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History of military uniforms. History of the development of military uniforms in Russia History of the creation of military uniforms

History of military uniforms. History of the development of military uniforms in Russia History of the creation of military uniforms

Introduction

Military uniforms are the personification of honor, valor and nobility of Russian soldiers.

It was created simultaneously with the creation of the Russian Armed Forces. The new uniform was approved at a meeting of the Board of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation in October 1992. According to the nomenclature, it contained 1.5-2 times fewer items than in the previous uniform. It has become more convenient and practical. For everyday and dress uniforms, a single color was established - olive. The sailors retained the color that has always been traditional for the Navy - black. Shoulder straps on all types of military clothing have become reduced in size. Other changes were also introduced.

May 23, 1994 By Decree No. 1010 “On military uniforms and insignia by military rank” President Russian Federation approved the uniform of Russian military personnel.

The abstract will discuss the following goals and objectives:

study the history of the development of military uniforms.

divisions of military uniform into dress, casual, and field.

shoulder straps and emblems.

military uniform emblem warrior

History of the development of military uniforms

A military uniform is a set of clothing, and in some cases equipment, established by special decrees, orders and rules, mandatory to be worn by all military personnel of the army and navy. Military uniforms are being introduced into the troops with the aim of better organizing them, increasing military discipline and order, and distinguishing military personnel by branch of the armed forces (weapons), by service position and military ranks. The military uniform determines whether military personnel belong to the armed forces of a particular state, contains the heraldic elements of the state or the reigning house, and performs the function of preserving the combat traditions of the armed forces as a whole, as well as parts, and sometimes a separate unit. In addition, the uniform also has purely military functions: camouflage personnel on the ground by making it from fabrics of protective colors, introducing into military clothing devices for carrying weapons and equipment, creating comfortable conditions during military operations in various climatic conditions. Some elements of uniforms have a protective purpose. The uniform military uniform in the modern sense arose in the second half of the 17th century in European armies, however, attempts to introduce common elements into the clothing and equipment of soldiers in order to distinguish them from military personnel of the opposing side were made throughout almost the entire European period. military history. Closest to the introduction of monotonous uniforms at the beginning new era the army arrived ancient Rome, traditionally dressing their legionnaires in red woolen cloaks and clothing white. By the way, it should be said that it was from the Roman legions that they moved to modern armies principles of organization, internal order, subordination and military heraldry. From the Middle Ages, one can recall distinctive sign participants crusades- a fabric cross sewn onto clothes and the further development of this emblem - attributes of various knightly orders. Subsequently, as military affairs developed, the complexity organizational structure troops, the emergence of the concept of battle formations, there was an urgent need to visually highlight their troops on the battlefield in order to provide military commanders with the opportunity to quickly control troops during the battle. The problem was solved by introducing, for the duration of a campaign and even a separate battle, elements of military clothing common to the entire army: distinctive decorations on hats, scarves, ribbons of the same color, etc. The introduction of uniforms, completely unified in cut, colors and insignia, uniform for all armed forces, became possible with the advent of mass armies and the development of manufacturing industries that could meet the needs of troops in uniform fabrics and leather products, i.e. was determined primarily by state economic factors. During the Thirty Years' War in Europe (1618-1648), units began to appear in the armies of opposing states wearing clothes of the same color, but of different cuts and designs. Often, the production of such clothing took place on the initiative of the chiefs and commanders of a particular unit; wearing it was not regulated at the state level and therefore was not mandatory, however, in units that glorified their banners on the battlefield, wearing clothes of certain colors began to turn into a stable military tradition. Around the same period in Russia, according to reports from foreign authors (Kemfer, Palmquist), uniform uniforms appeared in the Moscow Streltsy regiments. The first regulated uniform military uniform was introduced by royal decree in the French army in 1672, and the royal guard received kaftans of blue color with red applied cloth, army infantry - gray, cavalry - red. Before late XVII century, all the most advanced armies of European states received uniforms. In Russia, the introduction of regulated military uniform associated with the military reforms of Peter the Great.

Beginning in 1699, military uniforms and the rules for wearing them were established initially for the guards (amusement) regiments, and subsequently for the newly formed infantry and dragoon regiments. In 1712, artillerymen also received their own uniforms. Towards the end Northern War The general style of the Russian military uniform was finally formed. Guards and army infantry wore dark green caftans, dragoons wore blue, and artillery wore red. From this period, the military uniform of the Russian army developed and improved in the tradition of pan-European trends. In subsequent reigns under Anna Ioannovna, a uniform was approved for the equestrian life regiment (horse guards) and the newly formed cuirassier regiments. Under Elizaveta Petrovna, in connection with the formation of light cavalry units - hussar regiments, a special uniform was approved for them, differing by regiment in color. At the beginning of the reign of Catherine the Great, the military uniform did not undergo significant changes. The innovations introduced during the short reign of her husband Peter III were only cancelled. In 1786, as part of the military reform carried out by Field Marshal G. Potemkin, a military uniform was introduced that was fundamentally different from the pan-European models of that time. It was of the same cut for all types of weapons and differed only in color. A comfortable short jacket was introduced as a uniform, narrow trousers were replaced by loose trousers trimmed with leather up to the middle of the shin, instead of a felt hat, which was uncomfortable on campaigns and in battle, the soldiers received a spherical helmet of the same material with a transverse plume. The new uniform was introduced only in army regiments. The guard wore the same uniforms. The innovation was certainly progressive and was several decades ahead of its time. With the accession of Catherine the Great's son, Paul I, a military uniform was urgently introduced into the army, basically copying the uniform of the army of the Kingdom of Prussia. The colors of the uniforms retained the traditional shades of the Russian army, with the exception of the artillery, which received dark green infantry-style uniforms with black cloth and red piping, which have since become traditional for this type of troops. Each infantry and cavalry regiment received its own instrument colors. Historians unanimously condemned Paul for introducing a new, supposedly “inconvenient” uniform, although it was fully consistent with modern European trends, while forgetting that it was under him that the army received a new type of uniform - the overcoat, instead of the winter woolen raincoat - the epancha. After the tragic death of Paul I during a coup d'etat, the throne was inherited by his son Alexander I. Under his leadership and personal participation, a new military uniform and military equipment was developed and introduced. The army received a tails-type uniform in traditional colors. A shako was adopted as a combat headdress, heavy cavalry and horse artillery received a leather helmet. A uniform was developed for a new type of light cavalry - the Uhlan regiments.

For the first time, military uniforms were established for the Cossacks of the Don, Ural and Black Sea troops. The famous cap was introduced as a non-combatant headdress. In different variations, this form existed for more than fifty years. During the reign of Nicholas I in 1844, a leather helmet was introduced as a combat headdress instead of a shako. The infantry of the Caucasian corps receives a special “Caucasian” uniform. Military ranks of military personnel began to be designated on epaulettes and shoulder straps. After the end of the Crimean War during the reign of Alexander II, the need for general military reform was acutely felt. She also touched upon military uniforms. The tailcoat type uniform has replaced the so-called. semi-caftan Instead of a helmet, a new type of shako was introduced, and subsequently a cap. When wearing a marching uniform, it was prescribed to wear high boots and a white shirt. In general, the reign is characterized by almost continuous changes in the form of clothing and requires separate study. At Alexandra III in 1882 another reform began. This time it is aimed at simplifying and reducing the cost of uniforms. The army cuirassier, lancer and hussar regiments are stripped of their shiny uniforms and reorganized into dragoons. The main set of uniforms for all branches of the military is a uniform made of dark green cloth with a deep wraparound fastening with hooks, loose trousers made of the same material, worn tucked into high boots in any form of clothing. The combat (ceremonial) headdress is a lambskin cap made of black merlushka. Although the reform was carried out under the motto of "nationality", the real reason for the changes was, in my opinion, the need to prepare a large number of uniforms in case mobilization deployment. The last reign was characterized primarily by the introduction in 1907 of khaki-colored marching uniforms for all military personnel and the return to traditional patterns of ceremonial and ordinary uniforms. In 1918, the history of the glorious Russian army ends and the history of its successor begins - the Red Army, subsequently Soviet army. In an effort to escape the traditions of the “bloody” tsarist regime, Soviet military leaders, ignoring the experience of the Russo-Japanese and World Wars, introduced a strange uniform into the Red Army, lavishly decorated with bright colored elements. The traditional insignia of military personnel - shoulder straps - is being cancelled. The Red Army soldiers were saved from additional and already significant losses from enemy fire by the unsatisfactory situation in the country's economy, thanks to which during the civil war it was not possible to organize mass production of new-style uniforms. Both the white and red formations used the stock of uniforms left over from the old army. In the period before the Great Patriotic War There is a gradual return to the traditions of the Russian army. In 1922, artillerymen were returned to their traditional instrument colors of black with red piping (in 1919, orange instrument color was introduced for artillery) and the wearing of an old-style overcoat was established to replace the khaftan “kaftan”. In 1924, the wearing of colored flaps on the chest, sleeves and collars of uniforms was abolished. In 1935 personal military ranks for middle and senior command staff and corresponding insignia. In 1936, Cossack cavalry units were formed and a traditional uniform was established for them.

In 1940, wearing perhaps the most striking symbol of the Red Army - the budenovka - was abolished. In the same year, personal ranks were restored for junior and senior command personnel. A full dress uniform is being introduced for all categories of military personnel. The final return to the national traditions of military uniforms occurred in 1943. After this, the uniform of the Soviet Army developed within the framework of the long-standing traditions of the Russian army. The next noticeable reform of uniforms took place in 1969. A field jacket was introduced as a field uniform instead of the famous tunic. Uniforms for armored vehicle crews and insulated field jackets for officers are accepted to supply troops. In 1988, the troops received a new unified winter and summer field suit - the “Afghanka”.

The development of military uniforms in the last decade of the 20th century is characterized by a rejection of Soviet and Russian traditions. The new dress and casual uniforms introduced in 1994 are very similar in cut to the American ones. The wearing of buttonholes and colored bands on caps was abolished. The design of the caps clearly reveals perverted ideas about the military beauty of the “Arbat” generals. However, for the bulk of the military personnel this was not of great importance due to the extremely meager supply of clothing to the troops. I will never forget when in the summer of 1994 the soldiers and officers of the division in the Trans-Baikal Military District were issued summer tank overalls made of undyed light gray cotton fabric. Dress and casual uniforms were not issued at all. It got to the point that even at parades in Moscow, units and subunits were shown in field uniforms under white and ceremonial belts, touchingly decorated with aiguillettes, with sewn gold shoulder straps for officers and colored ones for soldiers and sergeants. In conclusion, I would like to note that throughout history Russian state, with the exception of the latter, its leaders attached paramount importance to the issue of developing and manufacturing uniforms for military personnel, thanks to which the Russians and Soviet troops were supplied with high-quality and modern uniforms in sufficient quantities.

High-quality military clothing is the key to high combat effectiveness of the army. Modern Russian military uniform meets all requirements: it is comfortable, reliable and functional. A new military uniform was released in our country in 2019, and now every member of the armed forces is equipped with it.

Military uniforms are divided into three main types:

Front door - used during special events (at parades, on military holidays, at ceremonies for receiving military awards, etc.);
Field - used during combat operations, service, providing assistance to civilians during natural Disasters etc.;
Office - used in cases not falling into the first two categories.

Global reform of the Russian army uniform

The modern history of Russia includes several unsuccessful attempts to change military uniforms. While our country was spending huge amounts of money on unsuccessful experiments, in the US Army, military clothing became more comfortable, its performance characteristics increased, and innovative materials were used in the production of clothing.

The modern military uniform began its journey in 2007, when the post of Minister of Defense was held by Anatoly Serdyukov. It was then that a large-scale sketch competition was organized, in which thousands of designers from all over the country took part. The Ministry of Defense awarded the victory to the famous designer Valentin Yudashkin.

For the next two years, specialists were developing the final versions of a new army uniform, intended for further equipment of the Russian Army. The result was a set of clothing that was in many ways similar to American uniforms. The developers did not agree with this opinion, although many factors spoke in favor of this comparison.

The winter military uniform caused particular dissatisfaction. It did not protect the soldiers from the cold. For this reason, the Ministry of Defense received many complaints every day about the poor quality of the winter kit. This led to an outbreak of colds among the military. There were also complaints about the appearance of the uniform: some stylistic solutions were copied from kits in other countries. The stumbling block was the quality of the fabric and thread: new military clothing quickly became unusable.

Negative reviews and dissatisfaction among soldiers and army specialists forced the Ministry of Defense to think about changing the equipment. The decision to take American clothing as a basis was a mistake; such costumes were not suitable for the conditions of our country. The new set of military uniforms, developed subsequently, consisted of 19 parts. The approximate cost of one set is 35 thousand rubles. The ceremonial version did not suffer any special changes, since the field uniform is of particular importance.

New field military uniform of the Russian Armed Forces

The first change that caught my eye was the change in the location of the shoulder straps on the uniform. In 2010, a “NATO” version was proposed, the shoulder straps in it were located on the “belly”. Many servicemen did not like this, since they were “used to seeing shoulder straps on their shoulders.” The chevrons on the uniform are located on both sleeves. An addition was the appearance of fitted overcoats, quickly secured clothing items with Velcro. For the first time in history, Russian officers received warm sweaters. It was not possible to completely replace foot wraps and boots.

Valentin Yudashkin was blamed for the failed project of a new military suit. In 2012, he spoke to reporters and stated that the clothes he used were very different from his version. In particular, to reduce costs, materials were replaced with lower quality ones. Journalists came to the conclusion that all that remained of the designer’s version was appearance.

The new generation of military uniforms was developed based on feedback from thousands of soldiers from across the country. The shape of the aircraft has become multi-layered. This allows each soldier to independently choose necessary elements clothes, guided by the goals and objectives set for him, as well as weather conditions.

The modified VKPO set includes a basic suit, several types of jackets, boots for different seasons and much more, including a balaclava, a synthetic belt and high-quality socks. Military uniforms are made from mixed fabric, which includes 65% cotton and 35% polymer materials.

Every soldier had new-style Russian military clothing at the end of 2019, as previously planned by the Ministry of Defense. The change of equipment took place in three stages. In 2013, 100 thousand new kits were issued, in 2014 - 400 thousand and in 2019 - 500 thousand. In 3 years, a million military personnel were provided.

The complete rejection of foot wraps deserves special attention. Modern images military uniforms include 12 pairs of socks for one soldier, which he uses throughout the year. Soon it is planned to increase the number of pairs per military man to 24 pieces.

VKPO kits for wearing at different atmospheric temperatures

The new model military uniform is presented in two sets:

Basic uniform for wearing at temperatures above +15 degrees Celsius;
Multi-layer system for wearing in temperatures from +15 to -40 degrees Celsius.

In winter, soldiers wear lightweight or fleece underwear sets. They are selected depending on the air temperature. In particularly cold areas, both sets of underwear can be worn one on top of the other.

For equipment in the summer, trousers, a jacket, a beret and boots are used. The surface of the clothing is carefully treated with an innovative solution that repels moisture. It allows clothes to remain dry in the rain for up to two hours. To protect against mechanical influences, military clothing is equipped with reinforcing elements. Such kits are used in parts with a high degree of load.

The rules for wearing military uniforms allow you to use a fleece jacket in the autumn season: excellent thermal insulation is provided by the pile with which it is covered on both sides. A windbreaker jacket, worn with fifth-layer trousers, protects from strong winds.

A demi-season military suit is intended for the autumn period. The material from which it is made provides reliable protection from the wind, a good degree of vapor permeability and dries quickly after getting wet. During heavy rainfalls, it is permissible to use a wind and water protection kit. The membrane and reliable sizing of the layers provide reliable protection from moisture.

In winter, insulated jackets and vests are worn to protect against moisture and wind. Despite high degree protection from frost, they are light and practical. For very low temperatures, an insulated hat and balaclava are provided.

Modern ceremonial military uniform of the Russian Armed Forces

The basic design of the dress uniform has not changed for many years, as it still meets modern requirements and at the same time pays tribute to history. Only a few elements have been replaced in last years due to their obsolescence. The dress uniform is worn at parades, holidays, when receiving military awards, etc.

In the Russian army there are three approaches to the formation of such a set of uniforms:

Traditional. Clothing sets include elements created back in the 19th century. A good example is the ceremonial outfit of the Presidential Regiment of the Russian Federation - their costumes are identical to the uniform Imperial Guard, adopted in 1907;
Modern. The cut of the dress uniform corresponds to the daily set; the same colors can be used. For example, in Armed Forces RF color of the ceremonial jacket matches the everyday one. Casual elements are complemented by ceremonial elements;
Universal. The color of a ceremonial suit can be the same as the everyday one, but the colors of the ceremonial elements must be different.

The dress uniform must strictly meet the following standards:

The style of the military uniform of military personnel of the Russian Army must be observed;
A military suit for ceremonial purposes should be strict and elegant;
Only high-quality materials should be used in production.

Changes to the design of the dress uniform are rarely made; its main style is determined by history. Various additional elements may change each year. Changing the materials used in production is permissible only if it improves the quality and performance characteristics of the suit.

The general's ceremonial outfit deserves attention. It is also similar to a casual suit, but has a difference in color. The color of the dress uniform is gray, worn with bluish trousers and black boots. There are stripes on the collar and cuffs.

Everyday uniform of military personnel

The color of the daily uniform depends on rank and affiliation. Military clothing of the Russian army of everyday type for generals and officers is olive-colored, in Air Force- blue. The caps match the color of the equipment. The color scheme was based on the 1988 model. Decorative elements on the caps are painted gold. Winter clothing for men has not changed since the last reform.

Girls in military uniform can now feel comfortable. Dresses and skirts fit comfortably around the body, highlighting feminine beauty. Women's military clothing - olive or blue colors. IN winter time years, a short, fitted coat is used. Female sergeants and enlisted men wear an olive casual uniform. In the warm season, there should be a cap on the head, in the winter - an astrakhan beret, introduced by the latest reform.

Sergeants, soldiers and cadets are deprived of their daily uniform due to uselessness. As an alternative, they are encouraged to wear winter or summer field equipment.

The military uniform of this type in the winter includes a gray coat for military personnel (blue for the Air Force and Airborne Forces). For the autumn period, a demi-season blue jacket is provided, for rains in summer time years - an elongated raincoat that does not allow moisture to pass through. Black coloring for additional clothing items (belt, boots and socks).

Modern office uniform of the Russian army

This set of clothing is a type of casual clothing, used by generals, officers and employees of the Ministry of Defense of certain ranks. A military suit of this type resembles the everyday clothes of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. The kit includes:

Soft cap. All military units have a green beret; airborne units were left with a blue beret;
A cap-colored shirt with long or short sleeves (the choice depends on the weather). Shoulder straps can be attached to the shoulders with Velcro; a tie is not applicable;
White T-shirt (worn under the shirt);
Cap-colored trousers and straight-cut shirts.

In the cold season, it is acceptable to use a warm jacket with an office uniform. It is possible to additionally attach a hood. The cap can be replaced with a warm hat with earflaps. Shoulder straps are attached to the shoulders of the suit with Velcro.

Every year the office uniform undergoes minor changes. These include the introduction and abolition of various sewing costumes, changing the shape of insignia, etc. It is prohibited to use an office suit as a field suit. Care and rules for wearing a military uniform

The rules for wearing military uniforms are regulated by Order 1500 - the suit must always be clean. In order for it to remain so, you need to know about some of the intricacies of caring for it. Improper washing or drying can ruin the appearance, which will lead to operational problems. Before cleaning clothes, you should read the information on the label.

It is recommended to wash woolen clothes by hand in warm water. If this is not possible, then you can use a washing machine, but the washing mode should be the most gentle. Military clothing sizes may become smaller if washed using hot water. It is prohibited to wring wool products.

Everyday military equipment is less demanding to care for. It can be washed in a washing machine in any mode with any washing powder. In addition, the casual suit can withstand water of any temperature.

It is not recommended to clean a beautiful dress uniform at home. It is better to entrust this process to professionals in the dry cleaning service.

The new Russian military clothing, introduced into service in 2019, surpasses the previous generation in all respects. This became possible after refusing to copy American designs, which are unsuitable for the climatic conditions of our country. The military uniform of the Russian Federation is considered one of the best in the world.

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Throughout military history, warring parties have had the problem of distinguishing their own and foreign soldiers on the battlefield. The military uniform used for distinction, in addition, had to be convenient and simple, as well as cheap.

The Russian army was also concerned about the problem of uniformity. If the princely squads could afford to wear anything, then with the organization of mass armies the need for a single uniform arose. IN different time uniform options varied from inconvenient and difficult for soldiers to completely practical models.

Military uniform in pre-Petrine Russia

In the Middle Ages, when the main fighting carried out by the squad; there was no particular need for uniforms. A heraldic design on a shield or a battle cry was quite enough, not only in wars with foreigners, but also in internecine skirmishes. The militia, which made up the mass army, simply did not have the ability to sew any clothes resembling a uniform.

The maximum that warriors could count on to identify “friend or foe” on the battlefield was colored signs such as feathers or flowers of a certain color attached to their headdresses, or armbands.

With the creation of professional troops, the first samples of uniform clothing for Russian soldiers appeared. This happened during the time of Ivan the Terrible, who was seriously concerned about creating a Streltsy army.

All archers had to wear the same red caftans with white berendeykas, which was the name of a wide leather cross-shoulder belt on which pre-measured powder charges were hung, as well as a bag of bullets and a horn of gunpowder. Regimental differences between rifle regiments are also being introduced.

Each regiment had a cap of a certain color; there could be differences in boots and the color of belts.

Interestingly, armor was rare. The maximum that a wealthy archer of that time could count on was the so-called “iron cap”, or helmet. The command staff was distinguished by a more expensive uniform, as well as a wide sash and a cane.

In the 17th century, the form became more complex, and new regiments appeared. A noticeable proportion of the personnel consisted of foreigners, and this contributed to the uniform. Foreign soldiers offered elements familiar to European armies, and the regimental commander often met them halfway, approving the introduction of these elements.

However, tradition remains at the forefront. So, for example, minimal changes occur with the palace guards, known as bells. Their form has not changed since the time of the Rurikovichs.

Peter's reforms and subsequent years

The reforms of Peter the Great, which began at the end of the 17th century, turned the Russian army into one of the most formidable in Europe, and the country itself was elevated to the rank of an empire. The military uniform was also changed. The old Streltsy caftans evoked sincere disgust in Peter, since they reminded him of the Streltsy rebellion, because of which the Tsar almost lost his throne, and symbolized old Russia.

The new uniform was modeled after the strongest (at that time) European army - the Swedish.

It was distinguished by its comparative simplicity and convenience, especially considering the time in which it was developed. Russian soldiers received a caftan that was approximately knee-length, with a red camisole underneath it.

The caftan in the infantry was painted green, while the wide cuffs on the sleeves, as well as some details, were red. Depending on the supplier, as well as the length of service of the soldier himself, the colors could vary from dark green to almost turquoise.

In the first case, different paints could be used. In the second case, the fabric faded. In the future, the situation will improve after fabric production factories are organized. The cavalry wore dark blue caftans. On top of it, instead of an overcoat, the soldier was given an epancha, a thick woolen cloak.

The legs were covered by knee-length pants, worn along with stockings. The color of the stockings varied, the army wore green stockings, the guards, “Preobrazhentsy” and “Semyonovtsy” wore red ones. According to unconfirmed documents, this is connected with Peter’s first major battle. Failure near Narva, when Russian army defeat suffered, the guard was forged.

The Preobrazhensky and Semenovsky regiments stood “knee-deep in blood” until the end of the battle, and they alone were allowed to leave with banners and weapons. The shoes used were blunt-toed boots with buckles.

Cavalrymen wore high boots that had a bell for ease of putting on.

On their heads, fusiliers, as soldiers armed with a fusée or musket were called, wore cocked hats that were fashionable at the time, usually black. Grenadiers, distinguished by their special position in the army due to their strength and height, wore caps called grenadiers. Bombardiers had leather caps with a copper forehead, on which was placed some image associated with their specialty or regimental traditions.

The design of the officer's uniform was no different from the soldier's uniform. But a rich nobleman who served in the regiment could afford any fabric and any decoration, if he had the money. On the battlefield, officers were distinguished by plumes, feathers and other decorations on their hats, as well as gorgets. They were small metal plates, worn in the area of the collarbones, on which were either a coat of arms or an image of some regimental insignia.

Subsequently, the form followed the path of complication. The army of the 18th century demanded that soldiers be cogs in the impeccable mechanism of linear tactics. Therefore, great attention was paid to discipline and detachment from all emotions. Thus, the soldiers in the barracks were supposed to be occupied exclusively with the affairs of service.

To do this, additional belts were introduced that needed to be cleaned, buttons, the cleanliness of which took a lot of time, as well as special hairstyles, nicknamed breeding grounds for lice. Sometimes it took several hours to create it. Long hair was moistened with kvass, then sprinkled with flour, and so on several times. The gray crust of flour and hair that formed on the head, formed into a braid and curls, and curls at the temples, was left for several days.

Again, the comfort of a soldier was thought about under Prince Potemkin and Alexander Suvorov.

They, with the support of Catherine II the Great, advocate simplification of the form, the introduction of more comfortable and wide trousers instead of narrow leggings, as well as spacious uniforms. Suvorov's soldiers, who had repeatedly proven their combat effectiveness, were delighted with the innovations.

But with the accession of Paul I, the countdown begins. The new emperor, trying to strengthen discipline in the army, is tightening the screws, returning to curls and braids. What was good at the parades did not work in the active army, and first Suvorov and Pavel find a compromise, and then both go to another world of their own or someone else’s will.

In Paul's defense, it can be mentioned that for the first time he introduced the legendary greatcoats into the army, which saved the lives of soldiers during the winter campaigns of the Napoleonic and all subsequent wars.

Russian soldier uniform in the 19th century

The new century forces us to create new uniform for the army. Pavlovsk uniforms, ghosts of the Prussian army of the last century, are becoming a thing of the past, they are being replaced by double-breasted uniforms.

The complexity of the 19th century uniform is that each regiment, especially the cavalry, had its own characteristics and its own colors.

Theoretically, this was necessary for better orientation on the battlefield, but in practice, the rank and file often had no idea whose cavalry appeared on the horizon, and what new misfortune they would have to face in battle. The variety of uniforms occurs due to new types of troops and greater specialization, such as, for example:

hussars, originally heavy cavalry, to XVIII century which became light cavalry, reached special development in the Russian army by the Napoleonic wars;
cuirassiers, heavy horsemen on powerful horses, the elite and pride of any army;
lancers, Polish horsemen armed with pikes;
rangers, infantry armed with rifled rifles, elite units;
Pioneers, this was the name given to the engineering and sapper units allocated to a special service.

This is not the entire list of new units in the army, and each of these warriors wore his own uniform, sometimes distinguished by both pretentiousness and comfort. The design of the uniform showed French influence, since the revolutionary and then Napoleonic army was stronger than ever, and many positive things in it were adopted by other armies. At the same time, shoulder straps and epaulettes were introduced en masse, although they served to identify the regiment, not personal rank.

In the era of Nicholas I, another military reform took place, affecting military uniforms. France's influence begins to wane after its defeat in the war. Prussian features are beginning to appear more and more in the uniforms. Severity and the abundance of horse tails on helmets, introduced instead of shakos, distinguish Nikolai Pavlovich’s army. Much attention is again paid to the front side, cleaning equipment and stepping. The uniforms that were developed were sometimes so narrow that corsets had to be worn under them.

Under Nicholas I's successor, Alexander II, radical changes were taking place in the army.

Defeat in Crimean War showed the inconsistency of the Russian military uniform with modern requirements. Instead of narrow uniforms, more spacious tunics are introduced, and instead of tight trousers, more spacious trousers are introduced.

Equipment and ammunition are simplified, many unnecessary belts are removed. The re-equipment of the army with breech-loading rifles with a unitary cartridge also affects the simplification of cartridge bags. The soldier finally receives leather boots instead of boots and gaiters.

In the 1870s, a uniform item was introduced that would last in the army for almost a hundred years, known as the gymnastic shirt, or gymnastic shirt, or simply tunic. Similar to a peasant shirt, it fits perfectly into the Russian army. To the soldiers, it resembles peasant blouses, and the military department calculates the profit from savings on uniforms.

Initially, the tunics were white, but Russo-Japanese War shows that white is not the best color for a military uniform. In one of the battles, the Japanese conduct aimed fire at the Russian trenches. The reason for the effective fire is that the corpses in white uniforms, thrown outside the trench for the convenience of moving soldiers, give the Japanese the exact coordinates to shoot at.

Between battles, soldiers soak their tunics in mud for camouflage. Only after the end of the war were soldiers' shirts made from khaki or khaki fabric.

In 1918, the Red Army was created from the wreckage of the former tsarist troops and all kinds of volunteer detachments. Units appeared that fought for a new Soviet power. The young republic spared nothing for their uniforms, but in the conditions of the confusion of the internecine war, it was not possible to make a more or less uniform uniform of a new model.

The main innovation was the abolition of shoulder straps and military ranks.

Now non-commissioned officers were called detached commanders, and generals were called corps commanders and brigade commanders. Instead of shoulder straps, sleeve insignia and buttonholes were introduced. With minor changes, they will exist until 1943, although they will be seen here and there at the front until the end of the war.

The problems of supplying the army with uniforms were solved with the help of the royal clothing warehouses. They also found one of the symbols of the Red Army in the Civil War, a unique headdress known as the budenovka. According to the most common version, it was created by the artist Vasnetsov for the Russian imperial army during the First World War.

In these headdresses, similar to the helmets of epic heroes, the soldiers had to parade through defeated Berlin. But the parade didn’t work out, but the Soviets happily took the opportunity to dress their supporters. The first name of the hat, hero, was quickly forgotten. In some places Budenovka was known as Frunzevka, in honor of M.V. Frunze, one of the main commanders of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army.

During Civil War there were many signs on the uniform that distinguished the reds from the whites. Thus, red flaps, bows and stars were worn on overcoats and tunics. As the fighting ends, the uniform takes on a calmer tone. Only in the 1930s, on the wave of general upsurge and preparation in the new big war, The Red Army acquires many innovations. The gymnasts have a turn-down collar instead of a stand-up collar.

Rank insignia and branch of service are determined by numerous lapel and sleeve insignia.

For each specialty, the edging and color on caps and caps are determined. Instead of caps, caps are being introduced everywhere, designed to be worn together with a helmet. But the color splendor of the Soviet military uniform ends in the summer of 1941. Colored buttonholes turned out to be too good a target and in August 1941 they were changed to khaki buttonholes.

The winter of 1942-43 was marked by the return of shoulder straps to the army. With minimal changes, this system will continue to this day. The Red Army soldier again dons a tunic with a stand-up collar and eyelets for shoulder straps. Experienced fighters, however, will keep their tunics with ripped buttonholes until the end of the war.

The tunics of privates and command personnel differed. Thus, privates did not have pockets on their chests, while officers had two external pockets, protected by a valve, and one internal one.

Tunics will serve until the 1960s. At this time, the Vietnam War will demonstrate the mighty and terrible power of napalm. Since the tunic is removed over the head, it is considered not the best form for possible war. Tunics will replace the “hebe”, a jacket with buttons, known from many photos and films of the 1960s...1980s.

But “hebe” will also be an intermediate option. During the war in Afghanistan, the legendary “Afghan” will appear, a sand-colored uniform adapted for combat operations in any conditions.

Military uniform of the Russian army

The collapse of the USSR left the army with intermediate models of military uniform. Some continued to serve in the “hebe”, and the letters “SA” continued to appear on their shoulder straps. Somewhere the first camouflage will appear, essentially the same design as the “Afghan”, but colored in “oak”, “birch”, “flora” and others camouflage.

Several attempts to create a new form encountered financial troubles or insufficient quality of the form.

One of the most famous cases is the introduction of “digital” since 2008.

Defense Minister Serdyukov (known among the troops under the nickname Taburetkin) gave the task to the famous fashion designer Valentin Yudashkin to develop the uniform. The resulting samples were sent to the troops, and they received extremely negative reviews. Yudashkin justified himself by saying that all that was left of his idea was the design, and the uniform itself was made from much lower-quality fabrics.

Gradually, the situation was sorted out, and today the uniform of the Russian Army has the following components:

1 layer, lightweight underwear;
2nd layer, fleece underwear, also underwear;
3 layer, fleece jacket;
4 layer, windbreaker jacket;
5 layer, demi-season suit of trousers and jacket;
6th layer, a suit that protects from wind and water;
7th layer, insulated sleeveless vest;
8 layer, insulated suit;
The head is protected by a helmet-mask or an insulated hat.

The peculiarity of the form is its versatility; you can combine different layers of your choice. Camouflage colors are presented extremely widely, depending on the place of service and the location of a specific combat mission. At the same time, the development and movement forward of the military uniform of the Russian army continues.

Video

What can a military uniform do? First of all, it must communicate something important about its owner. The owner of the uniform is a member of a military corporation, and the uniform, using various signs. Tells us about the place that its bearer occupies in the military hierarchy. Further, the uniform tells us that the person wearing it has the main qualities inherent in this corporation - courage, discipline and reliability, that is, those qualities that are traditionally considered the main masculine virtues.

The history of the military uniform in the broadest sense, as the history of uniforms, goes back centuries.
The most ancient clothing of warriors were animal skins, and these skins were worn with the clearest purpose - to intimidate the enemy. For example, Roman infantry wore wolf skins over their helmets, and Hannibal dressed his troops in leopard skins. In the medieval Balkans, military scouts dressed in fur and feathers, and to this day, for example, we see funny bearskin hats on the Scottish, Irish and Welsh guards. Actually, animal skins worn by warriors can also be considered proto-camouflage.

Insignia

For the time being, the military uniform spoke for itself - it was armor, and sometimes it also had military insignia. For example, the armor of the medieval samurai was tightly intertwined with silk and leather cords of various colors. This lacing could be one-color or multi-colored, and quite complex, but the main thing is that it individualized the warrior and denoted his rank. This was important for the following reason: the battles of the samurai in Japan of the 10th-13th centuries were in many ways reminiscent of knightly battles in medieval Europe. These were primarily fights between lone warriors. The more noble a warrior fell on the battlefield, the greater the reward he received from his master. So, on the one hand, distinctive laces are a sign of clan affiliation and individual valor, and on the other hand, they are something like a price tag at a military vanity fair.

European uniformity

16th century military uniform

As military technology developed and military tactics changed, serious changes in military attire also emerged. By the second half of the 16th century, army clothing in Europe began to change and become uniform. An individual approach to equipment began to be replaced by the requirements of uniformity. Discipline, drill and other formal procedures inherent in modern European society did their job.

The infantry began to dress quite simply, but the other branches of the military received their own types of uniforms. In the 17th century, various military decorations began to spread - braids, ribbons, rosettes and buttons. The officers represented the highest army chic. Their colorful ribbons and scarves spoke of prowess and power. According to one historian, this mixture of sophistication with the brutal reality of war became the model for men's fashion in the middle of the 17th century.

Mass production of military equipment began during the Thirty Years' War of 1618 - 1648. This pan-European war became a powerful incentive for the standardization of military clothing. As a result of this war, France remained the main winner, and in the future it was this country that played a key role in the development of European military fashion.

What did the 17th century military look like?

From the 1670s, European soldiers began to wear French long woolen uniforms - camisoles in white, red or blue. These camisoles, or semi-caftans, were decorated with multi-colored cuffs, collars and lapels. Significant military decorations also included braid, cords, buttons and embroidery. All this set the main direction in military fashion of those years, and since the military type was considered the ideal for a man, all these army accessories became popular in civilian fashion. The military uniform, in its own way, created civil society. The army outfit symbolized discipline, authority, reliability and orderliness, and these qualities fully corresponded to the requirements of the European state of modern times - the so-called regular state. “Individual strength, understanding and obedience of people are transformed. Thanks to form, into collective power,” noted the famous French fashion historian Daniel Roge. Retired military personnel often continued to wear their uniform in civilian life because it helped them in their civilian careers. A military uniform on a person spoke about his views and habits, and also influenced behavior, posture and ability to behave in society. The military uniform built and calculated the culture of everyday life. Military uniform itself required adherence to a certain etiquette and careful care. Keeping in mind the military uniform, civilian dress also demanded care and order from its wearers. As a result, we see how, directly or indirectly, the military uniform, by the end of the 17th century, established itself as a standard of elegance and style, and the civilian uniform - court or bureaucratic, began to increasingly resemble the military one, but one should not think that the civilian uniform became gloomy and monotonous, on the contrary - following military models, it was bright and elegant.

Napoleon era uniform

The finest hour of the military uniform has struck in the era Napoleonic wars. It was then that the most luxurious examples of military dress were created - extravagant and with a lot of details. The officers ordered their dresses from military and civilian tailors, and showed off in front of each other. The uniform most accurately conveys the spirit of the times of that Europe that was born out of upheaval french revolution and Napoleonic wars. And although in military fashion there was general standardization and a fight against individual whims, VIPs of that time could afford unimaginable excesses.

The legendary Napoleonic marshal Joachim Murat ordered an elaborate uniform for his troops - black, with gold braid, scarlet trousers, a belt with gold buttons and heron feathers on the shako. He dressed his horses in blankets made of panther skins with red scallops and gold trim. He himself dressed up in a new uniform every day and sometimes looked like a parrot.

Napoleon's attire also tended towards a uniform, but it was a super-elite uniformism. His famous gray traveling chest was unique and spoke of ascetic chosenness by God. Following historical truth, this famous frock coat turns into special sign the evil Corsican Leo Tolstoy in the imperishable novel War and Peace. Here is a remarkable scene observed by Tolstoy at the beginning of the Russian campaign of the French emperor:

“The troops knew about the presence of the emperor, looked for him with their eyes, and when they found a figure in a frock coat and hat separated from his retinue on the mountain in front of the tent, they threw their caps up and shouted “Vive l’empereur!” On the faces of these people there was a general expression of joy at the beginning of the long-awaited campaign, and delight, and devotion to the man in a gray frock coat standing on the mountain.”