The star for the Furazhka field cap . These come in this red enamel format and also in a subdued green. It features the hammer and sickle emblem of the USSR very clearly.   

Ranks in the 13th Guards 

RADOVEES

The Rank you'll start with and to be honest probably keep is Radovees. There is no dishonour in being the bottom rank in the Soviet army. Combat losses meant the first 6 months in the field were probably going to be your last. If you survived this, you would be called a Frontovik and that carried more respect than any rank badge.   

       YEFRIETOR      

These were lance corporals and this is the next step up for you. Awarded on merit in reality and the same is the case in the group. This represents a Yefrietor of the cavalry arm. On joining the 13th guards, this rank will be in raspberry.

The shoulderboards on this Soldier stood with 2 workers militia volunteers can clearly be seen. 

MLADSHIY SERZHANT

These are the junior sergeants (in this case artillery) and are trusted combatants with some experience.

SERZHANT

This is the rank badge of a sergeant of transportation or engineering troops. These were also vital soldiers and were expected to fight as well as undertake their branch skills. A soldier of this rank would certainly be classed as a frontovik and could well have survived longer than the average 6 months in the field.    

STARSHY SERZHANT

This is a senior sergeant of infantry. The senior sergeant had many different tasks and would take charge of a group of men both in the field and behind the lines.

STARSHINA

Here is a Starshina of the Cavalry arm. The Starshina is equivalent to a Sgt. Major. Their bite is much worse then their bark. If you see one, run in the opposite direction!

MLADHSIY LEYTNENT

These are very junior officers. Not normally seen in the field. Most Soviet officers would finish their training and automatically become Leynant. This represents a junior officer of artillery.  

LEYTNENT

The Leytnent was the most common officer in the field. Here a Leytnent of tanks is shown. They would take charge of smaller bodies of men when compared to their equivalents in other forces in WW2. The average life expectancy of these officers was around 3 months. 

      STARSHIY LEYTNENT

This Starshiy (or senior) Leytnent is of the infantry service. He would be in charge of a platoon or company, but w ould certainly be expected to go into combat.

KAPITAN

This cavalry Kapitan, is not a rank you see often and is probably the most senior rank in RKKA reenacting. These would be in charge of a company of men.