Specodezhda

From RedAllianceWiki

Specodezhda, or more popularly Spetsodezhda (romanized from Спецодежда), a two colour "stair step" camouflage pattern, developed solely for the Soviet Border Guards (KGB PV) is one of the more specialized Soviet patterns. In 1981 the "First pattern" Special Purpose Clothing was issued to the Soviet Border Guards, it featured a new, KLMK based camouflage pattern in green and yellow colours. This eight-pocket uniform was very modern at the time, one model of the jacket even featured sleeve pockets with velcro closure. Quite soon after it's introduction in the 1980's the 1st pattern uniform was replaced by the M88, the camouflage pattern remained the same. This version of Specodezhda remained in use into the Russian federation era. During the late 80's and early 90's the MVD used M88 Specodezhda uniforms rather frequently, since then it has been replaced by the newer Russian patterns.

Along with the usual 1st pattern and M88 uniform, the Specodezhda pattern was also used on 1st pattern winter uniforms, M88 winter uniforms, berets, visor caps, field caps, panama-hats and later on body armour and "boonie" like hats.

The modern Berezka pattern is a descendant of Specodezhda, but not nearly an exact copy.

Gallery

A first pattern Soviet Spetsodezhda uniform with Border Guards insignia.	M88 Spetsodezhda.	A Spetsodezhda 6B5.	Soviet Border Guards, wearing first pattern Spetsodezhda summer and winter uniforms.
Border Guard troops wearing M88 Spetsodezhda uniforms.	A Soviet Border Guard, wearing the first pattern Spetsodezhda uniform and camouflage beret.	Russian MVD troops wearing M88 Spetsodezhda uniforms.