Airborne forces - specific troops and signs. Army badges - Excellent Airborne Troops Excellent Airborne Troopers Badge for what they give
EXCELLENT ACHIEVEMENT OF THE VDV
The badge is awarded to military paratroopers who have passed the standards for combat and physical training for the qualification “EXCELLENT ACHIEVEMENT OF THE AIRBOARDS.”
The breastplate is a figured shield superimposed on a golden laurel wreath bordering both sides of the shield. The surface of the shield is covered with light blue enamel. The edges of the shield are edged with a figured gray stripe with dots symmetrically located on it. At the top of the shield, the strip turns into a twisted golden-colored decoration. The emblem of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation is placed in the center on a white round disk, with “EXCELLENT MAN OF THE VDV” stamped along the edge. At the bottom of the shield is the emblem of the Airborne Forces: a parachute with a parachutist and airplanes taking off on both sides. Width 35 mm, height 46 mm.
TYPE 1 | |
VARIETY 1 | |
OBVERSE | REVERSE |
SCREW | |
MANUFACTURER | |
MMD | |
SIZE | |
46Х35 | |
PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY | |
PECULIARITIES | |
The MMD stamp is located on the left, in the lower part of the reverse. There are five rivets on the reverse of the badge. |
TYPE 1 | |
VARIETY 2 | |
OBVERSE | REVERSE |
SCREW | |
MANUFACTURER | |
MMD | |
SIZE | |
46Х35 | |
PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY | |
Casting, hot enamels, antique coating, multi-component sign | |
PECULIARITIES | |
The MMD stamp is located on the right, in the lower part of the reverse. There are five rivets on the reverse of the badge. |
TYPE 1 | |
VARIETY 3 | |
OBVERSE | REVERSE |
SCREW | |
MANUFACTURER | |
MMD | |
SIZE | |
46Х35 | |
PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY | |
Casting, hot enamels, antique coating, multi-component sign | |
PECULIARITIES | |
The MMD stamp is located in the center, at the bottom of the reverse. There are five rivets on the reverse of the badge. A similar location of the mark on other badges of excellent students produced by MMD has not yet been identified. It can be assumed that on other signs the stamp was not placed in the center. |
TYPE 1 | |
VARIETY 4 | |
OBVERSE | REVERSE |
SCREW | |
MANUFACTURER | |
MOSSHTAMP | |
SIZE | |
46Х35 | |
PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY | |
Casting, hot enamels, antique coating, multi-component sign | |
PECULIARITIES | |
At the bottom of the shield on the reverse is the stamp “MOSSHTAMP”. The disc with the inscription “Excellent Airborne Troops” is larger than the insignia produced by MMD. The parachute touches the disk with the inscription. The screw has a clamping nut. |
TYPE 2 | |
VARIETY 1 | |
OBVERSE | REVERSE |
SCREW | |
MANUFACTURER | |
China | |
SIZE | |
46Х35 | |
PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY | |
Casting, hot enamels, antique coating, multi-component sign | |
PECULIARITIES | |
The reverse of the badge is smooth, there is no mark. The edging of the shield is covered with black enamel. The image of St. George the Victorious in the center of the emblem of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation is also black. The letters in the inscription "Excellent Airborne Forces" are highlighted in bolder font than in other varieties and types. |
TYPE 3 | |
VARIETY 1 | |
OBVERSE | REVERSE |
SCREW | |
MANUFACTURER | |
Mikhailovskoe Foundry (St. Petersburg) | |
SIZE | |
46Х35 | |
PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY | |
Casting, hot enamels, antique coating, multi-component sign | |
PECULIARITIES | |
There is no mark on the reverse. The reverse is flat, with four rivets. The disc with the inscription “Excellent Airborne Troops” is larger than the insignia produced by MMD. The enamel on the rim of the shield is dark brown. The sign is more curved than the signs of previous varieties. The reverse has four rivets. The parachute touches the disk with the inscription “Excellent Airborne Trooper”. The Airborne Forces emblem itself has a slightly different shape than on other varieties - the parachute canopy is wider. Small nut. |
TYPE 4 | |
VARIETY 1 | |
OBVERSE | REVERSE |
SCREW | |
MANUFACTURER | |
VOENZNAK | |
SIZE | |
46Х35 | |
PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY | |
Stamping, cold enamels | |
PECULIARITIES | |
The sign is one-piece stamped, one-piece. Covered with cold enamels and paint. Material of manufacture - brass or aluminum. There are no overhead parts. |
There are many stories about the airborne troops that have become almost legends. These are stories about the exploits of paratroopers, their professional fearlessness and desperation. Needless to say, such troops simply have to stand out from the rest, but at the same time look beautiful and symbolic?
In this article we will talk about the distinctive signs of the Airborne Forces. About what medals and badges exist, how the shoulder straps of the Airborne Forces differ from the shoulder straps of other troops, including the Aerospace Forces, what distinguishes the uniform of Russian sky warriors. Let us also mention the Union of Russian Paratroopers, and note how it influenced the award register of the “blue berets”.
Distinguishing marks
Since the dawn of the winged infantry, different military units have tried to stand out with their insignia and impressive uniforms, thereby conveying the history of their unit. Therefore, in different airborne units, the distinctive insignia is largely similar, but at the same time they are somewhat different.
There are generally accepted official and semi-official insignia, attached to the sleeve of the uniform, worn by paratroopers of a certain unit. At the same time, they are generally similar to the stripes of other parts and may differ only in small details. Soviet patches had a red star, modern ones have the Russian tricolor with a coat of arms. The location of the signs remained unchanged, as did the main colors.
Like other branches of the military, paratroopers have their own lapel symbol.
The badge is made of metal and depicts two flying airplanes between which an open parachute canopy with a star in the center is opened. The symbol is attached to the jacket with special antennae. There are ceremonial buttonholes in golden color. They are used on special occasions - at holidays, parades or during demobilization.
On maps, the Russian military indicates its landing force in red. The area of the proposed landing is outlined by a red dotted line, inside which a schematic parachute is drawn in the form of a rectangle connected to a cross. The disembarkation time is also written there. If the landing is completed, the line is replaced with a solid one.
The shoulder straps and ranks of the Russian winged infantry are almost no different from the shoulder straps of other ground forces.
The only difference is that they have a characteristic bluish-blue color. The location of the stripes and stars corresponds to the military ranks of other troops.
For example, the rank of major corresponds to shoulder straps with two longitudinal blue stripes, symbolizing senior officers, and one star. A similar correspondence is observed among junior personnel (rank and file soldiers, sergeants, foremen). Airborne shoulder straps are also divided into ceremonial, combat and field.
A little history
A special feature of the signs of the airborne troops is that they reflect the history of their formation. Therefore, they are somewhat different from each other, maintaining the overall blue color. This symbolizes the winged infantry and emphasizes its nobility and specificity. They differ quite strongly from the signs of other branches of the military.
The chevrons that complemented the badges gradually changed over time.
Since 2015, the chevrons have become rectangular. At the bottom of the chevron is a symbol of a particular type of troops. There are special medals, badges and orders of the Airborne Forces that are awarded to paratroopers. They have many design and layout options.
Especially common are anniversary medals, which are received by paratroopers who did not participate in hostilities. Like other awards, they come with a certificate.
There is a medal “70 years of the Airborne Forces” with the image of their creator, and a similar medal “75 years of the Airborne Forces”. By 2015, the next anniversary medal “85 Years of the Airborne Forces” was issued.
It is distinguished by its golden color and brighter design than the “80 Years of Airborne Forces” medal. However, both awards are new and the time interval between releases is short. Nevertheless, having an Airborne Forces badge is a great pride, because service in the airborne forces is truly difficult and responsible.
However, getting badges is not so easy.
To receive the Excellent Parachutist badge, you must perform ideal tasks during parachute training and during landing. For the first jump, paratroopers also receive a badge. It looks like a blue parachute canopy and symbolizes the “baptism” of the paratrooper by the sky. But for ordinary people it does not represent much value.
Paratroopers also receive badges for passing physical standards, getting into certain classes. The hardest thing to get is a first class badge, as you need to be in excellent physical shape to do it. Earning a second and third class badge is much easier.
There are other awards: the “Excellence in the Airborne Forces” badge, the “Veteran of the Airborne Forces” medal, medals for achievements in certain positions, for example, miner or sniper. Like other badges, paratrooper badges are made of metal and covered with enamel.
The association was founded on June 2, 2002 by one of the commanders of the Airborne Forces - V.A. Anapov. The Union is dedicated to protecting the rights of military personnel, veterans and their families. Nowadays, the Union of Paratroopers includes not only veterans, but also ordinary people who served in the Airborne Forces, Marine Corps, special forces soldiers, people with disabilities due to local conflicts, liquidators of accidents and disasters, and their relatives.
Various charity events are held, as well as meetings between young people and veterans, to increase the patriotic spirit and popularize the Airborne Forces. Thanks to the Union, a number of awards appeared. For clarity, let's summarize them in a small table.
"Combat Veteran" | The medal appeared in 2005 in Chisinau. Veterans of hot spots outside the Land of the Soviets receive it. |
Medal of the Order "Army General Margelov" | Received by former and current airborne troops and people who contributed to strengthening the airborne troops. |
"For military valor" | They reward soldiers and officers who perform their duty in a risky situation, showing valor and courage. The medal was established in 2000 with the assistance of the “Combat Brotherhood” union. It is received by paratroopers who fought not only in Afghanistan, but also in other hot spots. |
“Veteran of local wars of the USSR and Russia” | This medal evaluates the exploits of internationalist soldiers and soldiers who went through Afghanistan and other hot spots within a particular country. |
"For loyalty to the airborne brotherhood" | Like the previous ones, it is awarded not by the government, but by citizens, founded in 2007. Used to award veterans, soldiers and officers of the Airborne Forces who promote service in special forces and airborne forces. |
"Veteran of the Russian Armed Forces" | Presented to soldiers and officers who served in the Russian army for a long time. The title of veteran is awarded to individuals who have served at least twenty years. After twenty years of service, military personnel are entitled to the benefits of a veteran. |
"For service in the North Caucasus" | This medal was awarded to military personnel and civilians of Russian security forces. Each participant in a counter-terrorism or any other special operation carried out in the North Caucasus received it. The award was established by decree of the Central Council of the Airborne Forces Union in 2005; it is not governmental, as it was established by a public organization. |
"For loyalty to duty and the Fatherland" | The award was approved by the Association of Russian Paratroopers in 2006. This medal was awarded to soldiers who participated in armed confrontations, special operations, and military operations to protect the interests of the Fatherland, for which it received its name. |
"Russian Airborne Forces Veteran" “Veteran of the Airborne Forces. For military service" | They are awarded on August 2, the holiday of the “winged infantry”. Former soldiers are awarded during ceremonial events, parades, reviews, and concerts that take place during military holidays. |
"For service in the Airborne Forces" | Not only active paratroopers are awarded, but also retired and old-timers. And this is not without reason. After all, not a single armed conflict involving Russia is complete without parachutist soldiers. Therefore, warriors in vests are especially respected and revered in our country. It is not for nothing that they wear their awards. |
"Russian Airborne Forces. Nobody but us" | The phrase that has become the calling card of the airborne troops, “Nobody but us,” arose quite a long time ago. It was pronounced by paratroopers during the Great Patriotic War. In the future, in particular, during the war in Afghanistan, Chechnya, Yugoslavia and other countries, the paratroopers fully justified their motto. It has become so popular that it is used not only in films and songs, but also on medals and badges of airborne troops. |
“15 years of the withdrawal of Soviet troops from the DRA” “20 years of the withdrawal of Soviet troops from the DRA” | The Afghan War was difficult for the Soviet Union. It was even harder for the soldiers who fought there. The “blue berets”, who showed themselves in the best way, were also included in the Limited Contingent. In 1989, all troops were withdrawn from the DRA, and a new number was added to the list of memorable dates. As a result, a medal appears for the anniversary of the withdrawal of the Soviet army from Afghanistan, which appeared thanks to the Committee for the Affairs of Internationalist Soldiers. |
In addition to the above, there are a number of other awards. These are, for example, the following medals: “Participant in hostilities in the North Caucasus. 15 years”, “Veteran of military operations in the Caucasus”, “For participation in counter-terrorist operations in the Caucasus”, as well as “Participant in military operations in the North Caucasus. 1994 - 2004".
In conclusion, we will say that the paratroopers were, are and will be the support and defense of Russia.
It may seem that there are too many anniversary medals, but the winged infantrymen deserved them. They are more than worthy not only to stand out with a special uniform, but also to wear orders, medals and other awards. Those who served in the airborne forces are the elite of our society. So let this elite be visible from afar.
Video
The pride of the Russian Armed Forces is the airborne troops - the reserve of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief and the basis of the mobile rapid reaction forces of the Russian army. No wonder the motto of the Airborne Forces is: “Nobody but us!”
A paratrooper is a man who combines truly masculine traits - strong, brave, courageous. Not only men who served in the armies of the USSR and the Russian Federation, but also their wives are proud of belonging to the airborne forces (there is even a special Airborne Forces badge “Wife of a Paratrooper”), therefore Airborne Forces medals are a special award for a paratrooper, deservedly given to its owner, a source of pride veterans and military personnel of the Airborne Forces.
The history of the appearance of airborne insignia
From the moment the airborne troops appeared, individual divisions began to create special insignia of the Airborne Forces, and the design, even at the initial stage of their existence, was significantly different from the insignia of other branches of the military. The peculiarity is that the various signs of the Airborne Forces were designed to reflect the history of a particular military unit.
This led to the fact that the insignia of the Airborne Forces of individual divisions have minor differences in details, but in general they are very similar. For example, an integral attribute of almost all landing badges, regardless of division, is the color blue - a traditional symbol of nobility and devotion to heaven.
Breast stripes and lapel insignia on a paratrooper's uniform are complemented by chevrons, the shape of which has undergone certain changes over time. But in general, the emblems depicted on them are timeless. In 2019, an order was signed according to which modern chevrons should have a rectangular shape, in the lower part of which the emblem of the military branch should be placed. Although the history of the appearance of chevrons and their interpretation in the classical sense implies that a chevron is a V-shaped galloon (stripe).
Emblems and signs of the Airborne Forces
There are small, medium and large emblems of the airborne troops:
- The Small Airborne Forces emblem depicts a golden flaming grenade with wings;
- The middle emblem of the Airborne Forces is topped with an image of a double-headed eagle made of gold, whose wings are outstretched, holding a silver sword with its right paw, and a burning silver winged grenade with its left paw. The eagle's chest is decorated with the Moscow coat of arms: a shield with a red rod, triangular elongated shape, ascending to the crown; on the field of the shield there is a horseman depicted - the Holy Great Martyr and Victorious George, killing a dragon with a spear;
- The large emblem (coat of arms) of the airborne troops is a synthesis of small and medium emblems in the form of a round blue heraldic shield framed by a round golden oak wreath - a symbol of strength, power, and dignity.
The airborne troops have a fairly diverse system of medals, orders, badges and badges for various purposes. Moreover, they are all divided into premium and freely distributed. Currently, it will not be difficult for the average person to purchase an Airborne Forces badge at any military store. Often, some unscrupulous sellers take advantage of the illiteracy of ordinary people and pass off souvenir awards as real ones. Not only do they profit from the ignorance of buyers, but they also cause a huge insult to all real paratroopers.
Among other things, there are official and unofficial general airborne sleeve insignia of the Airborne Forces. Paratroopers of the USSR Airborne Forces wore sleeve insignia with the image of a red five-pointed star. Modern representatives of the Russian Airborne Forces have a sleeve insignia decorated with the image of a double-headed eagle (coat of arms of the Russian Federation) or a tricolor (flag of Russia).
Commemorative and anniversary medals of the Airborne Forces have become widespread. Such Airborne Forces breastplates adorn the chests of those who served in the airborne forces, but did not take part in hostilities, which is due to life in peacetime. Jubilee medals of the Airborne Forces, as well as badges of honor classifying the cavalier as an Airborne Forces, are an equivalent source of pride in relation to the military awards of the Airborne Forces, because service in the airborne forces is one of the most responsible and difficult. Although real combat medals and awards cannot be compared with the various badges that were and are issued in peacetime.
As a rule, the insignia, including the award and breastplate: medal, order or badge, was dedicated to specific feats, memorable and anniversary dates.
Usually the first sign that adorned the chest of an airborne paratrooper was a badge in the form of an opened blue parachute. This sign was given immediately after the first parachute jump, the design changed slightly depending on the number of jumps. The value of this badge is not great, although for a real paratrooper it is a kind of “pass” to the world of the Airborne Forces.
A badge classifying a paratrooper to a certain class could also be obtained by successfully passing the standards. The highest was the first class, the standards for which were more difficult and required good physical preparation, compared to the second and third.
In Soviet times, the “Excellence in the Airborne Forces” badge was quite common, which was presented in various variations depending on the year of issue and the focus of activity. The airborne troops of the USSR were part of the ground forces, so the “Excellent Soldier of the Airborne Forces” badge at that time had the interpretation of “Excellent Soldier of the SA” (Soviet Army). Over time, narrowly focused badges, such as “Excellent Miner,” were presented as awards for Airborne Forces fighters. Awarding these signs was considered very prestigious, because Such awards could only be received by order of the commander for worthy service and fulfillment of standards and tasks. The paratrooper, awarded the “Excellent Airborne Trooper” badge, was distinguished by the skill of a truly trained fighter in all directions. Currently, these unique signs with a 50-60-year history in various variations can sometimes be found at specialized flea markets.
Airborne Forces medals, for what merits they were awarded
Veterans of the airborne troops are the support and pride of the Russian army. For these people, such concepts as “military duty” and “service to the Fatherland” are inseparable, so a special award was established. This insignia is called the “Veteran of the Airborne Forces” medal. There is also another commemorative medal "In Memory of Service".
Airborne Forces insignia
And here is another interesting topic raised in the articles of our online military store “Voenpro”. In historical retrospect, the topic of insignia of the Airborne Forces, and even more so the topic of their evolution over time, even regarding such a relatively young branch of troops as the airborne troops, is too broad and vast. Therefore, we will touch only on the smallest and probably most interesting part. There will be a little less information about orders and medals, and more about all sorts of interesting things like the “Excellence” badges of the Airborne Forces. So, let's start with the general stuff.
From the very moment of the creation of the airborne troops, individual divisions tried to somehow create special insignia of the Airborne Forces so that they would somehow stand out among other branches of the military, and also carry the history of their own military unit. Therefore, it turns out that usually each division’s airborne insignia differs in some details, but at the same time is very similar in many ways, which, of course, is understandable. For example, on the overwhelming majority of the landing badges of individual divisions there is a blue color - a symbol of purity and fidelity to the sky. As usual, the insignia of airborne divisions are divided into small, medium and large emblems and are approved by orders of the commander of the airborne forces.
Chevrons and sleeve insignia of paratroopers
In addition, there are general airborne sleeve insignia, official and unofficial. Whether Soviet or modern Russian, they are approximately similar in design, with the exception of some details, for example, a clear star on Soviet Airborne Forces sleeve insignia or a tricolor/double-headed eagle on Russian Airborne Forces insignia. But basically the traditions of colors and placement of symbols remained the same. This question is still constant, so no special questions arise.
Enough, by the way, among the airborne troops and orders with medals of different origins. Even official awards, freely distributed, including on behalf of public organizations, will be enough for a very good iconostasis, maybe not Brezhnev’s, but still. You can also buy Airborne Forces badges and all sorts of anniversary awards and collect such a collection that your head will not be in the bushes, but your chest will be covered in crosses.
Commemorative awards, badges and anniversary medals of the Airborne Forces
The main thing is not to lose all this goodness during the celebration of Airborne Forces Day. And there are, by the way, very interesting options for awards: for example, several versions of the medals “Veteran of the Airborne Forces”, “For Service in the Airborne Forces” (with certificate), “For Loyalty to the Airborne Brotherhood”, “100 Years of Army General V.F. Margelov” ." and others. So, if you didn’t receive it during your service, you can always find it somewhere or get it from a public organization.
In the same way, you can now find the “Excellent Airborne Troops” badge in different designs - even at flea markets, from time to time they sell or change similar unique badges, many of which are already more than 50-60 years old! By the way, the Airborne Forces insignia is very curious in its diversity - probably the most common in Soviet times. During the years of the USSR, the most common badge was “Excellence in the SA,” since for some time the Airborne Forces belonged to the ground forces. And then a complete variety appeared - there was “Excellent mortarman”, and “Excellent miner”, and many, many, many more, dozens of options - and this is only in the ranks of the Airborne Forces! This was a very prestigious award.
Basically, such airborne insignia were made of metal with enamel and looked very presentable. They were issued in two ways: either through the orders of the commanders, or you could somehow persuade the regimental clerk to write down everything you needed. And in modern times, it is difficult to distinguish who received the Excellent Airborne Troops badge in what way - after all, the badges are the same, and the entries on military IDs are also the same.
However, more often than not, the first path was encountered, since many passed the training with excellent marks, and paratrooper badges, and indeed Airborne Forces badges in general, were not particularly spared at that time - those who deserved them received them. This was not a problem at all. And it was precisely the possession of such a badge of Excellence in the Airborne Forces that distinguished a truly trained fighter in all directions from a flailing drone. And many even had more than one sign. There is a known case when the foreman of the Airborne Forces Matveev received 9 marks of Excellence!
Where to buy copies and originals of the Airborne Forces insignia?
But even now similar things in interesting designs are made at some Mints. And even if it’s a remake, it’s still some kind of story, it’s interesting. Unfortunately, now even in the elite Airborne Forces, such insignia have ceased to be issued due to insufficient funding, so other representatives of the airborne troops order everything for themselves, including the modern design of the Russian Airborne Forces insignia. But still, the current insignia of the Airborne Forces cannot be compared with those that were before - they were obtained with sweat, blood and superhuman efforts, and now they are acquiring similar insignia of the Russian Airborne Forces for the demobilization uniform, for example. But what can you do, times like these.
Anything else worth adding on the topic? Like many other things, Airborne Forces insignia, medals, badges, stripes and chevrons have become part of the army paraphernalia, which can now be obtained anywhere. In modern times, when there are no longer any airborne award badges left for the rank and file of the Airborne Forces, and the only way to somehow stand out is to receive a medal or be highlighted in an order, demobilizers and Airborne Forces veterans have to look for an opportunity to somehow decorate their demobilization uniform or Airborne Forces camouflage (or vest, of course) in which they meet on the second of August every year.
There are different opportunities to find this or that paraphernalia of the Airborne Forces - it would be surprising if in our time demand did not give rise to supply. But our military store “Voenpro” offers a wide range of airborne paraphernalia at affordable prices, which is constantly expanding. Have you been looking for where to buy airborne badges, for example? You've come to the right place. Welcome! Glory to the Airborne Forces!