Many thousands of men in our country can boast that they served in the border troops. Someone did military service there, while others spent decades on the border with the rank of ensigns and officers. And some of them were awarded the highest award - "Excellent Grade 1 Border Troops." What should you know about this sign?
What does the sign look like
If you give a description of the award "Excellent Border Troops 1st Class", then in the center of the sign is a pentagon with the inscription "Excellent Border Troops". At the bottom is a shield indicating the Roman numeral degree sign. Inside the pentagon is a border guard profile with a bayonet-knife protruding from behind the right shoulder.
The pentagon is inscribed in a red five-pointed star - a sign of the Soviet Army. The upper end is decorated in the form of a rectangle with the emblem of the USSR.
On all sides the star is surrounded by a corrugated surface with four protruding edges. Surface color may vary. For example, the badge "Excellent 1st Border Troops" has a golden frame. The second degree award has a silver color. The sign is made of aluminum.
When was established
The decree on the creation of a new distinctive sign was signed by the chairman of the KGB of the USSR Andropov Yu.V. This happened on April 8, 1969.
It is worth noting that the mark is another award that existed previously, only noticeably modified. Indeed, twenty years before that, back in 1949, the sign "Excellent Frontier Guard" was created. It was executed in the form of a shield, in the middle of which there was a border guard with a Kalashnikov assault rifle in his hands, standing near the border post. In the upper part of the shield was a red star, next to which was the inscription: "Excellent border guard."
Under the chairman of the KGB, Andropov Yu.V., not only the name changed, but also two degrees of rewarding appeared - depending on the merits of the awarded.
The badge was assigned from 1969 until the very end of the existence of the USSR (1991). During this time, neither its appearance nor the name changed.
Reasons to reward
The award was not a medal or order, therefore, it was used to simply encourage military personnel of the border troops. For example, they could be awarded border guards (both land and sailors) who distinguished themselves in different ways when serving. It could be a feat of political importance, for the fulfillment of which selflessness, discipline and outstanding skills of a fighter were important.
They were also awarded the military, which demonstrated high results during military operations and preparatory battles. But they could be awarded in peacetime border guards who showed zeal while studying in the military field.
Who can be awarded
From the moment of its establishment until 1969, the following categories of servicemen were awarded with the badge: soldiers, sailors, warrant officers and midshipmen, officers, as well as junior officers of both land and naval units guarding the state border.
In 1973, certain changes were introduced. Now the badge "Excellent Border Troops" of 1 and 2 degrees could be awarded to all categories of military personnel carrying the border service.
Award Order
The badge of the first degree could be awarded to the military personnel only by the chief of the border troops of the KGB of the USSR when assigned by the command of the troops of the border districts. The badge of the second degree was awarded more often, so they could also be awarded to chiefs of troops of border districts.
The presentation took place in a festive atmosphere, in front of a unit or unit formation, often with musical accompaniment of the orchestra. The fact of awarding the award must be entered on the military card of a soldier or officer. In addition, the soldier’s parents must have been informed of the award of the honorary badge “Excellent 1st Border Troops” (as well as the second degree). The corresponding letter was sent to the last place of his study or work.
Information about a soldier awarded with a badge of the first or second degree must be entered in the Book of Honor of the border detachment. If during the service the border guard was awarded with signs of both degrees, then his portrait was printed in the district newspaper, and the name remained on the Honor Board of the museum of the border guards.
Of course, in addition to the sign, the recipient received an appropriate certificate, in which his name was inscribed, the seal and signature of the chief of the border district, where he received the award, were put.
Benefits Provided
In our country, many people who served in Soviet times can boast of such a badge, assigned by the main directorate of the border troops of the KGB of the USSR. However, not everyone knows that certain benefits are relied upon for the fact of rewarding. Knowing about them will be useful to everyone.
Upon presentation of the award, the holder of the honorary badge could count on a one-time material award. However, privileges were provided for the future.
So, a soldier awarded the badge "Excellent Border Troops" is entitled to some encouragement upon retirement after long service. He automatically receives the title of veteran of labor. And this title itself implies the presence of good benefits approved at the regional level.
To begin with, that in public transport he should not pay the fare. A certain discount is also considered when paying for housing and communal services.
If, after retirement after seniority, the former border guard wants to officially get a new job, he can count on the opportunity to go on vacation without having to work 1 year - this can be done at any time.
With prosthetics, the cost of services for healthcare professionals is significantly reduced.
If you buy train tickets, then the owner of the sign is given a discount.
In some cases, a ticket to sanatoriums and other spa and health facilities can be obtained.
Some areas of our country also allow you to receive a pension supplement.
Since the additional incentives offered to labor veterans are set at the level of local legislation, a list of additional privileges can also be provided - this can be found in social authorities.
In some cases, the benefits listed above can be replaced with money, but in this case they will have to be abandoned.