More Romanian Securitate Items

[Greg Collins]

Next, a pair of Lieutenant's boards from the same period. Note the appearance of the deep red colour (flash has brightened this up a bit- the actual colour is somewhere between red and maroon). This branch colour will apply to the Militia all the way until 1989.

[Greg Collins]

Next, a most recent issue pair of shoulderboards for a Militia Plutonier (Sergeant First Class) and matching collar tabs. The collar tabs have been simplified from the elongated and pointed collar tabs of the past. This is the type used on the display mannequin in the Romanian Police Museum. There are missing articles here- the silver buttons and the silver shields have been removed from the boards... maybe for use immediately following the 1989 revolution???

[Greg Collins]

MY final three post deal with an envelope holding a document I've chosen not to share due to privacy concerns. The document originated in Isreal and, what it boils down to is a Jewish man, a citizen of Romania, want to go on vacation for 2 months and will spend this time with a woman in Isreal. She had the document prepared on her end, giving her knowledge of this and her address, phone number, etc. and delivered it to the Securitate at the Romanian Consulate there. I have, however, chosen to show the envelope, which is of Securitate origin. First, the front bearing pertinent information:

[Greg Collins]

Now, the back bearing 3 wax seals of the Securitate. They seem to all be identical and quite worn.

[Greg Collins]

And, finally, a closeup of one of the seals. That's all for now.

[Ralph P]

Hey Greg - Great posts!!! Does the center of the wax have the securitate seal?

[Greg Collins]

Ralph,

As far as I can determine in looking at all 3 examples, it's the seal of Romania (post 1965 seal, that is); this is also the seal printed on the envelope front. There was no, per se, Securitate seal; there was an insignia for the Security Troops, as seen on two pair of shoulderboards and a badge I showed earlier in this thread and there was also a shield insignia used on Militia shoulderboards that appears in the first post of today (although it's a very early version). But, alas, no seal that was particularly Securitate. I know this may seem confusing- believe me, I know.

What has helped me in coming closer to the "truth" about this organization is to think of the overall "Securitate community" as 4 separate entities:

1. The bona fide Securitate agents- a small, very secretive group of specially trained individuals, without particular uniform or insignia, whose loyalty to the Party is unquestioned.

2. The Security Troops- an army of specially selected, regimented, uniformed individuals who are afforded the best equipment and a somewhat higher life-style for their loyalty. They provide the "muscle" when a greater force is needed by the Securitate. They were, prior to 1947, the Gendarmerie... and that's what they are now.

3. The Militia- the police of the country at that time (1947-1989). Also provided muscle and internal knowledge of the citizenry that police have.

4. The informers- probably the largest group of individuals here. Their levels of loyalty and their reasons for informing probably defy categorization, but extremely useful in monitoring a country.

So, while the Security Troops and the Militia had both uniforms and insignia particular to who they were, the Securitate, in and of itself only (and excluding the two awards I pointed out in an earlier post today), did not. So like most of the DDR's MfS (Stasi) agents, if that member were in the Army, Navy, Airforce, Border Troops, etc., they would wear that uniform or, quite often in the exercise of their Securitate duties, no uniform at all. The only sure way to tell if someone was a Securitate agent is if they had one or both the awards I have mentioned. Take a look at the next post...

[Greg Collins]

Thought I'd post a working illustration of what I've been talking about. I don't own this ribbon bar (wish I did). Sorry for the rather "blurry" image- it's enlarged from an image sent from Romania.

This IS a Seciritate agent's ribbon bar... the ONLY way I can tell this is by the ribbon in the fourth (last ribbon on the right, top row). It's an Order for Distinguished Services in Defense of the Social Order and the Country - 3rd Class (RPR). All the other ribbons shown (except one) would have been awarded to any member of the Military or Paramilitary. The one exception is the first ribbon in the fourth row (the row with three awards). That's the Medal for Defense of the Country and was awarded to Security Troops, Militia and Border Troops (Internal Ministry).

[Ralph P]

Hey Greg - Thanks for the educational posts. Well I guess I am glad I collect MfS items compared to trying to collect the items you have in your collection.

[Greg Collins]

Thanks Ralph, but I've seen your MfS collection and I own your book. I hope, one day, to be half as knowledgeable about the Securitate as you are about the Stasi. You continue to be an inspiration.

[Ralph P]

Hey Greg - I just have a simple collection...and what book are you talking about...

But on a serious note your posts have been educational and very worthwhile to read about other security organizations...

[Greg Collins]

My most recent acquisition... a post 1965 (RSR) Medal for Distinguished Services in Defense of the Social Order and the Country- a Securitate award- in box with the ribbon. I got it on Okazii- the Romanian equivalent of eBay (as far as I can tell)- with the help of a friend who lives there. Am still looking for the document.

[Greg Collins]

The outside of the presentation box with award name in gold. I have now seen the box for this award in tan, teal and red. The red one is now mine!

[Ralph P]

Thanks Greg...

[Greg Collins]

A few more items for "show and tell"... a shield badge ("We are the sword and shield of the Party") for meritorious service. It was awarded to the Securitate, Security Troops and Militia (Police), and was worn above the right pocket.