Soviet Paratrooper Badge

[Tupper]

Hello there, 

 

Found this paratrooper badge. How old is this one? 

 

Its also my first paratrooper badge ?

[meyerse]

Very late.....1980s + 

[Eric Gaumann]

It's what's referred to as an M68 badge; as in instituted in 1968 (replacing the M55).

There were/are three grades: basic (as shown here), 'Excellent' and 'Instructor'.

Also, there are earlier and later versions of this M68 badge based on minor variations of the airplane on the badge.  This version looks to be a later model.

edit: added an image of common Soviet para badges.  Earlier versions on top, later versions descending.

Edited October 14, 2020 by Eric Gaumann
added image

[meyerse]

Thanks for all the detail, this one is a late printing of this badge....so not 1968....

[Tupper]

Thank you so much. I wasn't home, so I could not answer in time ?