* I'd like to make it known that all photos taken this day were long before any game was started, before any AEG was chrono'd, and even before any other player arrived at the field. This was also on a parcel of land NOT intended for airsoft. The absence of eye protection is purely for these pics and tacticle goggles are worn here at all times when in the playing area.
I have had this pair of pants for quite some time. The old style M88 Russian Woodland camouflage. Always wished I had a tunic to go with it but I never could find a perfect match. What I did find was this Ukrainian issue shirt that became a "close enough" partner for the pants. Anyway, that set is what led to this impression. I had already sewn on the patch that reads; "Protection Platoon - where we are, there victory is." I thought that a privately hired operator might be pretty cool and the M88 dates hime back a few years. I figured I'd add the old school belt order with canvas chest rig to put together an interesting impression - and also something comfortable for a day of skirmish.
An ad for the SPOSN Gorka - a Russian BDU. Both the Spandoflage gloves and bush hat were appealling to me so I went with it. I already had the gloves and a trip to Old Navy produced the hat. The bush hat, rather than the full sized brim boonie hat, always reminds me of pics I saw from South African and South American conflicts.
At right is a photo of member of the Detachment For Special Tasks of the Republic Of Macedonia. He is wearing a Spandoflage type facemask. The lightwieght mesh really does an excellent job of breathing as well as concealling facial features. While sold commercially and intended as a hunting accessory, I have seen many photos of the worlds special units wearing this mask. Since full facial protection is needed for some airsoft fields, this is perfect for hot weather. This also served as inspiration for this impression.

The terrain here is very generic. A suitable backdrop that could represent any wooded area in the world. Definitely good enough for a faux South American country. Although the morning light was wonderful and had great effect on this photo, I took it a bit further and added the sun and lens flare effects. This is the impression I was looking for - one man possibly working alone.

It was great to have some time alone in these woods. Not just for the pics but also some time to just enjoy the quiet.

A few pics of the details. The chi-com style shest rig is sweet. The smaller pouches on the sides held things like lens cleaning kit as well as anti-fog spray. With the bush hat worn I anticipated some fogging and I always carry this stuff. It also held my 2 other favorite things; a roll of electrical tape and a leatherman type multi tool. The 3 cells held 3 mags and supplemented my ammo considerably. It allowed me to carry 1 backup mag in the hip pouch along with extra batteries, wire ties,and an M4 mag style bottle feeder. I think I carried some meds in the small cleaning pouch on the side of the hip pouch.

The old soviet era canteen is still available. The economy grade cotton pouch is made from the same kind of material that lines most Russian and Soviet uniforms. It's very cheap and barely holds the canteen in place. A simple sewn-on button holds onto the belt. I like it just the same as it's original and goes well with the loadout. The 2 cell grenade pouch held my radio and some other miscellaneous items like a whistle, pocket knife, etc. It's a handy lttle pouch. I left the entrenching tool at home and added a WWII British made ammo pouch. This was for the Lee Enfield .303 rifle and I beleive it was used with the sub machine guns used at the time as well. If I am not mistaken, khaki was used for the army, navy blue for the air force, and this grey color was used for the navy. I am not 100% sure on this but if memory serves me... anyway, it was used for extra goggles, food, food, and more food. I carry snack bars and flour tortillas for quick eats and instant energy.

The AK bayonet is carried just for looks and effect. The whole loadout (except for the Brit pouch) was arranged using photos as a guide. I'd rather have the 4 cell style pouch and I suppose that will come along soon enough. I liked the arrangement of gear and kit and it was a nice refreshing change from the more modern stuff I normally use.

The M88 uniform is sublime. Even though the jacket is not original Soviet era issue, it's still highly desireable to collectors and it's obvious how well it works in most environments. The pants have a more green look to them. The black printed area seen here on the jacket is more green on the pants. They are also more subdued. I will most definitely get myself another matching set eventually... ALL Soviet issue and ALL matching!

The patch screams "here I am" but I don't give a damn. It looks killer!

I really liked the ever-so-commercial look to the spandoflage facemask and gloves. Both something this fella might have procured in South America along with the bush hat. The facemask comes without the holes... you cut them yourself. Simply pinch a small portion and cut. I can't get over the breathability. No smothering feeling and my goggles never fogged. Nice!

It should be noted that I have never seen any photo of any Russian or Soviet personel wearing this mask.

Some photos I thought I might not use but I guess are worth the extra look if you're really into this loadout. I like all the late 80's and early 90's transtion photos I've seen of elements of the Russian military. The mix of stuff is great and while most of this is pretty cool and very believable, I have no real evidence of any of this stuff being used by the Russian focres, nor do I have any proof that they were ever in South America. The woodland uniforms were still being used but being phased out by the VSR pattern. Again, while most of this may be put together on what is actual history, it is a completely hypothetical impression and a very "what if" kind of look. The SPOSN ad above served more of an influence than anything else.
"No one shall pass... no one."
The sky blue striped shirt denotes airborne and may lead to this operator's true identity. I liked this look and it won't be the last time I run with it. The return of airsoft to Long Island was viewed as a special event and I'm glad I had an impression worthy of it.