Soviet Military Construction Ryadovoi, Obr1969/73

Date: 1973 - Early 1990's

Branch: Military Construction Workers and other Construction Units

Rank: Ryadovoi (Private)

Location: USSR

Although the branches involving Military Construction and Military Building are seen as fairly low-grade in the West and not held to an extremely high prestige, these units were highly valued in the Soviet Union. Construction and Signals units were among the few allowed to wear velvet Petlitsi (Collar Tabs) (as seen here), rather than the standard rough felt ones seen within other branches. This Ryadovoi has a rather 'sterile' uniform with few awards. The two he is wearing is a GTO Sportsman Badge, as well as a 60 Years of the Soviet Armed Forces medal.