These yellow service stripes were introduced in 1974 to show the number of years a conscript soldier had served.  Each stripe denoted one year of service and were worn 20 centimeters from the high shoulder point of the right sleeve of the greatcoat.  They measured 80mm by 10mm and were made of thermally molded plastic and cloth.  These stripes were abolished in 1982 in a move against 'unofficial regulations'. (1)
  

In 1971 the Soviet Defense Ministry created the rank of Praporchik (Warrant Officer) for the Soviet Army in an effort to develop a class of skilled extended servicemen.  It was decreed that these warrant officers would wear length of service chevrons to show how long they had served.  These were worn on the left sleeve 16mm above the lower cuff edge on both the tunic and the greatcoat. (1)

Chevrons for enlisted men were re-established by USSR Ministry of Defense Order #190 on June 26th, 1969.  These were gold lace chevrons sewn onto fabric.  The branch of service dictated the color of the background that the lace was attached to.  Army would use red or khaki backing depending on the uniform.  Airborne forces would use a light blue background. (1)

Thin chevrons 6mm wide and 45mm long would be worn for each year less than five, while wide chevrons that measured 13mm wide and 45mm long would be used to denote periods of five years. (1)  They were not very popular and were rarely worn by re-engaged servicemen (those serving beyond their initial conscription period).