Soviet M69 uniform in Afghanistan

Model 1969 uniform (summer version) worn by the Soviet troops deployed in Afghanistan in 1979. Early model with green plastic buttons, later models issued with shining brass buttons! (from 1973)

With no serious NBCW danger in Afghanistan the gas mask pouch (left side) was used as a multi-usage bag.

Part of the new uniform was a peaked field service cap with earflaps. Note the subdued (painted green) enlisted men's cap badge.

Very soon it was realised that with it's few & small pockets, it's trousers (breeches ment to be worn with the tall Kirza jackboots) that the M69 uniform was not appropriate for this new kind of conflict.

The basic webbing equipment (left to right): grenade pouch (2x F1 hand grenades), canteen, entrenching tool & magazine's pouch (this type, 4x30 rounds).

Blog written by: "Flächenjak"