Highest Pilot/Navigator Qualification Badges (1971)

These two badges were established in 1971 as the culmination of the 1966 Pilot/Navigator Qualification Badges.  The pin back badges are made of brass and enamels.  They were used from 1971 until the end of the Soviet period.

These badges were given to airborne (VDV) soldiers based on the number of successful jumps they have completed. There are many different variations of this badge representing a different number of jumps made by the individual whom they are awarded to. After 10 jumps the badges change from normal paratrooper type to the excellent paratrooper type. At 100 or more jumps the badge changes to Paratrooper-Instructor. All of these badges are screw back type and made of brass and enamel.

Excellent Paratrooper -
10 Jumps

Excellent Paratrooper -
20 Jumps

Excellent Paratrooper - 30 Jumps

Excellent Paratrooper - 50 Jumps

Paratrooper-Instructor
1000 Jumps

Officer Qualification Badges

These badges were awarded to officers based on their proficiency, skill, and conduct. From what I have been told, the first two badges (class 3 and 2) were relatively easy to obtain, but the first class and master badges were much harder to earn as the requirements became more difficult.  They were replaced in 1994 with a series of new Russian 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).

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.

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.

These badges were established in four classes in June of 1958.  They replaced the earlier 1949 Air Force Engineer Badge.  They are 66mm across and have pin back fasteners.  Each is made of aluminum.  The 2nd and 3rd class badges below are older variations that were stamped, details of the front can be seen on the reverse.  The Basic badge is a later, possibly 1980's version that has a flat back and maker's marking.  These were issued until the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.

This badge was established for qualified navigators in 1950.  It is a screw back badge composed of brass and enamel.  The badge is 67.5mm wide.  It was replaced by a new series of badges in 1966.

This badge signifies that the wearer was a member of the young Communist society known as Komsomol.  It was established on 26 June 1953 and was worn by both soldiers, airmen, and sailors. (2)

This version of the badge is the military (screw back) type used in the late 1970's and 1980's.  The civilian version of the badge is a pin back type.