The end of the Soviet Union brought few immediate changes to the armed forces. For a time the military of the Russian Federation simply continued to use the former Soviet rank insignia and uniforms. It was a common sense approach that made use of existing stocks of equipment. This was formalized in 1992 under orders from the Ministry of Defense. Over the following two years the armed forces of the Russian Federation sought to move away from their Soviet styled uniforms in favor of something more traditionally Russian. Order of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation of 28 May 1994, No 255 revealed the sweeping new changes to uniforms, rank insignia, and badges. In this section we will endeavor to display the various pogoni (shoulder boards) and chevrons that the Russian Federation military used during the first decade of its existence. Our exhibit will eventually cover every rank from Marshal to Private soldier, but for now we have an incomplete, but diverse selection of shoulder boards and insignia for you to view here. |
