Insignia of the Airborne Forces: history of emblems, medals, symbols. Airborne Awards History of the creation of elite troops

Airborne forces (airborne troops) are special units that are used to carry out combat missions at the tactical depth of enemy defense (raids, capture of strategic objects, sabotage work, etc.), where personnel are delivered from aircraft by airborne landing.

Paratroopers are the elite of the armed forces, and belonging to them is a high honor. Distinctive badges and awards of the Airborne Forces are earned by military personnel through intensive training and successful completion of mostly impossible tasks.

The history of the appearance of the Airborne Forces insignia

In addition to the generally accepted insignia of the Russian Airborne Forces, enshrined in the directives of the Ministry of Defense, individual units of the airborne troops were allowed to develop and use special insignia of the Russian Airborne Forces when wearing uniforms. As a rule, they were a reflection of the combat history of the unit where they were adopted.

Changes were made against the backdrop of fulfilling mandatory requirements for the uniform of military personnel, in accordance with orders of the Ministry of Defense, including:

• It is prohibited to wear signs and other paraphernalia permitted for use by orders of the command having the right to do so. For example, if a decision is made to issue a commemorative badge of a paratrooper, then an administrative document is required defining its status, describing the image, the limitation of issue, the procedure for delivery;
• the use of handicraft elements of clothing that do not correspond to the established pattern (emblems, chevrons, insignia, etc.) is excluded;
• the chevron, for example, should have the shape of a rectangle, the lower part containing the emblem of the military branch. But this does not exclude the possibility of securing by order an addition to the standard sign - the name of a unit or a special element.

In airborne units, most of the signs or stripes are presented with a blue background - a symbol of commitment to the sky, nobility of actions and a parachute - defining courage and special training.

Paratroopers emblems and badges

In accordance with the regulations on the form and types of signs of belonging to a specific unit of the Ministry of Defense, their following classification has been adopted:

• emblem (three types are provided);
• landing sign on the shoulder part of the sleeve;
• badge of the airborne troops for placement on the chest of a serviceman (two options).

	Name	Description
		Made of yellow-plated metal, includes an image of wings, a symbol of the globe - ready for service under any conditions
		Against the background of a double-headed eagle holding a sword and a symbol of power with its hands, a shield is depicted with the image of a horseman slaying a serpent
		The small emblem is surrounded by a golden oak wreath. The top includes a middle emblem framed by an oval-shaped gold oak wreath
	Badge of the Russian Airborne Forces on the sleeve of clothing	Fabric patch (blue circle with green edging), center - small or medium emblem. The diameter is 84.00 mm, the edging is 2.0 mm
		Includes elements of the middle emblem. Equipped with a fastening device and a fixing decorative nut. The height and width of the Airborne Forces badge are, respectively, 75.0 and 35.0 mm
		Badge "Excellent Airborne Forces"

We will consider options for making permitted changes (order of the commander No. 310) to the heraldry of signs using the example of the seventh guards airborne division of the country. Thus, the following elements received the addition:

• due to the fact that the division is considered mountainous, a natural addition is the image of mountains;
• a parachute is depicted, symbolizing the special training of unit personnel;
• the shield is depicted in a green color, and the edging is blue;
• the middle emblem is complemented by a wreath of oak leaves, a guards ribbon and ribbons of state awards awarded to the unit.

This principle was used when making changes to the insignia of other airborne units. But you should pay attention to the fact that all Airborne Forces symbols are approved by order of the commander.

Airborne Forces medals, for what merits they were awarded

For high performance in training, direct participation in combat operations, personal qualities, along with approved state awards, the Airborne Forces service provides special awards.

	The medal “For Service and Loyalty to the Airborne Forces” was established by the Union of Russian Paratroopers. Awarded to active paratroopers, veterans of airborne units, special forces personnel, and civilians who have made a significant contribution to the cultivation of the Airborne Forces service
	Medal "Veteran of the Airborne Forces". Awarded to persons who served in airborne units, as well as special forces units of the Soviet Union and Russia. It is allowed to award former military personnel of special forces units of CIS member countries
	The medal “75 Years of the Airborne Forces” and similar ones belong to the anniversary category. Produced in limited quantities for certain memorable dates. Awarded to current and former paratroopers, employees of special units, highly mobile units and persons who play an active role in helping airborne units and military veterans
	The Airborne Forces Badge “For Merit” is awarded by order of the commander of the airborne forces. Awarded for performance of official duty, exceptional results of military service, and professional training at the highest level
	The Badge “For Distinction” is awarded to military paratroopers who have completed active military service for a period of at least one year: for exceptional performance of combat missions; high level of special training; mastery and use of weapons and special military equipment; performing special tasks, as part of a unit or personally; demonstrated initiative, courage during exercises and combat situations.

Differences between airborne insignia and badges and medals

It is quite difficult today to distinguish a fake from a real paratrooper badge, medal, or order. Modern technical capabilities to produce almost any award (paraphernalia and badges of airborne paratroopers) are available to any entrepreneur who has spent money on purchasing equipment and the necessary raw materials.

At the same time, as a rule, award documents are forged (advertisements are circulated on the Internet). But it remains possible to check whether this or that person has received an award or badge of the Airborne Forces of this type.

You can do this as follows:

• in addition to familiarizing yourself with the certificate (stamp, signature), you can check with the holder the entry in military documents about the presentation of the badge;
• any award is accompanied by the execution of an administrative document with a list of persons to whom awards are presented. If this happens under a military unit - an order, for a non-governmental organization - an order;
• To verify the authenticity of military patches and other attributes of a military uniform, you should refer to the order of the Ministry of Defense with a description of uniform samples and the requirements for them.

At the same time, individual collectors are engaged in collecting valuable badges with army paraphernalia. Valid Airborne Forces badges, and even more so awards issued in small editions or with “state” status, are in great demand. But there is not a single Airborne Forces veteran who will sell his memory of service and milestones of his successes in the form of awards. Maximum - extreme need will force the veteran “Znak Airborne Forces” to leave on bail, but they will be redeemed at the first opportunity.

The information provided above is for informational purposes only. But it will sufficiently allow, if necessary, to restore the lost attribute of the Airborne Forces or select the one necessary for the home collection.

Symbolism plays a huge role in life, especially now. After all, it is by people that they judge the quality of a product or service. But this is not an innovation by advertisers. Already many centuries ago, noble families and government organizations had their own emblems, shields and flags. Today we will tell you the history, origin and simply interesting facts related to the coat of arms of the Airborne Forces.

History of the emblem

The coat of arms of the Airborne Forces, or rather the emblem, was created relatively recently, in 2005. It was from this moment that all official documentation, as well as landing paraphernalia, began to be decorated with a golden grenada with wings. This symbol was chosen for a reason. Paratroopers are considered elite troops precisely because great responsibility is placed on their shoulders, and their work is associated with enormous risk. Many military men who have connected their lives with this profession do not live to see retirement, but ascend to heaven much earlier. To perpetuate the memory of all those killed in battle, as well as to succinctly express the essence of the work of the paratroopers, wings were attached to the grenada.

In addition to the main emblem, which is considered small, the Airborne Forces have two more variations of the coat of arms. The middle one is very reminiscent of the Russian coat of arms. It depicts a double-headed eagle. In one paw he holds a golden grenade, and in the other a sword. An uninitiated person may say: “What is the connection between airborne troops and the sword?” In fact, like many other symbols, an allegory can be traced here. The sword is a symbol of strength and courage. In the center of the coat of arms there is a red shield on which Gregory the Victorious pierces a serpent with a spear. This point does not need any special explanation. The Airborne Forces are part and as a sign of this, part of the coat of arms was simply copied.

The large emblem is a small and medium version enriched with oak branches. The winged grenade is placed on a blue shield, which symbolizes the sky. At the top of this emblem is the second coat of arms of the Airborne Forces - a double-headed eagle with St. George the Victorious in the center. In this version, the oak branches are an allegory of the Greek laurel, but only in the Russian interpretation. Oak is the same national Russian tree as birch. And since it is considered one of the strongest in its category, it is not surprising that the elite troops chose these leaves as symbols.

History of the flag

The flag has the same symbolic meaning as the coat of arms of the Airborne Forces. It depicts a golden skydiver with an open parachute. Two planes are visible on its sides. This logo appeared before the official emblem, in 2004. The flag is divided into two unequal parts. The top 2/3 of the flag is occupied by a large blue stripe. It symbolizes the sky. It is in this part that the paratrooper with the planes is located. The second part of the flag is green. It symbolizes the pure land. The entire flag is made in quite bright colors, which means a peaceful sky and land, which the Airborne Forces soldiers are called upon to protect.

Where is it used?

The coat of arms of the Russian Airborne Forces can be seen everywhere on August 2. Even in the smallest cities of our homeland or in the town, former and current paratroopers celebrate their holiday. The Airborne Forces flag is hung in all specialized military units not only on the occasion of their own holiday, but also during official Russian events it is officially raised on the flagpole. During mourning events, for example, in memory of fallen paratroopers, the flag is lowered.

Nowadays it is also fashionable to decorate private houses with various symbols. Therefore, successful retired paratroopers often use the flag or coat of arms of the Airborne Forces as a decoration for their home in memory of their past service. They put it on a flagpole on the roof or hang it by the front door. Symbols can also decorate the central gate.

How symbolism is used

The flag of the Russian Airborne Forces, the symbols of this military institution and various paraphernalia are now in the public domain. Anyone can purchase it at Voentorg. Therefore, not a single August 2nd passes without car processions, from the windows of which Airborne Forces flags peek out, fluttering in the wind. On this day, blue berets often adorn the heads of all paratroopers and even those people who are only indirectly related to the flying troops.

The coat of arms of the Airborne Forces in the vector is freely available. Therefore, it is not surprising that with the arrival of the holiday, and more and more often, people related to the airborne troops put stickers with symbols on their cars. It could be a flag, a coat of arms, or just a picture with an inscription. For example, a parachute and the slogan “Nobody but us,” which we’ll talk about a little later. It is difficult to say whether such a manifestation of one’s devotion is necessary, but in any case, to some extent it develops patriotism towards Russia as a whole.

Airborne Forces slogan

A description of the flag of the Russian Airborne Forces will be incomplete without talking about the motto of the airborne guard. Airborne troops are one of the elite units of the army, so they recruit men with excellent health and good physical characteristics. The service is difficult, and in the event of a military emergency, the demand from this unit will be the greatest. It has always been this way, since we first went on a mission. It was in the first operation, which took place in 1941, in the heat of hostilities that the motto was born: “Nobody but us.” It very succinctly reflects not only the self-confidence of the paratroopers, but also the real situation. There were, are and, unfortunately, there will be military operations in which it is impossible to manage without flying troops. They are very helpful in operations where infantry, artillery and naval divisions simply won't get through.

History of the creation of elite troops

The coat of arms appeared only in the 2000s, and they themselves went on their first mission 60 years earlier. The first operation in which paratroopers participated was carried out in 1941. It was when Moscow was captured by the Nazis that the help of heaven was really needed. And it was from heaven that this help was received. The paratroopers were landed behind enemy lines and, in bloody battles, helped destroy more than 15 thousand German soldiers, thereby providing extraordinary assistance to occupied Moscow. To date, Airborne Forces soldiers have managed to take part in the Afghan and Georgian wars and have provided indispensable assistance to Chechen companies.

• Today, the Russian Airborne Forces remain the most numerous in Europe.
• During World War II, paratroopers had to jump while aboard airborne combat vehicles.
• The paratroopers' vests differ from the sailors' uniforms in the color of the stripes. For Airborne Forces soldiers they are blue.
• Blue berets only became part of the uniform in 1969. Before this they had a bright crimson color.

• One of the legends about why paratroopers bathe in fountains says: a real Airborne Forces soldier simply adores the sky. When he sees the reflection of his native element in the fountain, he wants to plunge into the clouds, even if they are reflected.
• In 2017, the Airborne Forces celebrated its holiday - the elite troops are already 87 years old.

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There are many stories about 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

The peculiarity 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.

Particularly 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.

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-terrorism 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.

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