1980s VDV

[Willi Sänger]

I'm looking to put together a circa 1986 VDV "Western Group of Forces-oriented", e.g., the 106th Guards VDV Division) field uniform as they would have appeared on a exercise in East Germany (unsure yet if I want to do an officer or a career NCO - its for living histories and I make an unconvincing 20 year old!).

Unfortunately, most US sources are vague when it comes to details of Soviet-era field uniforms. For example before the adoption of the woodland uniform:
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1. would a VDV officer wear the greenish 'Afghan' field uniform? 2. Was this worn under the KMLK burlap camouflage in Europe?
Would he wear rank distinctions as it appears the enlisted VDV soldiers did? In the Soviet 'SOVFOTO' photograp on page 58 of Osprey Elite 5, Soviet Block Elite Forces looks like a senior lieutenant in that uniform closest to the camera (I go by photographs, not the plates).
2. Were rank distinctions (collar tabs and shoulder boards) worn on the woodland uniform?
2, Are the current Russian paratrooper's boots the same type as were worn by the USSR's VDV in the 1980s? 1980s and 1990s. Western sources' illustrations (plates) show VDV troopers in knee boots, but photographs indicate they wore lace up boots as well as showing VDV air assault (but not necessarily para) troopers in knee boots.

Also I have to research the field gear... I believe the RD-54 harness and RD-54 airborne pack is correct but ?

So, what I am looking to get is 'the right stuff' for a head-to-toe, skin-out mid-1980s (actually, 1986) VDV field uniform as they would have appeared on a exercise in East Germany.