Two Czech Badges

[Gordon Craig]

Gentlemen,

While at an antique fair yesteday I picked up two Czech badges. One Czech Specialist 3rd Class and one Exemplary Army unit badge. At least that is what I have found them called in the net.
I have some questions about them. First the Specialist 3rd Class badge;
1-Was this badge worn by all military organizations? If not, who did wear it?
2-Was it worn by para-military organizations?
3-The badge I have is screw back. I have only found pictures on-line that show what appears to be a later type without a screw back. Just two prongs that perhaps are fastened through the uniform. During what periods were each of these badges worn?
4-Where were these badges worn on the tunic?

[Gordon Craig]

What appears to be a later issue Specialist badge.

[Gordon Craig]

The Exemplary Army Unit badge. Similar questions to above. What did a unit have to do to be awarded this badge?

Regards,

Gordon

[bubble]

Hi

Yes, both badges are correctly identified..

1) Only CS army (ČSLA). These "General proficiency" and "Exemplary army unit" badges were used for all arms of service and worn by all forces of Czechoslovak army from 1968 (issued) to 1992.

2) No. These all three badges were strictly used only the Czechoslovak Army (including border guards)

3) Yes, that's right ..
These are both two (old and new) existing types.
Picture #1 is newer (aluminum alloy) version used later - in 80's and 90's, and #2 is older (tombac) version with interchangeable numbers of class ("1,2,3" or "M" = Master ) used in 60 and 70 years. These two versions were mutually gradually replaced sometime in the early 80's.


#3: This badge "Exemplary army unit" is a later version of the thin lightweight metal alloy of 80 years (older type was made of tombac).
Badge was awarded for all soldiers of whole units (whole military platoons, companies, teams) but subject to certain rules: for exemplary performance of military duties, a certain minimal quantity of exemplary soldiers in these units etc.
Badge was used in approximately the same time as a badge of class - about from 1968? (maybe a little later) to 1992. I do not know exactly date of issue - is nowhere mentioned.


4)These both badges were worn on the right side of tunic. The badge with the number of class above the right pocket (in the middle) and "exemplary unit badge" above it. If a soldier had several badges, there are certain rules and some badges was diverted/deflected according to their importance and grade awards.


These badges were worn mainly by soldiers of compulsory military service and only on tunics, not on camouflage clothing. Professional soldiers and officers (in practice) mostly not wear and not used too these badges..
After the revolution 1989 - in years 1990-92 but are not these badges in practice too awarded and soldiers does not wear too it, because contains communist symbols (red stars etc.). Their validity however officially ended until in 1992.

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Border Guard uniform

[Gordon Craig]

bubble,

Thanks for your excellent comments on these badges. Here are some fotos I received as a result of asking these questions on another forum.

Regards,

Gordon

ps - we were posting pictures at the same time. I just saw them not. Really excellent and informative stuff!

[bubble]

[bubble]

bubble,

Thanks for your excellent comments on these badges. Here are some fotos I received as a result of asking these questions on another forum.

Regards,

Gordon

ps - we were posting pictures at the same time. I just saw them not. Really excellent and informative stuff!

Ad the second image: Yes, that's right as prescribed..

But as you can see some other pictures, so this military rules was not always strictly followed and respected

Regards bubble

[Gordon Craig]

bubble,

Thanks again for the pictures. Good to see how things were actually regardless of the regulations.

Regards,

Gordon