Uniforms and Equipment:

Uniforms:

Tunics ( gymnastiorka )--There were two models of the gymnastiorka: the M35 pattern and the M43. Both models were issued in cotton and wool versions and came in some shade of khaki.
• The M35 had a falling collar with the rank insignia patches sewn on the collar. It was worn from the beginning of the war to 1943. It is the official tunic of the 39th Guards.
• The M43 gymnastiorka was basically a return to the Czarist uniform in use before the Revolution. The M43 has a standing collar with two buttons to close it. The enlisted gymnastiorka has no pockets while the officer-scum got two breast pockets. The soldier's rank was now shown on the tunic's shoulder boards.
Semi-Breeches ( sharovari )--Made in cotton or wool of differing colors just like the gymnastiorka, the sharovari were cut full in the hips with a diamond shaped reinforcement on the knee.

Headgear:

Sidecap ( pilotka )--Standard khaki sidecap with red enamel star insignia on the middle of the front seam. A real WWII star insignia is preferable--they can be recognized by their smaller hammer-and-sickle.
Helmet -- M40 . Painted olive or forest green, sometimes with a red star painted on the front. The Czech post war helmets are currently acceptable. Eventually the liner and chinstrap must be changed to the correct black leather 3-padded configuration with a brown leather chinstrap. OPTIONAL

Footwear:

Jackboots ( kirozoviy sapogi )--Either modern Soviet officer jackboots or East German type are acceptable.
Low boots -- US lend lease ankle boots can be used. However, you must wear puttees.
Footwraps ( portyanki )--Russian soldiers didn't get issued socks--there are accounts of Soviet guards being amazed at the socks that German prisoner's would knit for themselves. The wear of footwraps is an art. OPTIONAL

Field equipment:

Belt --The rifleman has two options. A leather belt in brown leather with a single prong, roller buckle or a web belt with artificial leather reinforcement.
Ammo pouches --For a rifleman, usually two--either real leather or the impregnated canvas leather ones. Please make sure to get the correct pouch for the weapon you are carrying.
Canteen --Modern Soviet models are identical to WWII types.
Ground cloth/raincape ( plashch-palatka )--This may be carried in a roll over one shoulder or worn in the classic Soviet cape style. Only those used during the Great Patriotic War may be used. They have all leather grommets, where the post-war has metal. Post-war is not allowed.
Gas Mask bag -- After the start of the war, the Soviet soldiers usually threw away the mask and used the bag to store personal items in. Khaki-colored Soviet gas mask bags with a leather strap on the outer flaps are acceptable.
Knapsack ( veshchevoi myeshok )--An inexpensive item that is useful to carry stuff that's too heavy for your gas mask bag and to carry gear to events in. Post war models are acceptable but must be converted.
Mess kit --Modern Soviet mess kits are cheap and identical to the late-war style. German models are also acceptable.
Eating Utensils --Get some! Better yet, steal a set from a Fascist soldier ( whether he is alive or dead is optional ).
Entrenching Tool --Get a real cover or a good reproduction. The shovel should be painted Soviet olive-green. OPTIONAL
Grenade pouch --Holds two or three grenades on the belt.

Winter wear:

Fur Hat ( shapka-ushanka )--Classical Russian fur hat made out of artificial fur ( called "fish-fur" by the soldiers ). Usually made in a khaki color.
Greatcoat --Brown Soviet "scratchy" wool type with hook and eye closures.
Padded Jacket ( telogreika )--Made of a cotton material with a padded "sausage" quilting. Made in a tan/brown or gray color.
Padded trousers ( vatnie sharovari )--Made the same as above. OPTIONAL
Felt boots ( valenki )--East German felt boots are good and cheap. You can iron-out the pebble-grain but it's not really necessary. OPTIONAL

This section originally written by Mikhail Kazekchenko , 13th Guards, used and modified with permission.