"Cold War Soviet Naval Infantry Uniform Colors?" Topic

I was a bit surprised to see the Cold War, Soviet Naval Infantry in virtually all black uniforms, recently, which made me wonder, were they always in black, or did some wear standard issue green/brown/khaki uniforms too?

The guys in black do look sharp, but as I've seen the various vehicles offloading on the beach, I rarely got to see the men close up. Therefore, I guess I just assumed they were wearing the standard brown uniform of the army (1970s color), and/or the lighter, more khaki colored, Summer dress, or finally, the 1980s-style, solid green, or green and tan camo. outfits the guys in the regular army do.

Does anyone know if that is/was, an option too, for the naval infantry troops of the 1950s – 1989?

I presume so for at least some periods, since I've seen some pics on-line, which purportedly show them from the 1980s, in a two-toned green and tan, or light yellow camo.

Do their unit commanders have a choice for them to select black, and/or camo., as landing conditions, terrain, or leadership whim dictate?

If they wore all black predominantly, does anyone know when that changed to the camo. uniforms?

Any light people can shed on this will be greatly appreciated.

There was a camo uniform that probably was worn more frequently than the black

According to this site (now archived) Naval Infantry wasn't issued a camouflage uniform until 1988.

link

However, according to the book "Modern Combat Gear" by Mark Lloyd (1988), Naval Infantry were sometimes issued camouflage uniforms. There is an illustration of a marine wearing a one piece camo uniform. Unfortunately, there's no source material given.

Thanks for the replies, guys. I really appreciate them.

I saw some pics on Google, that show Naval Infantry in multi-colored camo, supposedly, from around the early – mid 1980s, or so.

Perhaps they are mislabeled, or fall under the special reconnaissance, or Spetznaz headings.

That is a great link, RDG.

Hi just bought an old edition UniForms of Warsaw Pact, printed in 1975. It has a photo captioned as 2 Navy Infantry manning a BTR 60. They are both wearing camouflage overalls. Unfortunately photo is black and white so can not give colours.

Thanks for that.

Are the overalls a single color, or a multi-colored pattern?

Look like at least 3 colours

Thanks.

In the book I referenced above, there is a color illustration included. However, it looks like like nothing I have ever see in regard to Soviet uniforms.

I have come across two references of camouflage uniforms worn in the 1960's and 1970's.

The first is an example of the KLMK uniform. This appears to possibly be the overall uniform mentioned above.

link

The second is an example of the replacement for the KLMK, the KZS uniform issued in the late 70's.

link

Although, there is no specific mention of naval infantry being issued these uniforms, it's possible that they could have been on as needed basis. Or, they could have been passed on to the naval infantry from the army.

Gunnerphil,
I've got that book too. The two patterns look different.The guy on the right has the same pattern as Motor Rifle troops.