06-18-2003, 04:07 AM
I remember reading a history of the NVA (National People's Army), and it mentioned that the East Germans introduced Soviet-style uniforms for their militias and border guards. Because of negative reaction from the public, they abandoned it for uniforms more reminiscent of the Wehrmacht. Pretty funny for a government that claimed a complete break from the history and responsibilty of the previous Nazi regime.
Some of this is reflected in West Germany, too. For a while, their firefighters still wore the WW2 era Stahlhelm (steel helmet).
German military uniform and tradition have influenced many armies, the Soviet Army among them. The wreaths on the Soviet enlisted dress cap badge and the air force/airborne forces badge have the same basic leaf arrangement as the basic German officer/NCO badge. And of course, there is the Stechschritt (goosestep) ...
Some of this is reflected in West Germany, too. For a while, their firefighters still wore the WW2 era Stahlhelm (steel helmet).
German military uniform and tradition have influenced many armies, the Soviet Army among them. The wreaths on the Soviet enlisted dress cap badge and the air force/airborne forces badge have the same basic leaf arrangement as the basic German officer/NCO badge. And of course, there is the Stechschritt (goosestep) ...
