form, the insignia remained in the Red Army until the introduction of shoulder straps.
The shoulder straps of Soviet military personnel had much in common with pre-revolutionary ones, but did not coincide with them in everything. The 1943 Red Army officer's shoulder straps were pentagonal, not hexagonal. True, unlike the army, naval officer's shoulder straps had a hexagonal shape. Otherwise they were similar to the army ones.
Now, unlike previous examples of military insignia, the color of army shoulder straps indicated not the regiment number, but the branch of the army. The shoulder straps became five millimeters wider than the pre-revolutionary ones. Field and everyday samples have been established. Their main difference is that the color of the field, regardless of the type of troops (service), was khaki with piping according to the color of the type of troops.
The field of the everyday shoulder strap of a senior and middle officer was made of gold silk or gold braid (a patch made of tinsel braid on uniforms), and for the engineering and command staff, quartermaster, medical and veterinary services, it was made of silver silk or silver braid.
The shoulder straps of the middle command personnel had one gap, and the shoulder straps of the senior command personnel had two gaps. The number of stars indicated the military rank: one for a junior lieutenant and major, two for a lieutenant and lieutenant colonel, three for a senior lieutenant and colonel, four for a captain.
Officer's shoulder straps, model 1946, with a field of silk braid.
There was a rule according to which silver stars were worn on gilded shoulder straps, and vice versa, gilded stars were worn on silver shoulder straps. There was an exception to this rule for the veterinary service - veterinarians wore silver stars on silver shoulder straps.
On army shoulder straps there was a gilded button with a star with a hammer and sickle in the center, on navy - a silver button with an anchor.
The shoulder straps of marshals of the Soviet Union and generals, unlike soldiers' and officers', had six corners. They were made from gold-colored braid of special weave. The exception was the shoulder straps of generals of the medical and veterinary services and justice. These generals had narrow silver shoulder straps. One star on the shoulder straps meant a major general, two - a lieutenant general, three - a colonel general, four - an army general.
The shoulder straps of the Marshals of the Soviet Union depicted the colored coat of arms of the USSR and a gold five-pointed star formed by an appropriately shaped red edging.
On the shoulder straps of junior commanders, the stripes that appeared in the Russian army in the mid-19th century were restored. As before, a corporal had one stripe, a junior sergeant had two, and a sergeant had three.
The former wide sergeant major's stripe has now been transferred to the shoulder straps of a senior sergeant. And the foreman received a so-called “hammer” (format of the letter “T”) for his shoulder straps.
With the change in insignia, the rank of “Red Army soldier” was replaced by the rank of “private”.
In the post-war period, there were some changes in shoulder straps. So, in October 1946, a different form of shoulder straps for officers of the Soviet Army was established - they became hexagonal. In 1963, the 1943 model sergeant's shoulder straps with the sergeant's hammer were abolished. Instead, a wide longitudinal braid is introduced, like a pre-revolutionary ensign.
In 1969, gold stars were introduced on gold shoulder straps, and silver stars on silver ones. Silver general's shoulder straps are being abolished. All of them became gold, framed with an edging according to the type of troops, with gold stars.
In 1973, the following codes were introduced on the shoulder straps of soldiers and sergeants: SA - denoting membership in the Soviet Army, VV - internal troops, PV - border troops, GB - KGB troops and K - on the shoulder straps of cadets.
In 1974, new army general shoulder straps were introduced to replace the 1943 model shoulder straps. Instead of four stars, a marshal's star appeared on them, above which was the emblem of motorized rifle troops.
In the Russian Federation, in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of May 23, 1994, subsequent Decrees and the Decree of March 11, 2010, shoulder straps remain insignia of military ranks of military personnel of the Russian Armed Forces. According to the change in the essence of the socio-political system, characteristic changes were made to them. All Soviet symbols on the shoulder straps have been replaced with Russian ones. This refers to buttons with the image of a star, hammer and sickle or the colored coat of arms of the USSR. As amended by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation dated February 22, 2013 No. 165, a specific description of the insignia by military rank is given.
Modern insignia of Russian military personnel.
In general, the shoulder straps remain rectangular, with a button at the top, with a trapezoidal top edge, with a field of braid of a special weave in a golden color or the color of the clothing fabric, without piping or with red piping.
In aviation, the Airborne Forces (Airborne Forces) and the Space Forces, a blue edging is provided; in the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation, the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation and the Special Objects Service under the President of the Russian Federation, there is a cornflower blue edging or no edging.
On the shoulder strap of the Marshal of the Russian Federation, on the longitudinal center line there is a star with a red edging; above the star is an image of the State Emblem of the Russian Federation without a heraldic shield.
On the shoulder of an army general there is one star (larger than that of other generals), a colonel general has three stars, a lieutenant general has two, and a major general has one star. The color of the edging on the shoulder straps of all generals is set according to the type of troops and type of service.
The fleet admiral has one star on his shoulder strap (larger than other admirals), the admiral has three, the vice admiral has two, and the rear admiral has one. On all admiral's shoulder straps, the stars are superimposed on gray or black rays, with golden anchors located on black pentagons in the center of the stars.
Shoulder straps of senior officers - colonels, lieutenant colonels, majors, in the navy, captains of 1st, 2nd and 3rd ranks - with two gaps; junior officers - captains, captain-lieutenants, senior lieutenants, lieutenants and junior lieutenants - with one clearance.
The number of stars is an indicator of the military rank of a particular officer. Senior officers have three, two and one stars, respectively, junior officers have four, three, two, one, starting from a higher level. The stars on the shoulder straps of senior officers are larger than the stars on the shoulder straps of junior officers. Their sizes have a ratio of 3:2.
The shoulder straps of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation were established taking into account the improvement of military uniforms in general over the centuries-old history of the Russian and Russian troops. Their modern appearance indicates a desire to improve the quality and practicality of uniforms in general, and to bring them into line with the changing conditions of military service.