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.

[k3rvmfusa]

My sources have conflicting information about when the camo uniform was issued. Dennis Desmond's Camoflage Uniforms the recent airborne camo uniform came out in 1981/1982, although the first published photo of it was from a Red Square parade in 1985. Voennaya Odezhda Vooruzhennikh Sil SSSR I Rossii gives the year of introduction for the VDV camo uniform as 1985.

Given that new uniforms were not universally introduced simultaneously, the unit in Germany may or may not have been issued the new camo uniform. Moreover, some units had priority over others in obtaining the latest gear. Finally, the photographic record indicates that sometimes both khaki and camo are seen together.

Insignia/badges. It would appear that the enlisted blue epaulets, officers' epaulets sleeve shield insignia, and all breast badges would be worn during parades. For field dress, officers would wear subdued collar insignia and subdued stars attached directly to the epaulets. Soviet uniform regs indicate that NCOs were to attach subdued (dark red) stripes on their epaulets. I haven't seen any photos to document the style (and if actually used) worn by VDV.

Bottom Line: You can make a case for going either with khaki uniforms or camo.

The attached graphic depicts the M1985 VDV camo uniform.

[k3rvmfusa]

This graphic shows that both khaki and camo jump suits were worn at the same time. Can't confirm that these men are all from the same unit. They are VDV troops loading a "jeep" type vehicle in the back of a Mi-8 HIP. Photo circa 1989-1990, inside the USSR.

[k3rvmfusa]

This is the classic 1980s look: VDV soldier participating in wargames, and not wearing a field uniform. Boots appear to be standard jackboots.

[k3rvmfusa]

VDV officers in camo uniform and blue beret. Subdued rank stars are visible. Hard to make out if subdued collar insignia are present -- if they were, they would be attached directly to the collar (no OD felt collar tabs). Photo from Russian VDV pamphlet; photo appears to be from late 1980s to early 1990s.

[k3rvmfusa]

This photo shows a VDV officer wearing the field cap instead of the beret. Interestingly enough, he is wearing the subdued enlisted star instead of the subdued officer's oval on his cap. The subdued airborne collar tab insignia and subdued rank stars are visible.