The Story Behind the Blue VDV Telnyashka

The telnyashka has always been connected with the sea, not the sky. So why do paratroopers wearing blue berets also wear a striped shirt?

The first telnyashkas appeared unofficially in the Airborne Forces in 1959. At that time, they were given only to soldiers who completed a parachute jump into water. It was simply a small tradition. By itself, it probably would never have become the famous symbol of the Airborne Forces.

The man who changed everything was the legendary commander of the Soviet Airborne Forces, General Vasily Margelov. Thanks to his determination, the striped telnyashka officially became part of the Airborne uniform.

Not everyone liked the idea.

The Commander of the Soviet Navy, Sergey Gorshkov, strongly opposed giving the "soul of the Navy" to the paratroopers.

According to a famous story, Gorshkov once called the idea of paratroopers wearing telnyashkas an "anachronism." Margelov immediately replied:

"I fought with the Naval Infantry during the war. I know what paratroopers deserve-and what they don't."

His words ended the argument.

The First Public Appearance

The blue-striped Airborne telnyashka first appeared during the Prague events in August 1968, when Soviet Airborne troops played the main role in ending the Prague Spring.

The famous blue beret also appeared at the same time.

Few people know that this new uniform was not officially approved yet. There were no military regulations allowing paratroopers to wear blue berets or blue-striped telnyashkas.

Margelov simply decided they would wear them.

Only almost a year later, on July 26, 1969, did the Soviet Ministry of Defense officially approve the new Airborne uniform.

A Quiet Rivalry With the Navy

Many people saw the new Airborne uniform as more than just new clothing.

Margelov had taken two famous naval symbols:

• the striped telnyashka

• the beret

Interestingly, the Soviet Navy had planned to introduce black berets for the Naval Infantry during the November 1968 military parade in Moscow.

Instead, Airborne troops appeared first wearing blue berets during the Prague operation.

Only later did the new Airborne uniform become official.

Why Did Margelov Want the Telnyashka?

Some critics believed Margelov simply wanted to compete with the Navy.

Others thought he admired the Naval Infantry because he had served with them during World War II.

Many believe the real reason was much deeper.

Margelov fought side by side with Soviet Marines during the war. He respected their courage and believed the telnyashka represented bravery, honor, and fighting spirit.

He wanted Airborne soldiers to carry those same values.

An Interesting Theory

There is also a curious theory about Margelov's love for striped clothing.

In the early 1960s, many Soviet military commanders admired the British film This Sporting Life.

The movie tells the story of professional rugby players. Rugby became so popular among Soviet officers that many military units even created their own rugby teams.

Margelov ordered rugby to become part of Airborne physical training.

One memorable scene in the film shows a brutal rugby player wearing a horizontally striped jersey, which looks surprisingly similar to a telnyashka.

Some people believe this image may also have influenced Margelov's appreciation for striped uniforms.

Whether this story is true or not, one fact is certain.

Today, the blue-striped telnyashka and the blue beret are recognized around the world as the symbols of the Soviet and Russian Airborne Forces.