These photos were intended as more of a pictorial guide to the Official Uniform of the Eastern Bloc Players Club but I figured yet another Spetsnaz impression wouldn't be such a horrible thing either!

About the club ...

Seems like some of the members of the Red-Alliance joined up with what can be considered an unofficial team although I do not believe all of us skirmish together but a few do have that pleasure. Anyway, it's pretty cool that we have the common bond as a club and at the same time, have a uniform that unites us. Naturally, ANY eastern bloc uniform or impression will suffice. This page is simply dedicated to the official uniform.

Proposed patch which is based on a Russian special unit patch.
Subdued version.

Speaking with Comrade Tascabe regarding the origins of this club, I found out these simple details;

"No official headgear yet - leaning towards camo beret. It kind of evolved between Croaker and I - I wanted to do a dedicated opfor and he jokingly made the name and it stuck. So for now VSR jacket and OD pants is it for a uniform. Any gear and headgear." Comrade Tacabe, Nortia Enterprises.
Cap device.
Not sure how you go about becoming a member but for myself, I think it was just a matter of inviting myself to stay for dinner. And breakfast the next morning, and lunch... Anyway, I enjoyed wearing this uniform not just because it looks killer but also because I it was great to represent a group of fellow airsofters who also re-enact the Russian military. Even if we can't all skirmish together on the same field, we at least have this common uniform to unify us.

Well, here it is;

It was hot as hell and very humid the day these photos were taken so I chose a very simple belt order instead of the usual assault vest. The VSR jacket is the type sold here in the states a few years ago by an import company and is now near impossible to find (as are most VSR uniforms) The pants are simple olive green (olive drab is fine too) and are the type available commercially through most outlet shops. These happen to be a very nice cotton blend and are very rugged and very comfortable.

The striped shirt is just an added Russian detail that I like to add to most of my impressions.

Since I don't have authentic Russian boots, I just wore my beat up and nasty Welland boots. (A British copy of the US made "Georgia Boot".) These don't have much time left... guess I should forget the next assault vest purchase and opt for some new boots!

Yeah, I know... the hydration pack isn't Russian either. Hey, it was fucking hot!

As always, photos of actual soldiers served as reference - even for this very ficticious impression. I have seen this type of headwrap and the black leather fingerless gloves being worn by Russian special operators and unit members of former eastern bloc nations. These are details I really like. I was going to camo my face but I feared the intense heat would cause the camo cream to run into my eyes. Damn... shoulda done it anyway!
Photos at right show members of the elite Russian units operating in Chechnya - a harsh conflict with bitter fighting. These photos were used with permission from my freind Igor01 from his most excellent collection of photographs showcasing these brave men.
At left Comrade Tascabe wears the same uniform while "negotiating a cease-fire" during an airsoft battle. The beret is a really nice touch!
These commercially made pants are great - nice weave with large canadian style buttons. The cargo pockets are huge and kept all sorts of goodies in them like wireties, food, etc.
After reading the book "Immediate Action" by Andy McNab (SAS) I decided to use one of his tricks. I taped a simple compass to my buttstock for quick use. I am actually surprised he did this while behind the lines in the desert - you'd think with the open, flat terrain and bright sun... whatever. It's just a cool detail and I actually found it useful. Photo at left shows the compass. Center photo shows a Splav pouch* with improvised wire grab handle. I did this one winter to make opening the pouch easier while wearing heavy gloves. I used this pouch for extra ammo, electrical tape, and food Not the best pouch and I doubt I'll use it again. In front of that one is a simple US made compass pouch used for my very small radio. To the rear is a superb Splav pouch with a quick release buckle. Perfect for my square canteen. Photo at far right shows a perfect Splav pouch made for 4 AK mags. Behind that is the ever popular Maxpedition dump pouch. Not sure which is more important; the pouch that carries the mags or the one that catches the empty mags. The hydration pack is from Rothco - modded with some mesh and camo net "leaves".

It doesn't matter which variant of VSR is used. They are all visually beautiful and extremely effective. Uniforms in this pattern have become so scarce that I think it's fair to say that the collector should just get whatever he or she can. I have only a few pieces but I am always looking for more. Now that this is the Official Uniform of the Eastern Bloc Players Club, I also find myself looking for more pants like these as well.

Took a few moments to hit this photo with some photoshop techniques. I like his sort of thing as it adds such nice atmosphere.

Won't be the last time I wear this combination. Gonna change a few things around with the pouches but that's it. Probably wear the camo face creme next time.

Camo.

*Note for collectors - Splav is a Russian based manufacturer of military goods including uniforms and gear. Thier items can be purchased through Red Soldier and Russian Combat Gear.