11-27-2008, 07:38 AM
This was worn by a grief-stricken KGB-Border Guard-spetsnaz-airborne guy after a night of remorseful drinking when he couldn't find his green arm patch. For all you skeptics out there - prove it didn't happen. ;)
Actually, the MVD spetsnaz began wearing such red/crimson berets before the break up of the Soviet Union. I have a magazine article somewhere from the '89-'90 era that showed MVD spetsnaz in KMK camouflage doing group martial arts and also in close combat gear storming a mock-up of a bus and airplane. The berets in which they prided themselves were described as krapovii, for which I haven't been able to find a decent translation - I think I saw somewhere "mottled", which doesn't necessarily correspond with red or crimson(?). The present day Russian-language monthly magazine Bratishka is dedicated to MVD spetsnaz and often features pictures of present and veteran members wearing such crimson colored headgear. From what I've read it is apparently a difficult selection process and the berets must be earned.
The beret may be genuine Soviet/Russian manufacture and I think the mix of insignia was subsequently added. Of course anything is possible...
Actually, the MVD spetsnaz began wearing such red/crimson berets before the break up of the Soviet Union. I have a magazine article somewhere from the '89-'90 era that showed MVD spetsnaz in KMK camouflage doing group martial arts and also in close combat gear storming a mock-up of a bus and airplane. The berets in which they prided themselves were described as krapovii, for which I haven't been able to find a decent translation - I think I saw somewhere "mottled", which doesn't necessarily correspond with red or crimson(?). The present day Russian-language monthly magazine Bratishka is dedicated to MVD spetsnaz and often features pictures of present and veteran members wearing such crimson colored headgear. From what I've read it is apparently a difficult selection process and the berets must be earned.
The beret may be genuine Soviet/Russian manufacture and I think the mix of insignia was subsequently added. Of course anything is possible...
