Special differences in the shape of the airborne forces. Demobilization uniform and what it means Air Force Demobilization uniform

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About the tradition of returning home in demob uniform

Why did such a tradition become established? It dates back to Soviet times. The reason is clear: soldiers are waiting for the day of transfer to the reserve, dreaming of it as a holiday... It marks a change in their rhythm of life from regulated by service to personal. People who have matured dream about the future arrangement of their lives: work, well-being, finding a soul mate. But first... demobilization must take place.

Obviously, such an event is a kind of milestone in the life of young men preparing for discharge from demobilization. Such clothing is not intended for military everyday life or military holidays. It corresponds only to the mental state of one person - its owner. Her mission is quite fleeting in time: to decorate the return home, to demonstrate to family, friends, and acquaintances that the soldier, having served the Motherland honestly and like a man, is finally with them.

Sometimes its creation is a kind of kitsch, an attempt to stylize an ordinary soldier's uniform to give it extravagance and loudness. Stripes, aiguillettes, badges, and chevrons are used.

What should be observed in demobilization clothing?

Let us also note that demobilization forms are not completely impromptu. After all, it is, after all, done by the “grandfather” (a conscript soldier who served for a year and a half). Oddly enough, when creating them, several rules must be followed:

insignia are placed in accordance with the canons approved by the statutes;
the creator of an exclusive form must observe moderation and taste when decorating it.

It is curious that maintaining the above-mentioned tradition was not always observed by military personnel.

The phenomenon of demobilization uniform is a plus for the army

For example, in the 1990s, memorable for the trend of negative attitudes towards the army, demobilized people went home in civilian clothes.

A paradoxical psychological tendency can be traced: if demobilizers use demobilization uniforms for the way home, then this indirectly indicates the prestige of military service.

In other words, a soldier who follows such a tradition actually demonstrates his loyalty to the army, expressing pride in the very fact of his service in a kitschy form accessible to him.

In addition to his uniform, he also takes home his demobilization album, which is both a chronology of his service and a memory of his colleagues.

Problem: preservation of demobilization uniform

Anyone who served in military service knows: it is not so difficult to prepare such military clothing as to preserve it. What is the problem? It exists in the case of formal relations between company officers and soldiers.

The charter gives superiors the right to monitor subordinates' compliance with the dress code. Commanders can and must periodically check the personal belongings of soldiers and sergeants, seizing items not provided for by regulations. Theoretically, demobilization uniforms also fall into the risk group. Usually, demobilization personnel store it in the company storeroom (kapterka) in their registered compartments.

And although everyone knows that a soldier will not wear such clothing during combat service, and that such violation of uniform by demobilization should not be expected, commanders often confiscate and destroy such clothing.

Is it smart in a purely human sense to put such pressure on subordinates? Not at all. Reasonable construction of superior/subordinate relationships presupposes respect for the human person. Indeed, why traumatize a person who expressed pride in his service by creating a personal uniform? A reasonable boss will try not to notice this little detail, turn a blind eye to it, warmly thank the soldier for his service, and tell the demobilized man, stunned with happiness, how to get home without any problems.

On the other hand, the confiscation of the demobilization uniform by the commander is justified if it implies obvious mockery of the regulations, a mockery of the army way of life.

The demobilization uniform is strict

Of course, this article would be incomplete without a brief description of how to make a demobilization uniform. However, there is a nuance here. After all, by and large, there are two types of such clothing:

strict form of demobilization;
demobilization uniform is exclusive.

Which one is preferable? There is no single answer here. Of course, this is a matter of demobilization taste. However, if the retiree has a sense of style, then we would recommend the first option. It is more restrained; it provides for individual modifications to the standard soldier's uniform, verified in practice over many generations of demobilization.

This is, for example, the classic demobilization form of air defense. We list the improvements to the strict form of demobilization:

jacket and trousers tailored to fit in the studio (if necessary);
an additional chevron of the military branch sewn onto the jacket;
inserts under the shoulder straps of the jacket (the latter retain their flat shape and decorate the contour of the shoulder);
homemade shoulder straps for a shirt (they are not provided for in the form, but craftsmen make them to their liking);
modified shape of the “aerodrome” cap (achieved by increasing the ribbon spring inserted into the rim);
standard military badges of the branch of service, class, sports categories, etc., arranged in the prescribed order.

By the way, according to experts, the naval demobilization uniform looks especially spectacular. Below we will tell you more about it.

Unique options

The exclusive demobilization uniform gives greater scope to the author's imagination. It’s much easier to go overboard here, expressing bad taste instead of originality. What can you say about her? This form of clothing is motivated to hide from the authorities. The commander is guaranteed not to understand such a flight of creative imagination.

What is she like? Firstly, it automatically includes modifications to the strict demobilization form. Secondly, it includes a number of other improvements:

velvet-lined shoulder straps, pocket flaps, sleeves;
replaced buttons;
chevrons atypical for the branch of service;
the edges of the form are trimmed with white edging;
shoulder straps converted into epaulets;
voluminous lining for shoulder straps;
abundance of icons;
aiguillettes.

Briefly about the winter version

The winter demobilization uniform additionally includes an overcoat modified with a wire comb to the state of a fur coat, judging by the length and density of the pile. It is also advisable to add an officer’s hat, scarf and leather gloves to it. Similar clothing is described in Yu. Polyakov’s story “One Hundred Days Before Dembilization.”

Let us note that such an exclusive should not be undertaken without proper taste and modesty. Everything is good in moderation. It’s bad if people start making fun of a soldier who served his Motherland with dignity. After all, as you know, people greet you by their clothes...

Demobilization uniform of sailors

Modern commodity-money relations, coupled with smartphones, provide conscripts with a service - the opportunity not to bother with the handicraft production of such clothing, but simply order the size you need by choosing it on the website. There are no boundaries for perfection! Do you need a Navy demobilization uniform?

Please: Navy ceremonial flank, already equipped with a tunic, badges, and aiguillette. Made to order, plus (optional) your wishes.

The service is amazing: there is even an interest-free installment plan and (which is important for conscripts) free storage of finished products in a warehouse. Standard delivery time is 2 weeks, expedited delivery time is 1 week.

However, buying is not a trick! The thoughtful reader, of course, is interested in how the Navy demobilization uniform is made. We are quite ready to answer this question:

the hems of pea coats, tunics, and overcoats are shortened;
an additional chevron of the “Navy” type is sewn on, etc.;
The naval belt plate is being finalized (the corners are ground down, a bend is given, the anchor is polished);
the belt itself is wrinkled in a special way “like leather” and painted brown;
shoulder straps with two capital letters of the name of the fleet are made;
the peakless cap is given a slope, a wire rim is inserted into it for lateral curvature;
the trousers flare downwards to the width of the shoes and taper at the hips (the latter is an immemorial naval tradition).

By the way, the demobilization uniform of the Marine Corps is similar to it. It additionally includes the replacement of flannel stripes with similarly shaped fragments machined from red. Aiguillettes are additionally installed on the tunic. The vertical surface of the shoe sole was ground down until it was inclined.

Air force demobilization uniform

The Air Force demobilization uniform is made on the basis of the field uniform. It can be purchased online by sending your measurements to the manufacturer: height, chest circumference, waist circumference, sleeve length, headdress size. The purchase is made by 100% payment, 50% prepayment and interest-free installments.

The kit of the purchased uniform includes a jacket, “modified” with blue velvet shoulder straps or chevrons attached using semi-rigid relief linings, as well as a blue improved beret.

However, the Air Force demobilization uniform can be made independently. To do this, the serviceman must purchase a set of field uniforms made from digital fabric and modify it. You will need to spend money on purchasing additional chevrons and aiguillettes at the military store. Specific flight badges and insignia should be obtained. Blue velvet is bought in a civilian retail chain.

There is one auxiliary detail for giving the ideal shape to shoulder straps, chevrons, and stripes. It is made by hand from cellophane and white fabric. This is a semi-rigid lining. To make it you need a minimum of materials: cellophane and a piece of old bleached sheet. The tools you will need are a hot iron and scissors.

The technology is simple: two layers of fabric are glued together using cellophane using a hot iron. This is followed by another layer of cellophane, fabric, etc. The product is simple, but the shoulder straps and chevrons sewn with it are not visually lost, they are accentuated and look prominent.

Infantry and its demobilization uniform

Demobilized infantry uniform is an outdated name. Now this branch of the army is called differently - motorized rifle. What are these clothes? Judging by the examples we saw, it is similar to the Air Force uniform described above.

The differences are predictable: instead of blue velvet, black is used, specific insignia for the branch of the military: chevrons, buttonholes, badges of military affiliation, class, etc. Instead of a blue beret, black is used. In general, the cut of the field uniform, vest, aiguillettes, and sewn trousers are identical.

Ministry of Internal Affairs and Internal Troops

The demobilization uniform differs from the military one, perhaps, only in the color of the camouflage - “numbers”. Grayish colors predominate (after all, they belong to the Ministry of Internal Affairs). Another traditional color characteristic of the special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is maroon. Representatives of the special forces units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs are especially proud of their maroon beret. Military personnel receive it only after successfully completing quite complex qualification tests, including tough and uncompromising contact hand-to-hand combat.

For demobilization of internal troops, everything is much simpler; you just need to purchase the above-mentioned beret. After all, they have long chosen both the maroon velvet shoulder straps and the maroon velvet linings on their pockets.

The demobilization form of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (the department is the same) is similar to the Internal Troops form. But the berets here are not maroon, but intense black.

To conclude the presentation of the material in this article, let us dwell on a small detail of demobilization clothing - the collar, which soldiers also succinctly call “hemming.” It is sewn on the inside of the collar for hygiene purposes. The unwritten regulation establishes the differences between the Dukhovsky collar - “herring” - and the demobilization collar: multi-layered, with a piping sewn inside to maintain a smooth volumetric contour of the upper part of the hem. Some creative demobilizers equip the collar with informative “DMB” embroidery.

Instead of a conclusion

Having described the various options, we still recommend that soldiers and sergeants approach the transformation of their demobilization uniform, adhering to the principle of minimalism. We emphasize: this is purely our point of view. After all, a military uniform should not resemble a carnival outfit. Although, on the other hand, it is, of course, worth modifying clothes to give them a more presentable look.

Firstly, it must initially match the figure. It is allowed to have it sutured, but only in a military studio. You can sew on (one!) chevron of the military branch. Badges of sports categories and combat class should first be earned by yourself, and only then decorated with them on your jacket. Then it will be more pleasant for you to tell your family and friends about your service. Shoulder straps should preferably be reinforced with flat inserts. It is worth working on the shape of your headdress if it is far from the classic shape.

A fresh vest, a discharge collar - it all makes sense.

A reasonable strategy for demobilization is to carry a specially prepared demobilization uniform, folded, to the destination of your train ticket. And only on the eve of leaving the train to put it on. Perhaps, you can also, without advertising it, take a few photos in it the day before with your most loyal friends in the service directly in the barracks.

You should not demonstrate it to idle colleagues in the service - you will lose it (one of the “well-wishers” may report it to the “wrong” commander). Moreover, it is contraindicated to walk around the territory of the unit in it. After all, your pride in what you have done (and quite a lot of work) can be interpreted as “flatly” as possible - as arrogant and causing a violation of the dress code.

The uniform of the pre-war Airborne Forces was the same as in the 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 suit. On the collar of the overalls there were sewn buttonholes with 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.

Uniform in the Soviet army

The 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. The soldiers of the 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 uniform of that time, Soviet paratroopers can be seen in parachute overalls, helmets and goggles even during parades.

Before parachute jumping, Airborne Forces commanders 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.

Early examples of paratrooper uniforms

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

Russian Airborne Forces uniform

Let's fast forward to a modern airborne unit, together with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. In February of this year, he visited the 74th separate motorized rifle brigade, known since the Chechen war. Now the brigade is located in Ugra. The soldiers and officers were dressed in new uniforms, which are not afraid of any frost.

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.

The 2014 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. 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.

You can buy an Airborne Forces uniform in the Voenpro online store. 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.

Form for demobilization

The modern demobilization uniform of the Airborne Forces is especially different. A paratrooper who has served his military service can be seen from afar, and it is impossible to confuse him with anyone. This is a brave, handsome man in a blue beret, a vest with blue stripes, blue stripes on his jacket, and with all kinds of decorations. In general, demobils who served in the Airborne Forces are considered the standards of modern military fashion.

On May 9, 2014, during a military parade on Red Square, the dress uniform of the Russian Airborne Forces was presented in all its glory. Almost all units of our country’s airborne troops are already equipped with modern uniforms. With this, the Airborne Forces command emphasizes its concern for the health of soldiers and officers. Future paratroopers are trained at any time of the year, in unbearable heat and severe frosts, so the uniform must ideally match any natural conditions.

Hello! If you are reading this article, then you can be congratulated, because this means that your DMB is just around the corner. Just a little more and you will become a civilian again, and this is that long-awaited real holiday that you have been waiting for throughout your entire service in the army!

Therefore, it is not at all surprising that you are interested in the treasured demobilization uniform, because everyone wants to return home beautifully, so to speak, with crosses all over their chest!

The demobilization uniform itself is not even a thing, but a whole ritual, and it means almost more to every soldier than a wedding dress to a bride.

Admit it, you, like hundreds of other soldiers, dreamed of leaving for demobilization gracefully!? However, let's sort out all the intricacies of this issue in order, so that you will be remembered as a real soldier, and not a general of the motorized sewing troops.

What's better to wear for demobilization?

In my opinion, the answer is obvious, of course, this is a demobilization uniform. You can leave in civilian clothes, but, firstly, these are things bought in a hurry during the last dismissal, and they are far from the best quality. Everyone knows that you can’t make a living on a conscript soldier’s salary.

Secondly, in civilian life you will still have time to walk around, but to walk around, perhaps for the last time, in full demobilization uniform - this, I tell you, is worth a lot.

Summer demobilization uniform

Summer is a wonderful time of year, and leaving for demobilization in the summer is a pleasure. Here you have a huge selection of different types and options for the uniform in which you will find your DMB, starting from the usual field uniform and ending with the front or, as many call it, office uniform - it is also known as “office” in common parlance. Which option you prefer is up to you to decide, because this is your demobilization.

Winter demobilization uniform

Winter is a beautiful time of year, needless to say! Many people mistakenly believe that it is stupid to go on demobilization in the winter in uniform. However, tell me, what could be more beautiful than snow on the shoulder straps of a soldier’s greatcoat?! Winter demobilization from the front or, as it is also called, office uniform looks great in any bad weather!

Make it yourself or buy a ready-made demobilization uniform

After you have firmly decided to go to demobilization in uniform, a logical question arises: how to make this same demobilization uniform and isn’t it easier to order a ready-made one via the Internet? Let's look at this moment too.

Make a demob with your own hands

Undoubtedly, most of you have already grabbed a sewing kit, but it would not be amiss to touch on the intricacies of creating a demobilization uniform. Remember that before you make the uniform yourself, you will need special demobilization attributes, and finding everything you need in the army is not an easy task.

You should also remember that the process of preparing your demobilization is not fast, I would say, not very fast, and you are not the only one who wants to make yourself a uniform for the coveted DMB. So imagine that for about a month, a good half of your conscription sits and prepares the form. Oh, I don’t think the sergeant major or the officers will appreciate this.

Let's move on! Whatever one may say, your DMB is still a month away, or even more, so the form will need to be stored somewhere. By the way, I don’t remember that conscripts were allowed to have at least something more than a single copy.

This is exactly what happened during my service in the army, when the sergeant major saw this improvised warehouse for demobilization uniforms. He threw away half of our supplies, explaining that they would be useful for demobilization from the motorized sewing troops, and forced the other part to be restored to its original state, after which it disappeared in the bowels of the storehouse. As a result, my colleagues and I lost both time and money, and went to demobilization in what we served.

Looking back at my experience, you can’t help but wonder if it was worth doing it yourself. However, if even such serious obstacles on the path to your cherished dream of making a demobilization uniform with your own hands have not cooled your ardor, then first read the approximate list of prices for a budget demobilization uniform and its mandatory attributes.

Price of demobilization attributes:

Summer uniform – 3000-4000 rubles.
Winter uniform – 6000-8000 rubles.
Berts – 2000-6000 rubles.
Chevrons and stripes – 300-500 rubles.
Aiguillette and accessories – 300-1000 rubles.

Agree, it turns out to be quite a substantial amount, and for many this form will turn out golden. Please note that here is an approximate price for the minimum required demobilization attributes. However, there is an alternative - a custom-made demobilization uniform!

Order a ready-made demobilization uniform

Now a telephone in the army will not surprise anyone, the Internet is also not a global problem. That is why, instead of making a demobilization uniform with your own hands, you can easily order it via the Internet.

What will this give you? Here's what:

Firstly, You will be calm, both for your money and for your work, because no one will throw away your uniform;
Secondly, you can order a demobilization uniform of any type and type of troops you want and, moreover, inexpensively;
Third, You don’t have to hide anything and embroider, looking for all your hands in the evenings, because the uniform will be delivered to you right at the DMB.

Now you yourself understand perfectly well that it is much easier, cheaper and simpler to buy a ready-made demobilization unit, choosing what you need from a variety of options, and not what was left on the showcase of the military trade after the influx of conscripts like you.

How much does a ready-made demobilization uniform cost:

Demobilization uniform of the ground forces — from 3800 rubles
Naval demobilization uniform — from 6800 rubles
Front (office) — from 7300 rubles

To sum up our discussion, we can conclude that it is much easier and cheaper to order a ready-made demobilization uniform and wait for the parcel than to buy God knows what and God knows where, and then also sew at night, fearing that the uniform will not survive to your DMB.

Undoubtedly, the choice is yours, because this is your DMB and you decide what is best to wear for demobilization! Once again I would like to congratulate you on the near completion of your military service, which became a difficult lesson for you. I would like to sincerely wish you good luck in your future endeavors.

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:

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.
A reserve parachute, 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.

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:

	Average command staff	Average command staff
Summer:	over the everyday uniform there is a camouflage jumpsuit of reconnaissance military groups, a cap, chrome boots, a traffic police machine gun, and command equipment.	Over the everyday uniform there is a camouflage jumpsuit, a cotton or cloth cap, tarpaulin boots, a rifle (after the fall of 1941 a PPSh assault rifle), and equipment.
Winter:	over the casual uniform there is a jacket with a fur collar, equipment and weapons, a hat with earflaps and high boots.	a white camouflage robe over an overcoat, weapons and equipment.

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

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 model 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.

The editors of the site hope that readers do not shy away from military service. You can read how they are punished for evading the army on this website.

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 airborne force was developed. The prototype was the uniform of the army of the President of the Congo.

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.

Dress 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, a beret has become part of the ceremonial set of clothing, replacing the cap.

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.

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.

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.

What is the demobilization uniform of paratroopers?

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 more 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.