Soviet Webbing/LBE

[Raellus]

In my T2K universe, most Soviet troops (Cat. B-C and subsequent levies) are equiped mostly with simple Y-harnesses fitted with belt pouches holding 2-3 AK mags per. Cat. A, some Cat. B, and others lucky enough to scavenge them, are equiped with "Lifchik"/Chicom chest harnesses. My guess is that the Soviets would have found the Chinese style harness superior during the war in China and would have begun mass-producing them for the Red Army.

In my T2KU, only Spetznaz are issued with assault vests.

[HorseSoldier]

The Chicom vests and Soviet deals aren't much different anyway -- I'm not sure on the lineage of both, but think the Soviets copied the Chinese vests in the first place. The Chicom vests figured prominently in Vietnam, Rhodesia and other wars from the 1960s/70s time frame, but the first Soviet use I'm aware of is in Afghanistan. (Where, I seem to recall, most Soviet troops also wore locally purchased Chinese athletic shoes since Soviet Army issue boots were not suitable for patrolling on foot.)

[Adm.Lee]

The number in the "V-95" might indicate a 1995 adoption date?

[jester]

I too have read that they did adopt the vests durring their time in A-Stan. Although, not all units adopted them.

And then of course lets not forget those four magazine pouches that were slung/fixed on their belts.

I seem to recall the vests started showing up durring their time in Chechnya. That at least is when they hit the mainstream of notive in the west.

[Abbott Shaull]

The assault vest has been in the works almost every where during the 80s. Like some have already post, many were tested and fielded in special ops, but for the t2k war, I think lot of the old harness equipment would be re-issued starting in 1998 due to the easier to produce and cut down on maintenance. Much like the G11 went in the earlier version of t2k. The thing is the troop who have the combat vest probably would continue to use them until they were worn out, then reissued the older harnesses. Just my opinion on it...

[Mahatatain]

Thanks for all the information people.

Am I right in thinking that the Soviet Y harness normally has 2x double mag pouches attached to the belt?

Also, for those who've never seen this before, it appears that when the Soviets were in Afghanistan some soldiers improvised their own webbing using 2x RD-54 pouches and I assume that this "webbing" can carry 4 mags (2 in each pouch) but does anyone know if that is correct?

[HorseSoldier]

Their standard issue mag pouch was a quad mag deal issued with the troop's basic load of five mags. I think grenade pouches and one canteen counterbalanced it. That set up seems ungainly to me, but I'd guess troops in T2K using the rig would add a second mag pouch and more mags.