Uniform Infantry Red Army , Soviet Union 1918-1991

The Marshal's tunic of the Red Army (RKKA) and the Soviet Union was a distinctive and highly formal uniform that symbolized the rank of Marshal of the Soviet Union, the highest possible military rank in the Soviet armed forces. The uniform worn by marshals, as well as by generals in the Soviet Union, had specific features, design elements, and symbols that denoted their elite status. Here’s a detailed overview of the Marshal's tunic and the General's uniform in the Red Army and Soviet Union.

1. Marshal's Tunic (Red Army and Soviet Union)

Design and Features of the Marshal's Tunic:

• Fabric and Color: The Marshal’s tunic was typically made of high-quality wool or fabric. It was dark green in color for most Soviet military personnel, but Marshals wore specially tailored versions with distinctive gold and metallic embellishments, giving it a more ceremonial and prestigious look.
• Cut and Fit: The tunic was form-fitting, with a sharp, military cut that emphasized authority. The fit was tailored for ease of movement, but also to project a strong, commanding appearance. The gold braid and epaulettes made the tunic even more distinguished.

Collar and Epaulettes:

• Collar: The collar of the Marshal's tunic was distinctive, often made of contrasting materials like black velvet or cloth for higher-ranking officers. The collar insignia would feature stars or golden embroidery to denote rank.
• Epaulettes: Epaulettes were a key feature of the Marshal’s uniform. They were typically gold or silver, with elaborate embroidery. Marshals wore multiple stars on their epaulettes to denote their supreme status.
  • The red star was the most common insignia, and the number of stars could indicate specific distinctions in rank. Marshals usually had two stars, but sometimes they wore additional decorations for ceremonial purposes.

Insignia and Rank:

• The marshal's star was the most significant part of the insignia, worn on the shoulder epaulette or the cap. This gold star was the symbol of the Marshal of the Soviet Union and was larger and more ornate than the standard officer’s stars.
• The gold stars were accompanied by additional decorations on the tunic itself, such as orders, medals, and ribbons of various Soviet awards.

Awards and Decorations:

• The Marshal's tunic was often decorated with prestigious Soviet orders and medals, such as the Order of Lenin, Order of the Patriotic War, and other high-ranking awards. Marshals would wear a collection of ribbons on the left chest area to showcase their military achievements.

Tunic and Belt:

• The Marshal’s tunic was worn with a black leather belt, which was used to cinch the waist of the tunic. The belt had a simple, functional look, but it also added to the formal appearance of the uniform.
• The buckle was often ornate, sometimes featuring Soviet symbols, like the hammer and sickle or the red star.

Pants:

• Dark green trousers were worn with the Marshal’s tunic, usually with red piping down the sides. This red piping was an iconic element that distinguished the Red Army's elite officers from lower ranks. These trousers were tailored to match the high standards of the uniform.

2. General's Tunic (Red Army and Soviet Union)

Design and Features of the General's Tunic:

• The general's uniform was similar to the Marshal's tunic but with less ornate features. The general’s uniform was still distinguished by its quality and design but was less extravagant than the marshal's version.
• Fabric and Color: General’s tunics were also made from high-quality wool, often in dark green, olive, or khaki shades. These were practical and suited for field or dress purposes.
• Shoulder Straps (Epaulettes): Generals wore shoulder straps or epaulettes that displayed their rank with stars and stripes. These epaulettes would generally have two stars for the rank of major general or lieutenant general, and more stars for higher-ranking generals.

Rank Insignia:

• The general's uniform would feature gold or silver stars on the shoulder straps (epaulettes) that indicated their rank. The most senior generals could have three stars, while junior generals wore fewer stars.
• Gold or silver stripes on the epaulettes also denoted specific ranks, with more stripes being used for higher-ranking generals.

Collar Insignia:

• The collar of the general's tunic would also have distinctive rank insignia, often embroidered in gold or silver thread. General officers typically had gold stars or other symbols indicating their prestigious status.

Awards and Decorations:

• Generals wore medals and orders on their chest, often including the Order of Lenin, Order of the Patriotic War, and other significant Soviet military honors.
• The decorations were arranged by importance, with the most prestigious awards placed at the top near the neck.

Belt and Pants:

• Like the Marshal's uniform, generals also wore black leather belts with gold buckles that had Soviet symbols, such as the red star or hammer and sickle.
• The pants worn by generals were similar to those worn by marshals, typically dark green with red piping on the sides

   

   

  Marshal's Uniform vs. Stalin's Special Uniform

  • Joseph Stalin wore a unique version of the Generalissimo uniform during World War II when he held the title of Generalissimo of the Soviet Union.
  • Stalin's uniform was similar to that of a Marshal's, but it had some specific distinctions, including:
    • The gold-embroidered star with more decorative elements, emphasizing his supreme position over the military.
    • A special golden belt buckle and more distinct collar insignia.
    • The tunic itself was made with slightly higher-quality fabrics and featured more distinctive gold piping and symbols that marked his status as the head of state and military supreme leader.