Air Force and VDV Uniforms of the Afghanistan War
and the Late Soviet Period
(1978 - 1991)
 

Like the army, Soviet air force and VDV army uniforms of this period underwent more selective changes prior to the 1988 regulations.  The most visible of these changes was the order of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet on 28 March 1980 that changed the wearing of decorations and the trousers on a general's uniform.  At the same time, units of the VDV began to transition towards a more modern uniform.

Sometime around 1980, VDV units were seen wearing a modern 'six pocket' field uniform.  This would eventually become standard with all army units by 1985 under Ministry of Defense Decree #145 in 1984.  Unlike the army, the VDV would be issued a camouflage version that better matched the mountainous terrain of Afghanistan.  This pattern was known as the TTsKO.  Soviet pilots were also issued camouflage flight suits for the first time during the 1980's.  These were identical to the TTsKO pattern used by the VDV.

A minor change in regulations followed in 1986 which introduced new lightweight overcoats for officers and enlisted personnel.

The final major uniform revision took place in 1988 by order Ministry of Defense Prikaz #250.  This decree broadly modernized Soviet garrison uniforms for the first time since the late sixties.  In addition to updating the look of the military, it also introduced shirtsleeve order uniforms for soldiers who worked in administrative office environments. 

A final uniform change was planned for the VDV in 1991, it saw the limited introduction of the 'Schofield' or VSR pattern camouflage.  This would eventually become standard issue for the Russian Military in 1994 and is described in that section.

These uniforms of this period can be seen on the table below.  The uniforms of marshals and generals are described in the upper section.  Officers and praporshchiks can be found listed in the middle of the table.  Conscripts, extended service men, and cadets are shown in the bottom part of the table.  Special purpose uniforms such as diving equipment, chemical protection suits, and the like can be found in the final section.  At the bottom of the page is a list of source material that we have used to compile information about the uniforms.

• Air Force Marshals and Generals

• Officers and Praporshchiks

• Conscripts, Extended Servicemen, and Cadets

• Special Purpose Uniforms

• Source Material