More about the uniform...

The 1994 pattern armor vehicle crewman coveralls were adopted in the early 1990's alongside the other 'VSR' pattern camouflage uniforms possibly as early as 1991. (1)

Like other uniforms of the era it did not differ from its predecessor in cut or design.  The tunic retained the traditional armor patch over the right pocket.  The left pocket contained a holster for the Makarov pistol with a zipper closure, while the right pocket could hold additional ammunition magazines.

As with all armor coveralls, rank insignia were not worn - in Soviet times they were only worn in staged photography shoots for military newspapers. (2)

The new regulations officially adopted the 'VSR' camouflage uniforms as the new standard, replacing the Soviet era black M-1972 coveralls as the new M-1994 pattern.  Information regarding the khaki coveralls is less certain, but it is likely that they would also be replaced by the 'mountain' color variation of the 'VSR' pattern.  While these uniforms would be the official type used, the older khaki and black M-1972 uniforms would continue in service until they were completely supplanted by the new design.

As mentioned earlier, the jacket of the M-1994 pattern tankist uniform of identical cut as the M-1972 two piece black coveralls.  To the left you can see the zipper and snap button closure of the Makarov pistol pocket.  The inside of the holster is made of a low quality plastic.

In fact, the entire uniform is made of a lighter, seemingly lower quality, fabric than either the black or khaki patterns that preceded it.  Numerous loose threads can be found and the fabric feels so thin that it would rip if put to hard use.

The trousers (seen below) continued to use the fabric belt with brass rings and buckle.  This is also of a lower quality/lighter weight when compared to the earlier designs.  Two open hip pockets and two thigh level pockets with single button snap closures allow for additional storage.

Deployment Chronology

The M-1994 VSR pattern tank coveralls were introduced in the early 1990's as part of a new camouflage standard for the Russian armed forces.  In this role, the uniform would replace the black two-piece coveralls that had been in use since 1972.  It is uncertain whether the mountain color variant also replaced the khaki version of the M-1972 coveralls, but this seems likely once existing stocks were depleted.

In 1998 a new tank coverall made in the 'Arbuz' or 'Flora' pattern was introduced.  This uniform would replace the 'VSR' variant across the armed forces of the Russian Federation.