Soviet Army Uniforms 1936–1941 – Red Army RKKA Guide

Soviet Army uniforms (1936–1941)

Soviet Army uniforms 1936–1941 represent the final pre-war stage of the Red Army and RKKA uniform system. This period shows how Soviet military clothing moved from interwar experiments to a more practical and combat-ready look just before World War II.

Below is a visual guide to Red Army uniforms from 1936 to 1941, useful for history enthusiasts, collectors, and reenacting.

If you’re interested in 1923-36 uniforms, check here: Soviet RKKA (1923-1936) Uniform

Soviet Army uniforms 1936–1941: ranks and field clothing

The years 1936–1941 were a turning point for the Soviet Army. Uniforms became more standardized, ranks and insignia returned, and clothing was adapted for real combat conditions. You’ll see infantry, cavalry, armored troops, and service uniforms that later shaped the Red Army’s appearance during the early years of WWII.

If you’re interested in earlier uniforms, check here:
Soviet Army Uniforms 1923–1936

Main features of Soviet Army uniforms 1936–1941

Clear standardization of RKKA uniforms
Return of ranks, insignia, and officer distinctions
Separate uniforms for infantry, cavalry, armored troops, and specialists
Designs focused on durability and upcoming wartime needs

Uniform gallery

Marshal of the Soviet Union in daily uniform, 1936–1940.

Marshal of the Soviet Union in daily Soviet military uniform, 1936–1940 — Marshal of the Soviet Union wearing a daily uniform, 1936–1940.

This uniform was worn by the highest-ranking commanders of the Red Army in everyday service. Marshals were responsible for strategic planning, inspections, and overall control of military forces.

Red Army soldier, infantry, 1936.

Red Army infantry soldier in Soviet uniform with SSh-36 helmet, 1936 — Red Army infantry soldier wearing standard uniform with SSh-36 helmet, 1936.

Infantry soldiers formed the backbone of the Red Army during this period. They were used for frontline combat, defensive positions, and SSh-36 helmet

Senior political officer, artillery troops, 1936–1940.

Senior political officer of Red Army artillery in Soviet uniform, 1936–1940 — Senior political officer serving in artillery units, 1936–1940.

Political officers worked alongside commanders to maintain discipline and loyalty to the Soviet state. In artillery units, they played an important role in training and internal control.

Military engineer of the 2nd rank, technical troops, 1936–1943.

Red Army military engineer of the 2nd rank in Soviet uniform, 1936–1943 — Military engineer of the 2nd rank serving in technical troops, 1936–1943.

Military engineers played a crucial role in building fortifications, bridges, and military infrastructure. Their work was essential for both defensive and offensive operations.

Quartermaster of the 2nd rank in daily uniform, 1936–1942.

Red Army quartermaster of the 2nd rank in daily Soviet uniform, 1936–1942 — Quartermaster of the 2nd rank wearing daily service uniform, 1936–1942.

Quartermasters managed logistics and supplies for Red Army units. Their role ensured soldiers received food, clothing, and equipment on time.

Captain, artillery motor transport units, 1936–1940.

Red Army captain of artillery motor transport units in Soviet uniform, 1936–1940 — Captain serving in artillery motor transport units, 1936–1940.

Motor transport units ensured the mobility of artillery formations. Officers coordinated vehicle operations and supply routes during exercises and combat.

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Senior lieutenant in daily uniform, Air Force, 1936–1940.

Soviet Air Force senior lieutenant in daily uniform, 1936–1940 — Senior lieutenant of the Soviet Air Force wearing daily uniform, 1936–1940.

Air Force officers combined technical knowledge with command duties. They played a key role in the development of Soviet aviation before World War II.

Lieutenant in field uniform, armored troops, 1938–1941.

Red Army lieutenant in field uniform of armored troops, 1938–1941 — Lieutenant of the Red Army armored troops in field uniform, 1938–1941.

Armored troop officers were trained to lead tank units in mobile combat. They combined tactical command with technical knowledge of vehicles.

Captain, Air Force, 1936–1940.

Soviet Air Force captain in service uniform, 1936–1940 — Captain of the Soviet Air Force wearing service uniform, 1936–1940.

Air Force captains supervised flight crews and training programs. Their role was essential in organizing combat-ready aviation units.

Lieutenant in flight uniform, Air Force, 1936–1943.

Soviet Air Force lieutenant in flight uniform, 1936–1943 — Lieutenant of the Soviet Air Force wearing flight uniform, 1936–1943.

Flight uniforms protected pilots from cold and wind at high altitudes. They were an essential part of early Soviet aviation equipment.

Squad commander, motor transport units, 1938–40.

Red Army squad commander of motor transport units in uniform, 1938–1940 — Red Army squad commander, motor transport units (1938–1940)

This is a Red Army squad commander from motor transport units in 1938–1940. A clear reference photo for pre-WWII Soviet uniform details.

Protective anti-chemical clothing, 1936–45.

Soviet Red Army chemical protection suit with gas mask, 1936–1945 — Red Army anti-chemical protective clothing (1936–1945)

A Red Army chemical protection suit used from 1936 to 1945. Good image to show how Soviet anti-chemical gear looked in service.

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Kombrig in everyday uniform of the General Staff Academy, 1936–40.

Red Army Kombrig in everyday uniform of the General Staff Academy, 1936–1940 — Kombrig rank officer, General Staff Academy everyday uniform (1936–1940)

This shows a Kombrig rank officer in an everyday academy uniform from 1936–1940. Useful for identifying pre-war Soviet rank and clothing details.

Senior lieutenant of State Security in everyday uniform, NKVD, 1936–37.

NKVD State Security senior lieutenant in everyday uniform, 1936–1937 — NKVD State Security senior lieutenant, everyday uniform (1936–1937)

This is an NKVD State Security senior lieutenant in an everyday uniform from 1936–1937. A clear reference for Soviet pre-war internal service uniforms.

Senior Lieutenant of State Security in everyday long uniform, NKVD, 1936–1937.

Senior Lieutenant of NKVD State Security wearing everyday uniform, USSR 1936–1937 — Senior Lieutenant of NKVD State Security in everyday service uniform, Soviet Union, 1936–1937.

This NKVD officer served in internal security and intelligence duties across the Soviet Union. His everyday uniform was designed for daily service, inspections, and administrative work rather than frontline combat.

Senior Lieutenant of State Security in winter uniform, NKVD, 1936–1937.

Senior Lieutenant of NKVD State Security wearing winter uniform, USSR 1936–1937 — Senior Lieutenant of NKVD State Security in winter uniform, Soviet Union, 1936–1937.

This officer performed security and counterintelligence tasks during the late 1930s. The winter uniform provided protection during long outdoor duties, checkpoints, and cold-weather operations.

State Security sergeant, NKVD, 1937–43.

NKVD State Security sergeant wearing service uniform, 1937–1943 — NKVD State Security sergeant uniform (1937–1943)

This photo shows an NKVD State Security sergeant uniform from 1937–1943. It’s a helpful visual reference for Soviet NKVD ranks and style.

Major, internal troops, NKVD, 1937–43.

Major of NKVD internal troops wearing uniform, 1937–1943 — NKVD internal troops major uniform (1937–1943)

A major of the NKVD internal troops in a 1937–1943 uniform. Good reference for Soviet internal forces uniforms during the WWII era.

Junior political instructor in summer marching uniform, infantry, 1939.

Red Army junior political commissar in summer field uniform, infantry, 1939 — Junior political instructor, infantry summer field uniform (1939)

This is a junior political instructor in a 1939 summer field uniform. A clean reference for pre-WWII Soviet infantry style and gear.

Red Army soldier, border troops, NKVD, 1937–41.

NKVD border troops soldier in uniform with service dog, 1937–1941 — NKVD border guard soldier with service dog (1937–1941)

This image shows an NKVD border guard soldier with a service dog from 1937–1941. Great reference for Soviet border troops uniforms before WWII.

Rifleman in winter camouflage, 1939–1940.

Soviet rifleman in winter camouflage uniform, Red Army 1939–1940 — Red Army rifleman wearing winter camouflage during the Winter War period.

This winter camouflage was used by Red Army riflemen during cold-weather operations.
It helped soldiers stay hidden in snow-covered terrain during combat.

Rifleman in winter field uniform, 1936–1941.

Soviet rifleman in winter field uniform with backpack, Red Army 1936–1941 — Red Army rifleman equipped with winter field uniform and full marching gear.

This uniform was worn by Red Army infantry soldiers on long winter marches.
It was practical, warm, and designed for everyday frontline use.

Red Army soldier in parade uniform of Kuban Cossack cavalry units, 1936–1941.

Red Army Kuban Cossack cavalry soldier in parade uniform, 1936–1941 — Parade uniform of Kuban Cossack cavalry units of the Red Army.

Kuban Cossack units served as cavalry in the Red Army.
Their parade uniforms preserved traditional Cossack elements and style.

Red Army soldier in parade uniform of Don Cossack cavalry units, 1936–1941.

Red Army Don Cossack cavalry soldier in parade uniform, 1936–1941 — Don Cossack cavalry parade uniform used by the Red Army.

Don Cossack cavalry units played an important role in the Red Army.
Their parade uniforms emphasized rank, tradition, and military pride.

Major in parade uniform of Terek Cossack cavalry units, 1936–1941.

Red Army major in Terek Cossack cavalry parade uniform, 1936–1941 — Terek Cossack cavalry major in parade uniform of the Red Army.

Terek Cossack cavalry officers served as experienced commanders in the Red Army.
Their parade uniforms highlighted rank and long-standing Cossack traditions.

Junior lieutenant in parade uniform of mountain cavalry units, 1936–1941.

Red Army junior lieutenant in mountain cavalry parade uniform, 1936–1941 — Mountain cavalry junior officer in Red Army parade uniform.

Mountain cavalry units operated in difficult terrain and remote regions.
Their officers wore distinctive parade uniforms reflecting local traditions.

Marshal of the Soviet Union in everyday uniform, 1940–1943.

Marshal of the Soviet Union wearing everyday uniform, 1940–1943 — Everyday service uniform of a Marshal of the Soviet Union.

Marshals of the Soviet Union were the highest-ranking commanders.
Their everyday uniforms were strict, practical, and authoritative.

Major general in parade uniform, 1936–1941.

Red Army major general in parade uniform before World War II — Parade uniform of a Red Army major general in the pre-war period.

Major generals commanded divisions and large military formations.
Parade uniforms emphasized authority and rank within the Red Army.

Major general of tank troops in everyday uniform, 1940–1943.

Red Army tank troops major general in everyday uniform, World War II — Everyday uniform of a Red Army major general commanding tank troops.

Tank troops generals were responsible for armored operations.
Their uniforms were practical and suitable for frontline command work.

Major general in field uniform, 1940–1943.

Red Army major general wearing field uniform during World War II — Field uniform of a Red Army major general used during wartime.

Field uniforms were worn by generals close to active operations.
They allowed commanders to work directly with frontline units.

Lieutenant General in summer uniform, 1940

Lieutenant General of the Red Army wearing summer uniform, USSR, 1940 — Lieutenant General in summer uniform, Red Army, 1940

This uniform was worn by high-ranking commanders during peacetime and official duties. It shows how senior officers of the Red Army looked on the eve of World War II.

Major General of Aviation in summer uniform, 1940–1941

Major General of Soviet Aviation wearing summer uniform, USSR Air Force, 1940–1941 — Major General of Aviation, summer uniform, USSR Air Force

Such uniforms were worn by aviation commanders during inspections and daily service. It reflects the clean and practical style of the Soviet Air Force at the start of the war.

Lieutenant in summer everyday uniform, infantry, 1940–1943

Soviet infantry lieutenant wearing summer everyday uniform, 1940–1943 — Infantry Lieutenant in summer everyday uniform

This was a typical uniform for infantry officers during daily service. It was practical, simple, and designed for constant use in wartime conditions.

Lieutenant in field uniform, NKVD Border Troops, 1940–1943

NKVD Border Troops lieutenant wearing field uniform, USSR, 1940–1943 — Lieutenant of NKVD Border Troops in field uniform

Lieutenant Colonel in everyday uniform, artillery, 1940–1943

Soviet artillery lieutenant colonel wearing everyday uniform, 1940–1943 — Artillery Lieutenant Colonel in everyday uniform

Artillery officers used this uniform during planning and daily duties. It combines a formal look with practical elements for service work.

Senior battalion commissar, 1940–1941.

Senior battalion commissar of the Red Army wearing standard uniform, 1940–1941 — Senior battalion commissar of the Red Army in service uniform, 1940–1941.

Battalion commissars were responsible for political control, discipline, and morale within Red Army units. They worked closely with commanders and played a key role in maintaining loyalty to the Soviet state.

Captain in daily uniform, armored vehicle troops, 1940–1941.

Red Army captain of armored troops in daily uniform, 1940–1941 — Captain of the Red Army armored troops wearing daily service uniform, 1940–1941.

Officers of the armored troops commanded tank and mechanized units of the Red Army. Their uniform combined practicality with clear rank identification for daily service.

Captain in daily uniform, Air Force, 1940–1941.

Red Army Air Force captain wearing daily uniform, 1940–1941 — Captain of the Red Army Air Force in standard daily uniform, 1940–1941.

Air Force captains served as pilots or unit commanders within Soviet aviation units. Their daily uniform was designed for routine duties and base service rather than combat flights.

Lieutenant in daily uniform, Air Force, 1940–1941.

Red Army Air Force lieutenant in daily uniform, 1940–1941 — Lieutenant of the Red Army Air Force wearing everyday service uniform, 1940–1941.

Lieutenants were junior officers responsible for flight crews or technical units. They represented the backbone of operational command within Soviet aviation forces.

Captain in summer uniform, Air Force, 1940–1941.

Red Army Air Force captain in summer uniform, 1940–1941 — Captain of the Red Army Air Force wearing summer uniform, 1940–1941.

Summer uniforms were lighter and more comfortable for officers serving in air bases and rear areas. They maintained a formal military appearance while adapting to warm climates.

Red Army soldier, cavalry, 1940–1941.

Red Army cavalry soldier in field uniform, 1940–1941 — Red Army cavalry soldier wearing standard field uniform, 1940–1941.

Cavalry units were still actively used by the Red Army in the early stages of World War II. These soldiers combined traditional mounted tactics with modern infantry weapons.

Major, cavalry, 1940–1943.

Red Army cavalry major in service uniform with saber, 1940–1943 — Major of the Red Army cavalry wearing standard service uniform, 1940–1943.

Cavalry majors commanded mounted units and were responsible for tactical leadership in combat and maneuver operations. Despite increasing mechanization, cavalry remained actively used by the Red Army during this period.

If you’re interested in earlier uniforms, check here:

Soviet Army Uniforms 1923–1936

Russian Civil War Uniforms 1918-1922

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