Red Army, RKKA , Soviet Union (USSR) 1918-1991

The military uniforms, headgear, and insignia of the Red Army and the Soviet Union underwent significant changes from their inception in 1917 until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. These changes reflected the evolving political, military, and technological landscape. Below is an overview of key elements of these uniforms and insignia:

1. Early Red Army Uniforms (1917–1920s)

• Design: The first Red Army uniforms were based on those of the Imperial Russian Army, with distinct changes to make them more utilitarian. The early uniforms were made of wool and were simple in design, in line with the Bolshevik's commitment to the "workers' and peasants' army."
• Colors: The primary color for uniforms was typically drab green, brown, or khaki.
• Headgear: The "budyonovka," a distinctive, peaked, woolen cap with a star on the front, became the most recognizable headgear of the early Red Army. Named after Soviet commander Semyon Budyonny, it was worn by many soldiers during the Russian Civil War.

2. Soviet Military Uniforms (1930s–1940s)

• Reform and Standardization: In the early 1930s, Soviet military leadership, including figures like Marshal Kliment Voroshilov, standardized the military uniform to reflect a more modern and efficient approach. The Soviet Union sought to create a unified look for its forces, combining functionality with ideological messaging.
• Colors: Army uniforms became more standardized with the introduction of olive green as the primary color for the army.
• Headgear: In the 1930s, the M35 helmet, a steel helmet designed to protect soldiers in combat, became the standard. It replaced earlier headgear and became iconic during the Great Patriotic War (World War II).
• Insignia: The early insignia were based on military ranks but adapted to Soviet ideology. Red stars became a symbol of the Red Army and were featured prominently on various items, including caps and collars. Officers also wore distinctive epaulettes and badges to denote rank and unit.

3. WW2 War (1941–1945)

• Uniforms during WWII: The design of uniforms during World War II largely remained similar to those in the late 1930s, with olive green being the main color. The khaki, cotton, and woolen uniforms were suited to the extreme conditions of the Eastern Front.
• Headgear: The M35 steel helmet remained in use. The pilotka (side cap), a soft cloth cap, became a common headgear for soldiers during the war.
• Insignia and Decorations: During the war, a number of medals, orders, and ribbons were introduced to reward soldiers for heroism. The Order of the Patriotic War, for example, was one of the most prestigious awards given for bravery. The red star insignia was a key symbol for soldiers, and rank insignia were often worn on the shoulder epaulettes.

4. Post-WWII and Cold War Period (1945–1991)

• Uniform Evolution: After the war, uniforms underwent periodic changes, but they generally retained the same olive green color scheme. However, different branches of the military (army, navy, air force) had slight variations in their uniforms.

  • Army: The typical dress uniform included a green woolen tunic, trousers, and boots. Officers were often seen with distinctive epaulettes to indicate rank.
  • Navy: The Soviet Navy's uniform was known for its sailor's collar and distinctive white and black color scheme, reminiscent of Russian Imperial Naval traditions.
  • Air Force: Air Force uniforms were marked by a distinct blue color and often featured a blue pilotka cap.

• Headgear: The M40 (Soviet helmet) was adopted in 1940 and became a staple of Soviet military headgear. For ceremonial events or formal military parades, the fur ushanka (a fur hat with ear flaps) was worn during winter months.

• Insignia and Ranks: The structure of military ranks became more standardized after World War II. The Soviet system included both military rank insignia (epaulettes, shoulder straps) and award insignia, such as the Hero of the Soviet Union decoration and various medals and orders.

  • Red Star: The red star remained a dominant feature on insignia and rank marks, symbolizing the Soviet commitment to communism and the revolutionary cause.
  • Orders and Medals: Soviet soldiers and officers wore various decorations on their uniforms, including the Order of Lenin, Order of the Red Banner, and Order of the Patriotic War, which were highly prestigious awards.

5. Soviet Army Uniforms in the 1970s-1980s

By the late 20th century, the Soviet military uniform remained relatively unchanged, although there were some adjustments. Some key features:

• Uniforms: The military uniforms remained practical with minor tweaks. For instance, the use of synthetic fibers in materials became more common. The woolen and cotton tunics were replaced with lighter versions.
• Caps and Insignia: The red star and rank insignia were still central to military dress, with the fur ushanka remaining a popular winter item, and the summer pilotka cap remained in use.
• Special Forces and Elite Units: Units like the Spetsnaz (special forces) had distinctive uniforms with camouflage patterns, while elite units often had unique insignia and headgear.