border_guard_impression

* 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. The absence of eye protection is purely for these pics and tacticle goggles are worn here at all times when in the playing area.

It was this set of patches that led to this impression. I recieved these as a gift from my fellow Red-Alliance member "Napalm Nymph" and I was very inspired after my breif research of the Russian Border Guards. I looked for just the right uniform to sew them on and went for this beatiful set of Flora BDU. The smock is actually not part of the set but a seperate item sold as a "lightwieght jacket". It is indeed perfect for hot weather duty and I found it quite comfortable during this rather hot and humid photo shoot.

While most Russian camo collectors associate the border guards with the old stairstep pattern, Flora seems to be an acceptable camouflage and is found being used by these troops.

*I'd like to point out that while most of my pouches are Russian made, they are arranged here by pure guesswork and in no way reflect an accurate depiction of what has been seen on actual Russian Frontier Troops.

A few non-Russian items seen here are my German splinter pattern M43 style cap (1960's issue) and my original French sniper veil. I have a flora knock-off type patrol cap which would have been more accurate but I chose the splinter cap for effect... and just because I like it. The Flora pattern continues to amaze me and I find it's effectiveness incredible for areas where thick green foliage resides. The green base for the patches is great and as seen here in these pics, look wonderful against the flora backdrop.

Gear:

I chose a very simple belt order arrangement for this day... not just for the shoot but also for the following skirmish. Summers here in New York can get very nasty with brewing temps and humidity like hot, thick soup. Vests are great and I prefer them but allowing my body to breathe became far more important.

I also enjoyed the freedom of movement with this arrangement. The key here is to keep the mag pouches located slightly to the sides to allow for crouching, climbing, and running.

Todays Menu:

2) Splav 4 cell mag pouches
1) Splav utility pouch
1) Splav small cargo pouch
1) Maxpedition RolyPoly pouch (Medium) for dump pouch
1) Maxpedition RolyPoly pouch (Small) for watter bottle
1) ANA radio pouch
1) Splav radio pouch
1) US style belt and harness

AK74 modified from Tokyo Marui AK47
with realsteel parts and internal upgrades
from Long Island Airsoft.

Smock is of unknown manufacture and pants are rex-designs. The pants were a bit of a let-down since they have no cargo pockets. This is rare for this type of uniform.

My boots are also non-Russian "Altama" type issue boots. NOT reccomended. They seem to need an amazing amount of break-in time and my feet are still throbbing. Guess I need to give them more time... or get new boots! The black fingerless gloves are mainly for my spetsnaz impressions but the more I discover about the Frontier Troops, the more I begin to think they are quite elite themselves.

Admittedly, my very limited research yielded only a small amount of
information regarding the Russian Border Guard Service. Seems as though the units of the MVD gain more attention and interest and both
information and photos are more readily available on the net. Luckily,
Dennis Desmond's book, "Camouflage Uniforms Of The Soviet Union and Russia" has a very nice section dedicated to some key points regarding the Border Guards; not just their camouflage usage but also their history.

"...Structured along the lines of army brigades and divisions, these forces had provided the KGB with a powerful army to guard the state and massive frontiers of the Soviet Union and Russia. Equipped with tanks, helicopters, armoured personnel carriers, and mobile assault groups, the KGB border forces were equivalent to or exceeded the capability of the armies of many nations. It's personnel were generally more politically reliable and capable of serving the Comunist Party (CPSU) unquestionably."

"...Border units are divided into regiments, battalions, companies, and outposts (zastava). There are also assault maneuver groups (DShMG) designed to react quickly to hot spots along the border. Each zastava is equipped with armoured personnel carriers, mortar and artillery support, and aviation support."

- Dennis Desmond

Many changes have taken place since the early 90's and while I have read about the special police units taking over border guard duties, I have yet to see this take place. The Border Guards still seem to play a major part in the Russian military. This is my best attempt at depicting a Russian Border Guard.

While I would prefer to use only genuine Russian pouches and equipment, I find it better for airsofting purposes to have a loadout which utilizes pouches that support needs over wants. The Maxpedion pouches (here in tan) are fantastic. The small holds my large water bottle perfectly and the medium makes for a great dump pouch. I use this for carrying odds and ends as well as a temporary holding space for my empty mags. The Splav AK mag pouches are really great. If you can't snap the quick release "Kovach" clip, at least there is plenty of velcro for a quick hold. I normally prefer assault vests but I must admit I am really beginning to enjoy using this type of belt and harness arrangement... especially in the very hot and humid months.

I wouldn't say this is a very accurate and definitive impression but I feel that I am not too far off. Ok, the hat is perhaps a bit too far fetched but I liked it in these pics and I'm glad I wore it. A better choice would have been a standard patrol cap or old style cap with earflaps, a conehead helmet, or a boonie hat. In cold weather, the ushanka would work well.

I corresponded with some RA members who were/are actual soldiers in the Russian military and thanks to them (ArtofPain, Dusty Miller) I feel the patch placement is accurate. I have seen, however, the Border Guard patch (shown in these pics on my right sleeve) worn on the left instead of the armed forces type patch. I'm assuming either placement is acceptable.

I would like more info on this smock. I wonder if the manufacturer made a set of pants to compliment it. It was purchased privately thru ebay and may be more of a hunters item. Regardless, I have seen smocks like this worn by soldiers and it has the perfect combination of ruggedness and breathability... even for a 100% cotton product.

As I stated previously, the Flora pattern is really amazing. It's effectiveness is excellent and has all my respect. The cut is great and I hope they never completely phase it out. Still, I wish Rex Designs had included cargo pockets on the pants. I'll continue to research the mystery smock.

Above right shows the diversity of uniforms used by Russian military forces. Standing to the right (my left) is Red Alliance member "Kazamir" who did a wonderful job with his spetsnaz impression. A close inspection showed that the VDV landing force pants come with pads in the knees... a very useful detail. The berezka jacket made him disappear in the brush. Still my favorite pattern.

I'd like to thank Red Soldier for the extremely fast shipping of the green and white telnyashka. I remembered this detail only a few days before the shoot and I appreciate their efforts in getting the shirt to me so quickly.

After much discussion with real Russian soldiers regarding the use of pouches and belt order versus assault vests I became a bit confused over which to use. I was also questioning if I was arranging the kit in a way that would be entirely too incorrect. I wanted some authenticity and I think the greatest relief came when I read about Uniform number #8 which, when translated basically means; "we wear whatever we steal." It rhymes in Russian and is a standard joke in the Russian army.

I get the sense that it implies the idea that "anything goes" and that you have to use those things you can actually GET. Makes sense to me.