Czechoslovakia Czech Pilots Badges?

[Gordon Craig]

Gentlemen,

I picked up this set of badges at a recent Coin and Stamp show meeting in Budapest. The vendor told me they were Czech in origin. My reference on Czech stuff doesn't go beyond circa 1968. Can someone confirm what these really are?

Regards,

Gordon

Edited June 22, 2009 by Gordon Craig

[GRA]

Hello Gordon!

Yes, they're Czech allright, but not pilot's badges. They're general proficiency badges used 1968-92. The 1-2-3 class can be found at any junk stand or aspiring army surplus shop in Czech Rep these days, but the Master (M for Mistr) is not that easily found. I'm looking forward to add a Mistr badge to my collection too one day, just to get the set complete.

Greetings,

/GRA

[Gordon Craig]

GRA,

Thanks for your response. Could you be a little more specific than "general proficiency" please. Just waht was involved in achieving these badges?

Regards,

Gordon

[GRA]

Hello Gordon!

Sorry, but I don't know much more than that. My impression is that these badges were awarded after having reached a certain level of knowledge/professionalism, and I assume the criteria differed between specialties. I don't know how served time influenced, but I can't recall having ever seen a photo of a conscript private sporting the Mistr badge. There are tank proficiency badges too, which runs along the same lines. To complicate things, there were also badges awarded for "Exemplary Soldiers", as well as the usual shooting badges, parachute qualification badges etc. Maybe there's someone on the forum that has actually served in the Czechoslovak Army who can spread a little light on the award criteria?

Greetings,

/GRA

[Gordon Craig]

GRA,

Thanks for the explanation. Hopefully someone will come up with the missing information.

Regards,

Gordon

[speedytop]

Hi,

the badges are for above-average achievements in combat training and the application of the combat technology. An annual examination takes place.

Uwe

[Gordon Craig]

Uwe,

Thanks.

Regards,

Gordon