Army Service Patches of the Soviet Superpower (1960-1978) |
Army Uniform Patches The Soviet army had used a variety of insignia to designate the branch or length of service of its soldiers. During the late 1960's the Ministry of Defense chose to adopt the distinctive sleeve patches that characterized the late Soviet era. Yet, while the most obvious, they were not the only patches that were used during this time. Wound stripes of one sort or another had been used since the Tsarist era, and continued to serve during the Cold War. Length of service and school stripes were also used during this era. Samples of these various patches can be seen in this section. |
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Patches, and Awards of the Soviet Superpower |
Once the basic patches were established, the Ministry of Defense continued to make minor changes. The first was to institute a patch of the traffic control troops. This brought them in line with the rest of the military forces. The early 1970's saw several additional changes. Chemical and topographical troops were separated and each given their own service patch. A new cavalry patch was also instituted for the remaining ceremonial cavalry unit in Moscow. |
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On 13 August 1969 the Ministry of Defense issued Order #200 which combined the Traffic Control and Commandant Services into a single Commandant Service (1). These units had a special uniform with its own unique patch which was worn while on duty. It was sewn on both sleeves of both the summer and winter jackets 12 centimeters from the top point of the sleeves. |
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A new badge for the chemical troops was established by Ministry of Defense issued Order #75 on 15 April 1971. It was made of thermally molded plastic and can be seen in the picture to the left. (1) When the rank of warrant officer (praporshik) was introduced in on 4 December 1971 Ministry of Defense Order #275 decreed that the warrant officers would wear the branch of service patch in a manner identical to extended servicemen. (1)(2) | ||
On 27 April 1972 the Ministry of Defense issued Order #91 which established a special parade uniform for the 11th Cavalry Regiment of the Moscow Military District. (1) A new cavalry patch worn on both sleeves was part of this uniform. The uniform was also worn by the Sport Cavalry Squadron of the Army Central Sports Club. In all cases these patches were made of embroidered silk for officers and of thermally molded plastic for enlisted men. | ||
A further change was made on 1 November 1973 when the Ministry of Defense issued Order #250 in which the Military Topography Service patch was to have a star in the middle of the crossed wrench and hammer (1). This was done so that the patch would better match the emblem of that service. |
Wound
Stripes These small 40mm long stripes were awarded to those who had suffered wounds in action. They came in two variants: Red for light wounds and Yellow for serious wounds. (2) |
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Light Wound Stripe | Heavy Wound Stripe |
First Wound |
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Coming Soon!! |
Second Wound |
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Third Wound |
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Coming Soon!! |
Works Cited (1) Stepanov, A., Нарукавных Знаки Вооруженных Сил СССР. 1920-1991 (1), Moscow: Zeughaus, 1999. Print. (2) Prilutskaya, N. V. and N. L. Kortunova, ВОЕННАЯ ОДЕЖДА ВООРУЖЕННЫХ СИЛ СССР И РОССИИ (1917-1990), Moscow: Military Publishing, 1999. Print. |