VDV Kit

[comradeyuri]

out of curiousity, I've been wondering what a full VDV kit looks like. At first I would assume it's like a rifleman's, except with Air Force cap and shoulderboards, but I've also heard that it's more simplified vs the standard infantry kit... any clues would be greatly appreciated

[crazydima]

Tovarisch,

For the most part the VDV kit was just like the basic infantry kit.

The only items different was the use of the canvas "y" strap suspension system, number of ammo pouches and shovel carriers which also held extra grenades or ammo.

In warm weather they jumped in either the basic combat rig and used camo suits in lieu of coveralls. In cold weather either coats or telogreikas with ushankas were worn as jump suits

As part of their TO&E they had goggles and a soft cloth jump helmet designated as part of their jump kit. Some accounts tell about the VDV members continuing to wear the headgear after hitting the ground as a sign of who they were.

There were protocols laid out listing what the troops should wear for each type of weapon carried as we ll as the type of weather being jumped in. However, what the protocol says and what happens are two different things.

Both accounts and photos show them slinging their myeshok packs down near their butts as a way to carry more gear.

I have copies of some memoirs where the soldiers said they jumped in their shirt and pants and Pilotka without any other gear except weapon and initial ammo loadout. So when it came time to dig in they had no e-tools and when the weather turned bad they had no plasches.

I have other accounts telling of the men carying everything but the kitchen sink.

In reality the way the looked for a jump changed from unit to unit and jump to jump.


Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Dima
9th Airborne

[comradeyuri]

Thank you for the information tovarisch!