VDV_v1

Russia's Air Assault Force - The spearhead of modern Russian military operations. "Vozdushno-Desantnaya-Voyska" (VDV) has been the designation of one of the worlds most elite units. The Russian Paratrooper ("Desantnik") is the subject of this impression and I will state for the record that this was the first time I have actually gotten nervous doing a shoot such as this. I was desperate to portray this soldier as accurately as possible. With all it's flaws, I still hope it is an inspiring page.

Rather than get into an entire history lesson about the VDV, I will simply offer my reference sources. This book has been in my library since the week it was released in 1994. Photographed and written by Yves Debay, it has been a wonderful point of reference and I will also use it for future Para impressions. I don't know if it's stilll available but here's the ISBN: 962-361-720-8

Also great reference are the line of Osprey books. The Zaloga illustrations are worth the cost alone. I often refer to these books and find that the photos are wonderful support to the information I continue to gain as a result of careful study.

You can read my reviews on these books by clicking on the cover to Soviet Bloc Elite Forces.

I really like this combination. The 6Sh92 assault harness is simply awesome. The nylon used in it's construction is very durable and withstood plenty of abuse. This was also the my first time wearing these wonderful boxcalf boots (if that's actually what they are named). I love the way they look and although I'm sure most Russian paratroopers prefer the shorter lace-up type, I chose these since they are still quite common. Wish I had the folding stock for my AK74. Damn!

VSR BDU modified.
VSR patrol cap
Solid brass Soviet style belt and buckle.
Russian boxcalf boots (officer model)
6Sh92 Assault harness with integrated ruck and pouches (VSR pattern).
Splav canteen pouch with non-regulation plastic water bottle.
AK74m (Modified Tokyo Marui AK47) Sky blue and white telnyashka

The harness comprises well padded shoulder straps. These are adjustable as are the straps on the back and kidney area. I found it wise to use some electrical tape to keep the adjustment hardware in place. These seem like they might give a bit with some movement. There are 3 mag pouches attached to the front. The center 2 are capable of carrying the large 45 round RPK type magazines - 2 mags each pouch. The third mag pouch off to the users left (viewers right) allows for 2 standard AK74 mags but the 7.62 AK47 mags fit as well. These pouches are unique - in fact, I've never seen this kind innovative forward-thinking in any Russian magazine pouch. Aside from the excellent material used, there are straps within the pouches. At the end of the straps are "D" rings. These straps sling across the top of the magazines and the D rings slip in between the well made pouch snaps, trapping the mags in place. This is particularly effective during jumps or when going prone. The other amazing feature of these pouches is their versatility. There is a center divider within each pouch. If a soldier decides to make a "royal mag", (2 mags taped together) he only needs to push the divider to his chest and the pouch will accomodate both taped mags - even with a spacer in between. Genious!

The far right photos show how the ruck is integrated with the harness. This ruck is removable at any time but when used in this fasion with the harness, it is impossible to seperate. The generous padding on the shoulder straps helps with the comfort factor.

I enjoyed the look and feel of this rig. The set-up is very nice; everything you need right up front where it belongs, everything secondary goes into the pack or on the belt. This harness also comes with 2) 5 cell VOG grenade pouches. These are also well designed and in the same fall variant VSR pattern. I left these off since I do not yet posess a grenade launcher and I wanted nothing else on the belt except more ammo and water. 2 handgreande pouches are situated near the kidney to the right of the right center mag pouch. I used these for lens cleaning kit and anti-fog bottle and applicator.

Water is carried in a civvie type plastic water bottle within a Splav made non-insulated canteen cover. I also had some water stowed in the ruck later on for skirmishing.

The row of photos below shows the inner pockets for documents and such. They came in handy when I had to carry medic bandages later in the day. The inner portion of the ruck cover has a velcro closed flap that enable it be a pouch in itself. I carried an MRE heater inside this.

Also below you can see pages from the booklet that comes with the harness and all it's accessories. I need to get this translated. I have no problem kitting this thing up but it's nice to know exactly what the designer was intending when this was put together. Anyway, this is a very nicely made, well thought out design with few (if any) flaws. It is very well balanced and was a dream to wear. I made a point of carrying the ruck all day to test the limits of the padding and my own strength. Both the padding and my shoulders did very well!

If you can get it, I highly recommend this harness.

Also worth mentioning... included within the ruck on the inside of the "back" are 4 sleeves for more mags. I used the 2 outer pouches for bottled spring water. You can clearly see the pouches on the inside of the chest portions. The belt provided is sturdy enough to carry plenty of extras, although I can't imagine too much stuff being lashed to the belt as there's plenty carry-room up top.

Both of these photos also depict this harness. On the left you have a member of Centaur Club (Czech Republic) who's impressions inspired me and were a great source of info. On the right is my good friend, Teroy from The Phillipines. His version of this harness is in what appears to be some type of cotton blend and sports the Flora pattern. At the time of this writing, there is only 1 other collector here in the states with this rig. I may have been the first in the US to actually have this.

If you are looking to do a modern VDV impression, this rig, or the older RD-54 assault harness are great choices. The older RD is still in use and may be issued to recruits and trainees. It's still used in the field and also very well planned and thought out. I plan to use the RD-54 in future impressions and I'll compare both of these harnesses.

"Now where ever did I put those cigars?"

Almost any of the caps you see above are perfectly acceptable for this type of impression. A model SSh-68 helmet would have been nice to have but the VSR patrol cap works perfectly for me. One beret detail I would have preferred can be seen above right. The black Naval Infantry (officer) beret has several stitched seams in it whereas the blue VDV beret I have is a solid, one piece design. It's a bit stiff and while comfortable, it doesn't allow for the much more relaxed "slouch" that I prefer when wearing such a beret. I like the new type of beret cap device. I might have to get another with the stitched seams. Maybe the old style Soviet cap device and Guards unit flash in red.

The left sleeve patch here shows the VDV insignia as does the right breast patch. I really like having the matching blood group patch. The patches shown in blue and white may denote Paras during peacekeeping operations. I am continuing my research in this area. One major flaw with this impression was not having a unit patch. I spent so much time trying to find just the right unit patch that would compliment the blue and white patches that I ran outta time. Oh well... I'll just have to keep plugging away and hope I can update with better intel.

Whatever... they look killer!

More pics courtesey of Centaur Club. There is one very important detail seen clearly in almost all the photos of this page but easily overlooked: The VDV always cut the lower pockets off their BDU jackets and tuck it in like a shirt. I removed mine with a razor (at the stitching) and had the whole uniform tailored for a smart, sharp fit.

The winter over-whites are just amazing! Take note of the white collar inserts at far left. Nice Detail... thanks Volk! (Centaur Club.)

To me, the impression is an art. Not just the gear and the arrangement but so many things; The timeline, the uniform, the unit history, where the unit saw action, what kind of battles there were, how many men... there's so much to yet uncover. It's also about the photos and how they are displayed. Should it be just an illustrative endeavor to show the details only? No. I think it's important to try and create an atmosphere that instills emotion. Perhaps something that will encourage others to do the same and share their gear and their talents. I dunno... maybe it's all the beer.

At the time of this writing, the G&P mid cap AK74 magazines are brand new. I have 2 brown and 2 plum. I fired 2 successive feeds from my AK74 and I am very pleased to report that they are excellent. A word of advice... don't feed them with those neat little Marui .45 feeders. I found that I had ZERO jams with the stupid feed tube that comes with all Marui AEGs. The .45 types caused terrible jams and this is truly unfortunate as they are so handy to have on the field.

As long as we're talking weapons, any AK74 variant will do but a side folding model would have proven better for this Para impression. Also, an RPK, AKSU, and even AKM or AKMS (suppressed?) would do fine. The AKM or AKMS better reserved for Afghan era impressions.

The boots are wonderful. I mean, they might not be the most comfortable boots to wear but if you add padded inserts, it's not so bad. My only complaint is that the top of the front portion acts as a "scoop" for sand and small pebbles. If you look closely at my right leg, you'll see what I mean. When I stood from this kneeling position, I had to remove that boot in order to clear the debris. However, I did find that the boots are extremely resistant to scrapes and such. I found out many hours after this shoot (and the skirmish immediately after) that I had many, many thorns in the thick leather that would have scraped up my shins and slowed me down. Anyway, as stated, I love them and I wish I could wear them to sleep! I got many compliments on them and I'm sure they upset the little "Blackhawk Down-everything must be Delta Force-gear assholes." They can all go fuck themselves.

I was lucky enought to sneak away during lunch with Comrade Kazamir and Comrade Red-Spectre. Although it was for only a few moments, we enjoyed some weapons and gear fondling out in the woods while all the little jack-offs talked about how cool the M4 looks with sixteen different add-ons attached to the RIS, RAS, or whatever the fuck they glued onto their AEG. Probably why they can't get laid... too much time spent on thinking about shit they cant't touch. Anyway, although 20 years younger than myself, these 2 guys show great attitiude, excellence in honesty and integrity, and an overall healthy attitude towards airsoft. I'd rather hang out with these guys than most of the self-rightous "adults" on the field. Wish we'd had more time to jerk around with the weapons. At least the paper targets can't LIE and CHEAT.

I was very impressed with Kazamir's efforts in getting excellent VDV insignia, an AMAZING VSR bdu, and also trimming off the pockets and tucking-in the jacket. He really paid attention to details and am constantly amazed at his efforts. Also glad I'm not the only "Red" on the field. Red-Spectre (in black UA t shirt) is awaiting a set of Flora bdu as these photos are taken. Smart fellow - Flora is amazing! I might just re-name him "Buff-Spectre".

Among the weapons are Kazamir's AK47 with metal reciever, internal upgrades, and permanent marker wood treatment. Also, his Guarder steel and wood RPK is really something to behold. I brought my AK74 and AKM - both in-progress projekts that need more work. We had plenty of ammo and other wonderful things for "fun with full auto!"

I'd like to thank Volk from Centaur Club for the permission for use of the many pics from his teams site. He was very helpful and I owe him much gratitude for all his efforts in directing this lazy Americans interest on the path of correctness. He answered every stupid question and never lost patience with my horrible overly-excited enthusiasm. A true gentleman and genuinely kind person. Thank you, my comrade.

Seen here in Moskow, these 2 crazy Red-Alliance members were without question, a main force in my impression. At left is Napalm Nymph. She travelled thousands of miles from her home in the UK just to take part in one of the worlds biggest airsoft events and is seen here recieving a VDV flag as a gift and gesture of freindship. Her dedication and loyalty to the VDV served me with massive inspiration. I won't ever forget her constant and relentless quest for knowledge of this branch of the Russian Military.

On the right, well... I'm not sure what to say. He is known on the RA boards as Dusty Miller - the man with the goods. He is ex-VDV and is also instrumental in helping me with all this information which has not only inspired me but given me a new perspective on the VDV and the Russian Soldier as well.

Some flaws -

1 - Russian Paratroopers are not issued the fixed stock AK74. A skeletal stock is planned for my AEG and will look better for my future Para impressions.

2 - I would have prefered the sewn type of beret. It's not absolutely necessary but I like the way it looks compared to the one piece type and most pics I see of VDV show the guys wearing the sewn type. No biggie... next time.

3 - I should have put more thought into the insignia. While I don't mind having a "peacekeeper" impression, I should have looked at more pics of the Kosovo based Paras and maybe pursued more accurate patches and badges. I also would like to represent a Guards unit like my Comrades from Centaur Club.

4 - While the boots are genuine Russian kit, they are the officer type with slightly taller profile and a slight angle to the top. While I have seen some enlisted men wearing these, I think the standard lower type with treaded soles would be better. Not a big deal at all. Just a detail that I am sure I will later scrutinize.

These are not terrible mistakes. Impressions are a sort of ongoing art study and require time and patience to master. I don't know if it really even needs mastering... I think it's just a matter of being pleased with your efforts at the end of the day.

I am, without question, quite pleased.