Soviet Uniforms and Militaria 1917-1991: Ministry of Defence of the USSR: Red Army, Navy, Naval Infantry, Air Force & Paratroopers

by Gyorgy Torok, Laszlo Bekeski

Release Date: January, 2001

Edition: Hardcover

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If an appearance could kill...

Being an ex-serviceman of the Soviet Army and Soviet uniform books and dress regulations collector I would not recommend this book to any serious reader. Several pictures show items of field, service and special dress mixed or worn wrongly. Models present a real nightmare for any average sergeant-major: unshaved, long hairs, wearing totally unfitted uniforms (too small or too long sleeves, blouses and trousers are not pressed etc). The art of wrapping putties (see pre-1945 section) must be a great mystery to them (and to the authors). All this is described as "non-regulation manner of wear" but in fact present a group of scarecrows rather than regular soldiers.
I remember my first sergeant-major who used to say that a real soldier is expected to kill an enemy by his look and appearance. I think - he was telling us the truth. Two stars for binding and dust-jacket.