Step march: The strangest uniform of military personnel from different countries. Uniform of the Red Army Dress uniform of the armies of the world

It is not customary to laugh at the military, but now we will break this tradition a little. When going to any army in the world, a person agrees in advance to obey someone else's will. And at the same time, the will of the designers who came up with such a strange uniform for this army.

1.Greece. This is strange, but often the soldiers of the honor guard, who guard quite serious and even holy places, are dressed in the most ridiculous uniforms. This is what the Greek Evzones look like marching at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens. Only very cynical people can laugh at the memory of the fallen. But not all tourists manage not to laugh at the sight of these guys in completely clown clothes and funny movements.

2. India and Pakistan. The “Evening Dawn Ceremony” is a complex, highly artistic ritual performed by Pakistani and Indian border guards at the checkpoint in the city of Amritsar to the delight of tourists. Occurs daily before sunset. Something like our changing of the guard at the mausoleum, only funnier.

3. The name of the capital of Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, means “cut leaves” in the Ebrié language. And they, in turn, symbolize the end of civil strife. However, the country still has an army, and it is the one that marches in the parade in front of the presidential palace. The original coloring allows soldiers to quietly blend in with the herd of denim zebras (if scientists ever develop such a breed).

4. And this is what the valiant canine soldiers from the K7 division look like with their four-legged subordinates. Trained Lebanese dogs will tear apart anyone who gets in their way. And if no one stands up, then out of sadness and lack of demand they will tear apart their own masters. Therefore, even at the military parade in Beirut, all instructors are dressed in special anti-dog suits. It's funny, but it's safe.

5. India. And this is Indian border guards prancing on their fancy camels in the center of Delhi on the occasion of Republic Day. Of course, no one will ever recognize them as border guards, including violators of the Indian border. They will decide that a circus has arrived and will boldly go to violate the border. This is where they get caught. Hooray!

6. France. The dress uniform of the French army did not have particularly funny details, so the designers urgently had to supplement it with berets like these. Now you can’t tell who’s coming—a Marine or a cook. Especially if the chef puts on his military decorations, takes his chef's machine gun and goes to the Bastille Day parade.

7. Fiji. You won’t believe it, but these barefoot half-warriors, half-women in tattered skirts are also the most honorable of the guards. Moreover, they keep a vigil of memory at the coffin of the former President of Fiji, Ratu Kamisese Kapaivai Tuimakilai Mara. But even such a sad occasion did not force them to change anything in their wardrobe. Well, at least wear mournful black skirts and no less mournful black slippers.

8. Haiti. It is unlikely that anyone would dare to call Haiti a peaceful country. Haitians will always find a reason for armed conflicts, which is why their military uniforms are usually dirty, camouflaged and bloody. But when it comes to the parade, the Haitians do not deny themselves decorations. No wonder the officer looks like a Christmas tree.

9. Thailand. Each day of the week in Thailand has its own planet, its own deity, its own animal and, most importantly, its own color. And of course, every Thai resident knows the color corresponding to their birthday. And of course, he knows that there are seven days in a week. You probably know too. So don't be surprised that there are nine multi-colored soldiers in the photo. Two extra.

10. South Korea. The wardrobe of the Royal Guard of South Korea is as similar to a military uniform as a squirrel costume is to a metropolitan's cassock. Nevertheless, these courageous and stern warriors belong to elite units and are capable of solving the most complex combat tasks. They just don’t want to show it off, so they traditionally dress in funny yellow robes, white long johns and tall hats.

11. We have already appreciated the berets, and now let’s take a look at the aprons of the sappers of the French Foreign Legion. During a parade they do not carry any load, but in the field they can carry ammunition and tools. There are other options for combat aprons, which in terms of consumer qualities compete with unloading vests. In addition to the French, they are used by British paratroopers, the Royal Marines, the South African Army, as well as mountain rifle units of a number of countries.

12. Even the photographer who photographed the Iranian army parade in Tehran was not completely sure whether the Iranian army was in front of him. Agree, it is very difficult to determine not only the rank, but also the branch of the military based on Chinese Kalashnikov assault rifles and green waste from clothing production. But camouflage in the form of wild vegetation helps a lot to detect an Iranian soldier in the desert.

13. The Vatican does not have its own army. Therefore, even such a shrine as the Pope is guarded by a hired corps of the Swiss Guard, founded in the 16th century. Since Catholic guardsmen have no time to read fashionable army magazines, their uniform, designed by Raphael himself, has not changed for 400 years.

14. So that you don’t think that the South Korean army is sad people in yellow coats, we decided to also show combat swimmers. In honor of the parade, they do not hide their faces under a mask and even took their pipes out of their mouths. The hardest thing is not to step on each other's flippers.

From a historical point of view, representatives of the fair sex have recently become full members of armed forces. The traditional role of women in the army is service in medical, communications, legal, financial units and other areas not related to direct military tasks.

Since the second half of the 20th century, the army’s ranks of combat crews began to be actively replenished with girls. In the USA, France, Canada, Italy, Greece, Finland, Macedonia, Bolivia and other countries, they serve on a contract basis.

A number of countries have mandatory conscription. These include Israel, North Korea, Malaysia, Norway. Sweden also plans to introduce universal female conscription from 2018.

Today, women have occupied a significant niche in the armed forces, so a special women's military uniform, including dress uniform, was required. It was developed taking into account modern requirements. In most cases, it is characterized by strict functionality and maximum comfort.

Photos of women's ceremonial uniforms

French military women take part in parades on an equal basis with men; the women's ceremonial military uniform differs from the men's only in size.

The US women's military uniform is designed in strict lines and is equipped with a black jacket.

Coast Guard dresses in blue

The uniform of the Royal Guard of Spain is more colorful

Israeli women dress simply and functionally.

There are also special women's units in the armies of Muslim countries. For example, Iranian ninja women.

Women's military crew of Afghanistan.

Girls at a parade in Turkmenistan.

The Palestinian security uniform includes the traditional hijab.

The Chinese army has attracted girls into its ranks since the foundation of the structure.

Bolivian military personnel are distinguished by an unusual headdress.

The women's ceremonial military uniform of each state includes ethnic and historical elements, but such curious options as the Greek Evzones or the Guard of the Swiss Guard are probably not to be found in the huge variety of models for ladies.

Red Army uniform was simple and functional. Before the start of the war, a system of insignia was in force, introduced in 1935 by Order No. 176. The ranks of generals were introduced only in May 1940. Until that time, job titles were used instead of ranks. The rank system was based on the traditional rank system of Tsarist Russia, although with notable differences. The 1936 model uniform consisted of a tunic. The tunic was a loose-fitting shirt worn over the head with patch breast pockets and a turn-down collar with a stand-up collar. The clasp on the collar was hidden. Elongated buttonholes were attached to the collar, in which insignia were worn. Officers' buttonholes had edging in the color of the branch of service. Patch chest pockets had flaps fastened with one button. Buttons were khaki-colored; officers often wore tunics with brass buttons.

There were no signs of belonging to a particular unit on the uniform; there were only signs of belonging to a particular branch of the military or service, which were worn in buttonholes and on shoulder straps. There were no emblems of the military branch; they differed only in the crimson edging on the uniform.

The uniform is a traditional khaki color - light olive brown or dark olive. The photographs show that in reality the uniform could have a variety of shades of tan, brown, green and gray. Moreover, even soldiers of the same unit could have uniforms of different colors. From 1944 the uniform became a darker olive green. After the introduction of new uniforms in 1943, both new and old uniforms were seen for a period. In 1943, the well-known order No. 25 appeared, which introduced the wearing of traditional shoulder straps and new uniform items. The units being formed, or units located in the rear, received a new uniform.

Winter uniform of infantryman, naval pilot, long-range aviation

The headdress - cap - was worn casually pushed towards the right ear. The cap was decorated with a metal olive-green star with a relief image of a hammer and sickle. The protective green star was often replaced with a red enameled star with a yellow hammer and sickle. The cap was trimmed with colored piping, different for different branches of the military.
A steel helmet was used in battle. The helmet was olive green, with a red star depicted on the forehead - solid or just an outline. In winter, the helmet was camouflaged by covering it with lime or pulling on a white fabric cover; in the cold, it could lead to frostbitten ears of the soldier, so sometimes soldiers removed the shock absorber from the helmet to wear it over their earflaps. In the first days of the war, only some soldiers had helmets; even in 1945 there were soldiers without helmets.

red army camouflage for scouts

The tunic of the 1943 model had a more traditional cut with a stand-up collar. The insignia from the buttonholes was transferred to shoulder straps. A white collar was supposed to be sewn to the collar. The collar was fastened with three buttons on the chest and two directly on the stand. Welt chest pockets with flaps with one button. Bloomers were loose-fitting half-breeches on the hips and tapered on the shins. In summer they wore uniforms made of cotton fabric, and in winter - from cloth. The summer uniform faded and faded very quickly, acquiring a lighter shade.
In summer, the main footwear was boots, which were worn with windings, and in winter - boots. In practice, boots were worn all year round. Usually the soldier received boots a size or two larger than needed, so that the boots could be worn with foot wraps. In winter, if necessary, boots were insulated by stuffing them with newspaper, straw or fabric. Foot wraps - cotton or wool - were traditionally worn with boots. Foot wraps are more practical than socks. They are cheaper, dry faster, wear out less, and most importantly, better protect the foot from abrasions.

Red Army uniform

The uniform was complemented by a brown-gray overcoat. The color of the overcoat matched the color of tree trunks in the winter forest. The overcoat was worn not only in winter, but also in the cooler months. If necessary, the overcoat served as a blanket. The sapper captain received a food parcel. Old-style blue buttonholes with black edging with insignia and the emblem of the military branch. In 1943, instead of buttonholes, the wearing of shoulder straps was introduced.
The raincoat tent was a rectangular piece of canvas that could be used in a variety of ways. Thanks to the button and loop, the raincoat could be fastened around the neck like a raincoat. In this case, the lower corner of the tent was fastened to a button in the center. The raincoat-tent could be used as a bedding or blanket. From four raincoat tents it was possible to assemble a six-person tent. Cloak tents were usually olive green, gray-green or dark yellow. Officers' capes had slits on the sides for hands, and the hood of the cape was formed using a ribbon.
The harsh Russian winter required warm clothing. During the first winter of the war, there were difficulties in supplying troops with warm clothes.
The pointed budyonnovka with a lowered backplate and earmuffs proved to be ineffective during the winter campaign of 1940. In its place, the troops began to receive a hat with earflaps with a cloth crown and a fur visor, a backplate and earmuffs. The headphones and the back cover were usually worn raised, but in case of severe frosts they could be lowered. The soldier's hat with earflaps was made of artificial fur - “on fish fur.”

Everyone has fur hats with earflaps, warm short fur coats, one hundred grams for liquidating the siege of Leningrad in 1944

In winter, they received a quilted padded jacket and cotton trousers, which were worn over a woolen winter uniform. The padded jacket had no pockets. The stand-up collar turned into a button closure. Other types of winter clothing: short fur coat and fur coat. In winter they wore woolen foot wraps, knitted sweaters, mittens and fur-lined gloves. In the rear, women knitted large quantities of scarves and socks, which were distributed among the troops.
In the most extreme cold they wore felt boots made of gray felt about 1 cm thick. The boots had one drawback - during a thaw they began to get wet.
In the first days of the war, militia units did not receive military uniforms and entered battle in civilian clothes. Former Gulag prisoners could continue to wear their black camp uniform.

Camouflage suits and overalls were produced for scouts and sappers of assault units. The camouflage pattern could be different. A large hood could be worn over a helmet or other headgear. Both the overalls and the suit were adopted in 1937/38. They were made of loose material, so they could withstand only one or two operations.

sniper Merkulov in a camouflage raincoat with a camouflage pattern

Two-color camouflage, known today as "amoebic" camouflage, featured large, irregularly shaped dark spots on a lighter background. Initially, the spots were black and the background was protective, but later other combinations appeared.

Types of summer camouflage used in the Red Army

Two-color camouflage with a leaf pattern also appeared, although it was not used as widely. Known camouflage patterns and colors are shown. The so-called “wet camouflage” is also known, which was a fabric fringe imitating vegetation.

Generally Red Army uniform corresponded to those climatic conditions and made it possible to carry out combat missions that faced the active army to achieve victory.

A fighter in full dress uniform should look courageous, fearless, neat and stately. We invite you to look at the military uniforms of those peoples who have done an excellent job of combining all of the above characteristics and flavoring them with a portion of national flavor.

Mongolia

Although the traditional Mongolian military uniform is mainly used for honor guards, escorting dignitaries, diplomats and guests, the costume is reminiscent of the era of Genghis Khan. Basic red shirt with embroidery on the sleeves, high collar. A vest is put on top, and a gold medallion is attached to the chest.

South Korea

The wardrobe of the Royal Guard of South Korea is as similar to a military uniform as a squirrel costume is to a metropolitan's cassock. Nevertheless, these courageous and stern warriors belong to elite units and are capable of solving the most complex combat tasks. They just don’t want to show it off, so they traditionally dress in funny yellow robes, white underpants and tall hats.

This uniform is a reflection of the Joseon period in Korean history, and has retained many elements since 1897. It is called Gugunbok and consists of Dongdali (an inner robe with scarlet sleeves and collar) and Jeonbok - an outer robe without sleeves. The look is completed with high Hwa boots and a wide-brimmed Jeonrip hat. Jeonrip is decorated with beads, ribbon and peacock feathers. Deungchae - a baton with a whip, which is attached to the belt in a horizontal position.

India

Indian military uniforms are designed in the spirit of British style. This is the first state in which a khaki uniform was introduced: high trousers, protective leggings, short sleeve shirts. The uniforms of the Indian army are varied, and the belts, traditional turbans and their color also differ. An olive shirt goes perfectly with a bright red headdress reminiscent of a turban.

Switzerland

The uniforms here and today have the appearance of Renaissance uniforms: dark red, blue and gold stripes cover the entire uniform. On the head of the guard soldier is a black beret or a silver Morion helmet (in case of a parade). Sergeants wear a black top with crimson leggings, while other officers wear an all-crimson uniform. Regular troops typically wear a uniform of deep blue, with a flat white collar and a brown belt.

England

The military uniform here is one of the calling cards of the country. The red coat color was first used in 1658. The royal guards are divided into five different regiments. Their representatives differ from each other in accessories and badges. The unifying elements of the uniform are a bright red jacket, dark trousers, black boots and a bearskin headdress.

Greece

The Greek army is mainly composed of infantry and mountain armed forces soldiers. Today, their role is to guard the Presidential House and the Greek Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located in Athens. The traditional uniform consists of Fustanella - a skirt combined with a white shirt, Fermeli - a vest (with details to indicate rank). On the soldiers' feet are red leather shoes with black pom-poms.

France

These are the orange aprons worn by sappers of the French Foreign Legion. At the Bastille Day parade they do not carry any load, but in the field they can accommodate various instruments. Veterans of the Legion wear beards. There are other options for combat aprons, which in terms of consumer qualities compete with unloading vests.

Vatican

The Vatican does not have its own army. Therefore, even such a shrine as the Pope is guarded by a mercenary corps of the Swiss Guard, founded in the 16th century. Since Catholic guardsmen have no time to read fashionable army magazines, their uniform, designed by Michelangelo himself, has not changed for 400 years.

Italy

The police officers of Rome, walking around Piazza Navona in their uniforms, are very similar to Count Dracula.

Italian military headdresses are also of interest. “Bye-bye-swinging your peeeers on your hataaaaaah”:)

And also the brave Italian guard:

Greece

This is strange, but often the soldiers of the honor guard, who guard quite serious and even holy places, are dressed in the most ridiculous uniforms. This is what the soldiers of the Presidential Guard look like - Greek Evzones, marching at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens.

The changing of the guard of the presidential guard is the most lively curiosity of Athens. In such a heavy and warm uniform, not only walking, but standing, and even that is not easy. In the summer, in the heat of about forty, in double woolen stockings, heavy boots - five kilograms each, in a fez hat that doesn’t look like a Panama hat, and even with a carbine - marching is a real feat!

Evzon means “well-belted.” One of the “belted men” has a special position: this person is obliged to ensure that the clothes of those on duty are always in perfect order. And at the same time, and to ensure that tourists, trying to take a photo next to the Evzones, do not go beyond the bounds of reason.

At 11 am every Sunday in Athens there is a ceremonial changing of the guard. The ceremony is attended by the entire personnel of the Evzone company - more than 150 people. On the eve of the event, the police are blocking the avenue along which the procession, led by an orchestra, will leave the barracks to the main square of the country. During each parade changing of the guard, the band traditionally plays the national anthem.

It seems that when marching, the Evzones make a lot of unnecessary, too “ceremonial” movements. But this is exactly what their traditional march looks like. Strange-looking shoes with pumpons - tsarukhi - weigh 5 kilograms each, and each is lined with 60 steel nails. Nails - so that the Evzones could click beautifully on the pavement. The sound of “well-belted” steps cannot be compared with anything. Pumpons are also meaningful. Once upon a time, the Evzones hid dangerous and insidious weapons in them - sharply sharpened knives that could unexpectedly hit the enemy. That is why they so diligently demonstrate pumpons as they walk along the pavement.

Not everyone is accepted into the Evzones. The candidate must be handsome and tall - at least 187 cm tall - and, moreover, psychologically stable. Recruits are taught the drill step for not too long, only 5 weeks, but the classes are very intense. After training, soldiers are allowed to stand guard at the Parliament and the entrance to the Presidential Palace.

South Korea

The wardrobe of the South Korean Royal Guard is as similar to a military uniform as a squirrel costume is to a judge's robe. Nevertheless, these courageous and stern warriors belong to elite units and are capable of solving the most complex combat tasks. They just probably don't want to show it off, so they traditionally dress up in robes, long johns and tall hats.

And this is what the dress uniform of the South Korean diving forces looks like:

And here attention to the South Korean parade was attracted not by the uniform, but by the actions of the military :)

Fiji

It's hard to believe, but these guys in tattered skirts and flip-flops are also the most honorable guard of the President of Fiji.

Russia

Black Sea elite units of combat swimmers at the celebration of Russian Navy Day in Sevastopol. To avoid stepping on each other's fins, the fighters did without them.

Thailand

December 5, National Holiday in Thailand - Birthday of His Majesty the King. In a colorful ceremony at Bangkok's Royal Plaza, elite crayon-shaped Royal Guards solemnly reaffirm their oath to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Iran

Iranian army parade in Tehran. It is very difficult to determine not only the rank, but also the type of troops behind the camouflage in the form of wild vegetation.

Women's troops:

India and Pakistan

The “Evening Dawn Ceremony” is a complex, highly artistic ritual performed by Pakistani and Indian border guards at the checkpoint in the city of Amritsar to the delight of tourists. Occurs daily before sunset.

It must be understood that this is a purely local custom, because the tradition of lowering the flag at the Wagah checkpoint originated in 1947, when the newly independent British India split into India and Pakistan. Although the Indian uniforms and headdresses of Pakistani and Indian border guards are from the times of colonial England.
The nightly ceremony at Wagha's post reflects all the complexities of relations between now hostile states that were once part of one great country, demonstrating strength and determination to defend their interests.

Here is the ceremony itself:

On the Pakistani side, the stands are chanting: “Pakistan zindaba-a-d!” (“Long live Pakistan!”), the Indian side replies: “Bharat! Bharat! (“India! India!”). The patriotic song “My Pakistan” plays from the speakers, drowning out the screams. Singing can also be heard from the Indian side. Here an old man in a green robe runs out to the gate, the national flag flutters in his hands. The crowd greets him with a loud cheer: “Pakistan bapu!” (“Pakistani dad!”). It turns out that it is as much a part of the tradition as the ceremony of lowering the national flag. “Muslims!” – the old man shouts invitingly, addressing the stands. "Long live Pakistan!" - the crowd answers. Music and slogans from both sides merge, forming some kind of unimaginable cacophony.

Meanwhile, in front of the flagpoles, the main action begins. Guardsmen in national uniforms appear on both sides. After complex formations, the gates swing open and the honor guards greet each other. On the Pakistani side, the rangers, big Pashtun guys, perform something like a war dance. Then the officers from the Pakistani and Indian sides (some in black uniforms with black plumes on their heads, others in khaki uniforms with red plumes) shake hands. The crowd in the stands greets the handshake with loud cheers. The officers begin to lower the banners - the spectators go wild. Then another handshake and the gates slam shut.

Having thrown out the accumulated emotions, the audience returns to their work with a sense of fulfilled civic duty. Of course, to a certain extent this is an invented and rehearsed show, but it has the main meaning: each side strives to show “we are peaceful citizens, we do not violate borders, we are ready to cooperate, but our strength and power is enough to defend our interests."

India

Indian ceremonial military uniform: