More about the uniform...

The M-1985 summer officer field uniform has its origins in the khaki VDV uniform that was first shown to the West during exercise 'Zapad 81'.  It had a few differences from the earlier VDV uniform - it was worn over the trousers rather than tucked inside, it lacked suspenders, and it featured two cargo pockets that the M-1981 VDV uniform lacked.

The tunic also featured two breast pockets, which, like the cargo pockets were fastened by two plastic buttons.  The shoulder pockets were secured with velcro (which was a new feature for Soviet uniforms).  A drawstring around the waist also helped improve the fit of the uniform.

The uniform's trousers feature two open pockets at the hip and two thigh pockets secured by plastic buttons.  The fly has a hook and eye closure and a row of buttons.  A small synthetic leather/cloth belt is worn with the trousers.  Stirrups at the end of each leg are fitted with a button fastener to improve the fit of the trousers when bloused into boots.

It should be noted that this uniform is identical to the enlisted uniform in every way except for the attached insignia and belts.

Service Chronology

The M-1985 summer officer field uniform was a significant break from the earlier 1969 pattern.  It was a truly modern design that combined comfort with functionality.

After it was adopted in 1985 it became a symbol of the Soviet presence in Afghanistan.  They continued to be worn after the fall of the Soviet Union until 1994 when they were officially superseded by the Russian Federation camouflage 'VSR' uniforms.  These were identical in cut, but printed with a camouflage pattern instead of being of the basic khaki color.