Soviet Army Badges 1960-1978 (part 1)

Army badges of the High Cold War

This section covers some of the many badges that were awarded to members of the Soviet Army. In each case we will attempt to give a full history of each badge when possible, and a general description at the very least. The selection of badges we have to view is listed below.

Mine Clearing Badge (1974)
Military Police 'Patrol' Badge (1973)
Enlisted Qualification Badges (1968)
Soldier-Sportsman Badges (1964)
Officer Qualification Badges (1961)
Junior Officer's School Badge (1961)
Suvorov Cadet School Graduation Badge (1958)

Back to Patches, Badges, Medals and
Awards of the Soviet Superpower

Mine Clearing Badge (1974)

The badge established on 31 December 1974 by Order #307 of the Ministry of Defense of the USSR. It was designed by A.B. Zhuk and manufactured by the 'Pobeda' factory. The badge was awarded to soldiers for mine clearing operations under combat conditions. It is a pin back type composed of aluminum and enamel.

Military Police 'Patrol' Badges (1973) (1)

The badge was established on 28 March 1973 by USSR Ministry of Defense Prikaz #71 and was worn by military policemen (Kommandant service) while on duty. (2) The badge measures 75mm long and 65mm wide. It is a pin back badge made of aluminum and enamel.

Enlisted Qualification Badges (1968)

These badges were awarded to enlisted men of all branches of service based on their skill and conduct. Each is made of brass and enamel and are issued in both pin back and screw back varieties. These badges were used until replaced by simple aluminum and paint versions in 1989.

Master Qualification Badge

1st Class Qualification Badge

2nd Class Qualification Badge

3rd Class Qualification Badge

Excellent Sportsman Badge (1964) These badges were established in 1964 and awarded to soldiers for excellence in physical conditioning and sports activities. It came in three classes and was worn by both soldiers, airmen, and sailors. They are screw back badges made of aluminum, white paint, and colored enamel. These replaced the earlier 1950 badges and were used until they were replaced by the Russian 1995 pattern badges.
First Class Badge	Second Class Badge	Third Class Badge

Officer Qualification Badges (1961) (2) These badges were established on 10 April 1961 by Prikaz #0085 of the USSR Ministry of Defense, and awarded to officers based on their proficiency, skill, and conduct. They replaced a variety of specialist qualification badges (such as the 1956 Signals badges). These badges came from a variety of factories in the Soviet Union and because of this standardization was a problem. These badges are made of brass and enamel. The tank in the center is painted (poorly on some examples). They were replaced in 1994 with a series of new Russian badges. (1)
Master Qualification Badge	1st Class Qualification Badge

2nd Class Qualification Badge	3rd Class Qualification Badge

Suvorov Army Cadet School Graduation Badge (1958) (1) This badge was established on 18 April 1958 by Order #151 of the Ministry of Defense of the USSR. It was made by the 'Pobeda' factory and given to all graduates of the Suvorov schools. It is made of brass and enamel. The Pobeda makers mark can be seen at the 7 o'clock position on the rear as a small star shaped impression.