Like any kind of troops in the Russian army, airborne troops (Airborne Forces) have their own flag. It is used at celebrations and parades, and is also especially revered by all citizens who served in the Airborne Forces.
Sky, earth, parachute and planes
The airborne landing as a special kind of troops appeared on the eve of the Second World War. The advantages were first appreciated in fascist Germany. It was the Hitler troops that became pioneers in attracting airborne paratroopers to combat operations on an ongoing basis, and accordingly to special training and status in the form of special forces. However, the successful operations of the German paratroopers forced their opponents to look at the Airborne Forces, because Germany quickly lost priority in this matter.
The first combat operations with the special use of airborne assault by the Red Army were carried out during the defense of Moscow in December 1941. Gradually, this branch of the army gained independence and prestige; inexplicably and deservedly, it began to be considered elite. The paratrooper fights either on the territory of the enemy, or in isolation from the main forces of his army, almost always with the numerical superiority of the enemy. This means that the paratrooper must be prepared for this in every sense.
According to canon
Now the official flag of the Russian Airborne Forces is a green-blue banner. Most - blue - symbolizes the sky, the smaller - green - of course, the earth. In the center of the flag is a single golden figure, representing a paratrooper hovering on the slings of an open parachute, which, as it were, is carried by two aircraft.
Symbolism, as we see, is simple for the flag. We add that the figure in the center also immodestly resembles the silhouette of an angel hovering on the wings, guarding the peace of the earth. Colors are also important in heraldry. Golden - success, strength, wealth. Blue - nobility, purity of thoughts, confidence. Green - life, harmony, rebirth.
Folk options
It is the above image that is officially canonical and approved in 2004 by the Russian Ministry of Defense. However, many of us have seen other variations of the flag, especially on the day of the paratrooper.
The fact is that the official flag of the USSR Airborne Forces (photo above) appeared in 1955 and was practically the current version. However, on the rafters of a white, not golden, parachute there was no parachutist figure. Over time, the central figure changed several times. First, a red five-pointed star appeared on the parachute. Then, ridding the composition of color imbalance, a parachute gilded. The star appeared and disappeared. Apparently, due to the fact that the paratrooper who appeared on the slings made the central emblem redundant in details.
It seems that as a result of all the perturbations, the Russian Airborne Forces inherited an improved gold Soviet version. The people who served in the Airborne Forces at different times had ideas about the flag with various combinations of the above options. By the way, we see them even more often than the official flag. Even on the video about the Day of the paratrooper, you can see different execution flags.
In addition, the motto of the Airborne Forces “Nobody but us” is often applied to flags. The motto is wonderful, but such an inscription does not correspond with the official version.
Intelligence - Bat
Also unofficial is the flag of reconnaissance of the Airborne Forces: the official simply does not exist. Scouts in the usual parts are trying to stand out, and even in the landing especially. It so happened that the bat became the symbol of intelligence in the Russian armed forces. Scout paratroopers also use it on their flag. The base of the flag is ordinary: a two-color cloth and a parachute in the center. Aircraft, as a rule, are absent. But it is necessary to have a black bat. It is placed on top of the parachute, or instead of the paratrooper. Mouse sizes vary. Often there is the presence of a red five-pointed star, which in variants changes places with a bat. And, accordingly, also changes the size.
There are options where the parachute has a different shape than the one on the official flag, made in a different graphic style and color. Therefore, it can be said that each reconnaissance airborne has its own flag.
Not the main thing, but the content
Despite the officiality of the flag of the Russian Airborne Forces, no one forces them to adhere to the canon from and to. The flag is a symbol and tradition. The landing banner is connected with the history of this kind of troops, where traditions are especially holy. The paratroopers have no right to refuse them. Even in the Ukrainian Airborne Forces (flag of the Ukrainian Airborne Forces below), whose history is inextricably linked with the Soviet.
For citizens, access to the flag of the Russian Airborne Forces is free. No one limits its design. The main thing is that he does not insult or discredit this elite branch of the armed forces. However, at official events, the flag that is presented in the main photo in our article should proudly fly.