What is a uniform? Russian military uniform

What is a uniform? Where did he come from? What is his story? This will be discussed in the article.

What is a uniform?

The word "uniform" originally comes from the French monture, which translates as "equipment", from the Latin mundus, meaning "attire." At present, uniform is uniform clothing, the main reflection of departmental belonging and the status of its owner. This type of uniform at all times was an important element of the national culture, opposing the "civilian dress". In the old days, quite often determining for himself the option of starting a military career, the young man paid much attention to the external appeal of one or another form of clothing. Handing the rookie to the newcomer was recognized as one of the most important events in the life of an employee. In some cases, it gave a real reason for writing a ceremonial portrait, in which the master was depicted in full growth and with a detailed display of all the necessary attributes. The gold embroidery of the Order and other decoration insignia reincarnated uniforms into a work of applied art.

What does it consist of?

What is a uniform, and what does it consist of? In a broad sense, this type of clothing includes a full set of officer supplies. Initially, it included a caftan, a vest, a jacket, trousers, a winter overcoat, several pairs of shoes, hats and a number of other accessories. Attached are insignia, medals, medals, awards or other weapons. The listed structural components are placed in a strictly defined order.

In the narrow sense, the notion of a uniform meant its main element - the ceremonial caftan.

Requirements for the uniform

What is a uniform, and what are the requirements for it? The main requirements are:

• uniformity;
• External attractiveness;
• Comfortable wearing.

Combining these requirements in one sample was quite rare. Such uniforms should indicate the attitude towards a certain type of army or department, inform about the title and position of its owner. In most cases, she could accompany the owner all his life, from school to retirement. The uniform could easily be regarded as a kind of reward, it saw a symbol of departmental solidarity and an obvious occasion for pride.

Formation of the domestic military uniform

Quite a long period of time in Russia was not as such a uniform and legalized military form. This fact is explained by the fact that in fact there were virtually no permanent troops. The Russian military form originates from the time of Tsar Peter I. Instead of the disbanded Streltsy regiments, the future emperor formed a regular army. At the same time, he used foreign analogues for the majority of positions, including in uniforms and outfits. It should be noted that in the Petrine period, the functionality of the army uniform by and large did not bother anyone. In the future, cardinal changes were periodically introduced, both in the appearance of the form and in the rules for wearing it, making it excessively catchy and exquisite, then, on the contrary, somewhat simplistic.

The Soviet period

After the revolution, a completely new stage in the history of the army form in our country was launched. At its beginning, the Red Army, because of the objective reasons at that time, did not have the possibility of creating a uniform. But certain changes have matured. For example, as a relic of the past, epaulettes were abolished, in place of which came diamonds and sleepers on buttonholes, indicating the belonging to the army and military ranks. The shoulder straps returned only in the hard 1943. It was this year that there was a radical change during the Great Patriotic War.

Therefore, as it is impossible to return not only epaulettes, but also a certain restoration of other traditions of wearing the uniform of the Russian army began. The parade uniform was designed and introduced for all categories of servicemen.

After this, even in the post-war years, innovations in the form of servicemen took place, but they were quite rare and not large-scale. Such changes occurred in the late seventies and early eighties of the last century.

After the events in Afghanistan, a uniform all-season field suit appeared in the troops, called the "Afghan".

Russian military uniform: development

The termination of the existence of the Soviet Union was fully reflected in the army, and then, as a consequence, on the uniform of servicemen. Almost immediately the Soviet military uniform was practically eliminated. In its modern design and cut, there have been significant changes. The dominant color of both the ceremonial and everyday uniform of the military was the olive. In place of the overcoats, winter coats were introduced, patch pockets appeared on tunics. The belonging to a particular army or military unit was determined by chevrons and strips.

Later, the changes continued. The foundation of army uniforms in our time is the principle of several layers, as well as allowing the military to individually combine the various components of the kit of uniforms, depending on the tasks facing them and the weather conditions in which they are performed. When creating sets of forms for various purposes, the most modern materials and technologies have been successfully used, which have repeatedly proved their ability to keep heat warmers, quick-drying and well-breathable fabrics. The military uniform was originally considered a full attribute of the parade. This form of form also did not pass the wave of change. He became more tense, and on the high cap appeared a two-headed eagle.

The equipment upgraded in this way underwent rigorous tests in various conditions and was meticulously evaluated by its future carriers. So in this particular case, the dilemma of "beauty or comfort" has condescended to a bare minimum. And in the future this issue will completely lose its relevance.