Military tattoos and their themes
Army tattoos, like prison tattoos, are not stuffed for beauty, as they testify to the social status of the man, as well as, his affiliation with certain troops.
Conventionally, military tattoos are divided into several categories:
- by military rank;
- by branch of service;
- By place of service.
Today, many soldiers prefer to put a drawing on the body in their military unit, in the middle or at the end of the term. Stamping the image on the body ahead of time does not allow status: the tattoo is applied only to "grandfathers," not "spirits." One could say that it is a special mark of distinction about the period spent in the military unit.
It is worth knowing that such military tattoos are not always particularly beautiful if performed by an unqualified master. In addition, they have an increased risk of infection in the process of application and healing.
Army tattoos by type of troops: meaning and symbolism
The army is a special period in the life of a man. For this reason, many of them want to immortalize it with a body drawing.
All troops have a basic recognizable image. For example, the Airborne Forces have a parachute, the RXBZ has a gas mask, etc. Often there are inscriptions indicating blood group, motto, unit number, abbreviations, etc. Basically, the meaning of army tattoos is information about the kind of troops in which the service took place. Let's take a closer look at the tattoos of military soldiers.
AIRBORNE TROOPS. Distinctive signs of paratroopers - blue beret and parachute. They are the main symbols used in the tattoo.
The blue beret depicts wolves, tigers, leopards and other animals. And as a result of the fact that when carrying out combat missions, it is the soldiers of the Airborne Troops who have to parachute into dangerous terrain, the motto "No one but us" and "For the Airborne Troops" has become especially popular.
A wolf in a beret.
Artillery. Artillery tattoos include crossed cartridges, cannons and other guns. Also, it is possible to apply a skull in a beret, accompanied by the inscription "Artillery", "God of War", "We are feared by the Gods".
Artillery reconnaissance. Artillery scout tattoos include the above symbols with the addition of a bat image.
Artillery Army tattoo "For RVIA."
Marines. Marines get a wide variety of tattoos. But mostly they include an image of a parachute with images of animals in the background, a skull in a beret, etc. Also, the inscription is used: "Where we are, there is victory.
Army tattoos. Infantrymen of motorized troops tattoo a grinning wolf's head or a skull with crossed machine guns.
Tattoos of the Special Forces of the Russian Federation. GRU Special Forces tattoos are images of a skull in a beret against a background of a parachute dome, a helicopter, a bat, a wolf's face or a tiger's face. Often the drawings are accompanied by an inscription with the years or place of service.
Tattoos of the MVD. Tattoos of the internal troops are a five-pointed star, which depicts a clenched fist with a Kalashnikov assault rifle or rifle.
Separate division of operational assignment. Tattoo ODON is a black panther with a grin. It is usually placed on the shoulder in tandem with the inscription "ODON".
Army tattoos of the Russian Air Force. Tattoo of the Air Force involves applying blades with wings, airplanes or the inscription: "For the Air Force".
Tattoo of the railroad forces. In the Russian army, members of the railroad forces stuff a tattoo in the form of a pit bull's head with a rail in its mouth. Sometimes there is an image of a train.
Army air defense tattoos. Mostly, air defense troops use the image of an airplane as a tattoo. Less often a bat or bird is stuffed. Usually, drawings are accompanied by the number of the unit and the period of service.
Tattoo for clear skies
Tattoo of the Air Force. Soldiers of the military-space forces stuffed thematic images: rockets, astronauts, etc.
Tattoo of the North Caucasus Military District. The army tattoo of servicemen in the North Caucasian Military District is a scorpion located on the chest. And by the position of the tail with the sting you can find out whether the soldier participated in military operations. Accordingly, the raised sting means participation, and the lowered sting means no participation.
Tattoo 12 GUMO. The 12th Main Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Defense uses the image of the double-headed eagle or the inscriptions: "After us - silence", "The nuclear forces preserve Russia" as a tattoo.
Bat Tattoo: Meaning in the Army
The bat tattoo is a sign of military intelligence. It means that the fighter has the same qualities as a bat: easily finds a landmark in the air, climbs on various surfaces like a rock climber, and, if necessary, can be under water for a while.
For the first time this symbol drew himself one of the soldiers, after which its application has become a tradition of scouts. Often army tattoos with a bat are combined with the moon or a parachute dome.
Intelligence tattoo on the shoulder
Army tattoos. If we look back into the not too distant past and remember the country we came from (the USSR), we can see that only two categories used tattoos at that time, convicts and army men, people who served in the army.
Continuity persists today, guys who were in the army, as a reminder of it do tattoo type of troops in which they served.
Features of airborne tattoos
The main attention when creating these tattoos is drawn to the history of his part, pride and respect for the place in which the person served, for the courage and valor shown in the service. It is the semantic content pay maximum attention when choosing a picture, because such a tattoo serves not as a bright decoration, and a reminder of bygone days, harsh service, male friendship and courage.
Military tattoos meanings.
Ask anyone who has served in the army, "Would you agree to serve again?" Ninety percent would probably say, "Yes."
Of course it is not possible, but army tattoos give a great opportunity to remember the time, friends, troops in which he served.
The meaning and meaning that is put into it plays more of an informative than a decorative role.
- The first thing you can find out if a person served in the army.
- Second, the branch of service, place of duty and years.
There are also tattoos that can be used to determine whether or not a person participated in hostilities.
Another symbol that has helped and is helping to save the lives of those who have served in Afghanistan and other "hot spots" is the blood type "on the body", which plays a significant role in combat conditions and has helped save many of our guys.
Social status
There is no complicated structure here, everything is simple and clear. You have to serve a certain time and then you have the right to get a tattoo. Usually this happens before "demobilization" and was done in memory of the time spent in the army.
Army tattoos by troop
Each branch of the military corresponds to its own emblem:
- tankers have a tank.
- artillerymen - cannon barrels
- Airborne troops - a parachute, etc.
But let's say it's on the official level.
Privates and NCOs have their own priorities when drawing up tattoo designs, not which may overlap, so for example a parachute is used in the Airborne Forces and Marines. The same ones are used in different branches of the military. But what remains unchanged is the place of service and the years spent in it (of course, everyone has their own).
There are no strict templates, small liberties are allowed when compiling sketches.
PV - border troops, there are such elements as a shield with a sword, border posts and watchtower. They add years and place of service, may also be present beret in green, some kind of landscape, an eagle or a scorpion.
Sketch of army border guards tattoos
Airborne troops, almost always a parachute dome, the face of a predator in a blue beret with a grin, a wolf, a bear instead of a muzzle can be a skull. Years of service, DShB number.
Tattoo of the army tattoo on the shoulder
Submariners - a submarine and anchor, may be present globe, Andreevsky flag, the wind rose or helm, the name of the "submarine," where he served, as well as the place, TOF - Pacific Fleet, CR - Black Sea Fleet, KSF - Red Banner Northern Fleet, etc.
Tattoo of submariners on the shoulder
Navy - Navy, most often an anchor, a shark just as the background can serve as a ship on which the service was held, may be present helm, the wind rose, Andreevsky flag, the globe. In the Northern Fleet a polar bear with the inscription "Northern Fleet" is added. Place of service and years.
Tattoo of sailors on the shoulder
GRU - Main Intelligence Directorate, a bat is almost mandatory attribute on the background of the moon, there may be a parachute dome or skull in a beret, as well as years of service, you can add the number ObrSpn, the slogan "No one but us" on the wrist.
Tattoo of the GRU on the shoulder.
Marines - most often used parachute dome, add a grinning face of a predator in a black beret, a brown or white bear, sometimes a wolf, a leopard, a leopard or a panther. May use skull in black beret, years of service and place. ODSHB number. Sometimes a bat, shark or dolphin may be present.
Marine Corps Tattoo
Strategic Missile Forces, almost always a rocket, with the addition of various animals or people, wings on the rocket, arrows and birds. There is a slogan "The Strategic Missile Forces - only silence after us," "If we fall asleep - you will not wake up."
RCBZ - Radiation Chemical Biological Protection, most often used gas mask with various attributes, a nuclear explosion, the inscription, the skull with barbed wire, the years of service and place.
Tattoo of the RXBZ on the shoulder
Artillery - guns, mortars, howitzers can be present cartridges, the inscription "Artillery - god of war", place and years of service.
Sketch of military artillery tattoos
Tank - usually there is a tank of different sizes, the inscription with the place of service and years.
Keep in mind that the army tattoos are usually used by guys who have been in the army, and if someone wants the same without serving, and then it turns out that you can just get into a "tricky" situation.
Will they take you to the army with a tattoo - video
Even during peacetime, service in the army is considered a special test and proof of strength and courage. Let in our country with 23 February more often congratulate all male representatives, but those of them who are real defenders of the Fatherland, deserve more respect. The army also has its own culture, in between exercises and outfits soldiers compose and sing songs, write poems, and after service, all men are happy to fill demob albums and maintain contacts with fellow soldiers. Not surprisingly, there are also special army tattoos. To wear on your skin a mark of distinction and memory of the days of service is very honorable and pleasant.
Distinctive features of the Strategic Missile Forces tattoos
Like all types of troops, the Strategic Missile Forces have their own distinctive features for a tattoo. First and foremost, this is due to the specific service of this kind of troops. The emblem of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces has a double-headed eagle clutching two arrows in one paw and a sword in the other. This served as a good foundation for the tattoos.
- On the tattoos of the Strategic Missile Forces, sketches of which can be found on the Internet, often depict arrows, in most cases in the number of two pieces. This directly indicates the emblem of this type of troops;
- The image of a rocket is considered logical. This points directly to the specific service of the soldiers. The rocket can be depicted alone, or additional elements are added to it, such as animals, people, ornaments, ribbons and so on.
- Image of a bear. This variant of the tattoo is not as common, most popular in combination with the previous two items. For example, a bear embracing a rocket, or releasing arrows. In this context, this animal symbolizes Sidu and the courage of soldiers.
- Birds. This type of image is also combined with arrows or rockets. Such tattoos denote attack, defense from the air.
Sketch of a tattoo of the Strategic Missile Forces on paper
History of tattoos in the Russian army
It's hard to believe, but they did it in Russia back in tsarist times. The Tsar Peter I ordered all soldiers of his army to tattoo a cross on their wrist and a personal number. What is remarkable, these army tattoos were done in a completely primitive and barbaric way. The symbols were carved into the skin, powder was poured into the wounds and a bandage was put on top. The procedure was highly painful, but the tattoos were long-lasting and visible. Thanks to that in Peter's army there were never any problems with the identification of the deceased. There were also tattoos in the Red Army from 1919. At their own will, soldiers tattooed the five-pointed star on their shoulder. But with the advent of Soviet power, army tattoos became less popular, and in some types of troops they were officially banned.
Tattoos of the Strategic Missile Forces. History of origin
Army tattoos existed for quite a long time. People who were able to apply the necessary images to the skin were considered the elite of the company and could get extra rations for their work. To apply a tattoo in the field is not easy, so not every serviceman can boast of its presence.
Tattoos of the Strategic Rocket Forces, the photo of which is quite difficult to find, is transferred to the skin of the soldier meticulously, with the help of special needles. Accordingly, and the feeling for the serviceman is far from pleasant. Also, it is necessary to prepare in advance the ink with which directly will be done drawing, so the images are mostly done in one color.
Tattoo of the Strategic Missile Forces with a bullet on the shoulder of a guy
Blood Group
One of the most popular tattoos among the servicemen and military - the number Russian soldiers began to do such tattoos on a mass scale in Afghanistan. The function of such tattoos was practical, and often tattoos really did save the lives of their owners. Today blood group is an incredibly popular tattoo in the Airborne Forces, and it is usually done on the chest or on the shoulder. However, it is difficult to call this type of tattoo purely military. Quite often nowadays the blood group is tattooed on their own skin and people who have nothing to do with the army. The meaning of the tattoo is also practical, its owners believe that the body image can save their lives during a disaster or accident.
Accepted locations of army military tattoos
The most common places to place tattoos are the shoulder area, the back of the palm of the right hand, and the side of the hand.
The left shoulder is often used to indicate the place of military service, a possible unit. On the right palm they put small inscriptions like "To the Airborne Troops," "To the AF," etc., so that the phrases are visible when the toast is raised.
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In the area of the back depict large tattoos for practical reasons: the skin is the most even, and the procedure is almost painless. At the same breast most often apply informative information, such as blood group and Rh factor.
Modern army tattoos and their meaning
Years go by, but the motifs of tattoos dedicated to service in the army almost do not change. The most popular are the names of units or full graphic images of chevrons and other insignia. Also widespread are symbols in one way or another related to military themes. Here the number of variations is huge - these are weapons, military equipment, anchors and crosses in sailors, parachutes - in paratroopers. Very often the army tattoos are also supplemented by years of service or the name of the locality in which the service took place.
The meaning of the Bear tattoo
First
, the most common
meaning
Bear tattoo is.
Power, strength, fury, might
. The bear is a strong animal that has long been associated by humans with the forces of nature. Bears are mentioned in the legends of many cultures. They have always been considered sacred animals, guardians of the family, patrons of the forest, and protectors of the weak.
The second meaning
has to do with the deceptive appearance of bears. At first glance it is a large clumsy, and sometimes clumsy / leggy beast, but in fact, they are excellent and dexterous hunters with great strength. A tattoo of a bear can mean
inner strength
and the deceptiveness of its appearance.
The third meaning
Bear tattoo has Scandinavian roots. In Viking mythology, the bear is a symbol of the berserker. Berserks - warriors, who, according to legends, in the heat of battle could turn into bears, had unprecedented strength and courage. Such a tattoo can mean
Strong character, courage, resilience
.
Fourth
meaning
The fourth meaning of the bear tattoo has to do with fairy tales and cartoons. Bear, as the children call him,
a sweet tooth and a goody-goody.
. Bears like to sleep, have a good snack and walk in the woods. The image of a kind and quiet bear, with cartoonish features, also often becomes a reason for a tattoo.
Each kind of military has its own emblem.
There are in the culture of military tattoos and some common symbols. A bat is a symbol of intelligence or airborne troops. The tattoos of those who served in the North Caucasus look interesting. It is a scorpion on the chest, if the sting is directed upwards, you can be sure that the person in front of you participated in combat. Marines soldiers often decorate their hands with an image of a skull in a bandana, another popular drawing is a globe with an anchor and a dolphin jumping out of the waves. And the image of a polar bear symbolizes service in the ranks Army tattoos by type of troops often do not need professional deciphering. Sufficiently popular are text inscriptions such as: "For the Airborne Troops!", "For the Navy!" and others. Paratroopers also often tattoo winged swords on their shields and uniform berets.
Troops around the world have developed a cult of tattoos. Army tattoos become proof that a person was part of any troops and henceforth he belongs to them. Secrets and types of military tattoos. Any tattoo carries a special meaning for its owner. The army tattoo is not an exception, but rather an extra confirmation of this. On-body images become proof that the person was part of any troops and henceforth he belongs to them. In addition to belonging, tattoos can also display military merit or awards.
Army tattoos have become a true art form. Troops all over the world have developed a cult of tattoos. Sketches of body art are handed down from soldier to soldier, with each year's work gaining its "zest" and turning into masterpieces. "Defend Russia" together with the art tattoo studio Badbird.Ink offers an overview of tattoo images and their meanings.
Armies of other countries
Servicemen in foreign countries have excelled in military tattoo culture. On the Internet, more and more often there are photos where masterfully made drawings are completely "stuffed" parts of the body. Most often it can be found in the U.S. military personnel.
Often they depict belonging to a particular branch of the military or the army as a whole...
...or to commemorate those who have died in combat.
Some have patriotic images:
Soviet and Russian Army.
All of the above categories of body art are certainly present in Russian army tattoos as well. Bad Bird Ink talks more about the history of the emergence and development of this culture.
Military tattoos gained popularity during World War II. However, tattooing was not welcomed in the service. Commanders had to keep track of such cases. Despite the conditional ban, the art of military body painting continued to develop. There was an unspoken rule saying that the harder your service, the more lenient the treatment of tattoos. The only exception was for sailors - they were not forbidden to have any images on their bodies.
The army picture had to reflect the main characteristics of its owner: the type of troops, place of service, symbols and emblems, years of service, blood group. The latter image became popular during the war in Afghanistan.
Over time, the attitude to tattoos in the army became more loyal and the format began to evolve. Today, the basic principles of drawing according to the type of troops with historically established images remained.
Airborne forces: the most common images are of parachutes, planes, berets, and an indication of the place or town where the service took place.
Marines: the most popular image is the St. Andrew's flag. Elements in the form of animals and place of service are added.
Servicemen in the North Caucasus: their symbol is a scorpion (denoting a stay in a "hot spot").
We have disclosed the main symbols of the army and military tattoo. But it should be remembered that the military body image is often a cipher, which is understood only by the owner or fellow servicemen.
The tradition of putting drawings on the skin stretches back to tsarist times. In those years, soldiers were forced, using primitive and barbaric methods, to put crosses and personal numbers on their skin. Today, however, army tattoos are real ornaments.
In addition to aesthetic, each tattoo has a symbolic, semantic function. This article contains information about army tattoos and their meanings.
A bit of history
In Tsarist Russia, soldiers had crosses embedded on their wrists. Under Peter I every soldier also had his individual number. In the case of the death of a soldier having a tattoo on his body facilitated the identification procedure. Later, Red Army soldiers tattooed five-pointed stars instead of the tsar's crosses. During the Soviet Union, army tattoos lost their popularity. And in some branches of the military were completely banned body art.
Today, army tattoos are used by some servicemen as a decoration. Often they are stuffed to commemorate the years of service, stay in hot spots, experienced events. All army tattoos must necessarily correspond to reality. It is not allowed to just put them on your body. Otherwise, the image will not carry any meaning, and someone who is well versed in body art, without difficulty will be able to identify a fake. To avoid this, it is advisable to know how military tattoos differ by branch of service.
The quality of the drawing
Predominantly body images are applied at the end of service by non-professional tattoo artists. Since tattoos are imposed in unequipped conditions, with hastily assembled homemade machines, the image often turns out to be of insufficient quality. Usually it is made in one color. To someone who wants his body adorned skillfully performed decorative tattoo, it is advisable to turn to a professional. In this case, several shades will be used in the image: black, red, blue and blue.
Intelligence
Former employees of special reconnaissance units stuffed images of bats on their bodies. Very often this night animal is painted against the background of the moon, emphasizing the night time and silence, with which the image of the animal is associated. Night and silence are also inherent attributes of ideas about the style of work of special forces soldiers. The bat can also be on the background of a parachute dome.
Often there is an image of an owl. This night bird symbolizes the quality of silent movement, which is very valued among the soldiers of the military intelligence.
A portrait of a skull within a beret signifies the dashing temper of the wearer of this military tattoo. (Photo of the figure is presented below).
Tattoo of Airborne troops
Young people who served in the airborne troops, often stuffed the inscription: "No one but us" and "For the Airborne Troops". The symbol used in tattoos by former servicemen in this type of troops was a sword with wings.
There is also necessarily an image of a shield. Today there are several options for army tattoos for Airborne troops. From the large selection of different animal images, paratroopers prefer images of the wolf, tiger, leopard and bear. These predators symbolize ferocity, fearlessness, belligerence and the ability to adapt. Most predators are depicted with a grin. This indicates that the bearer of the tattoo is always ready to fight.
The army scorpion tattoo is also one of the most popular among military personnel. This predator is printed on the body in two variants:
- With the stinger lowered and the claws reduced. The owner of such a tattoo did not take part in military conflicts.
- With an elevated sting and the pincers swollen to the side. Such a scorpion as if standing in a fighting stance. The tattoo indicates that its owner has been in hot spots. The main feature of the tattoo is a tattoo of a scorpion on the body of a soldier who served in the Caucasus.
Images of skulls are acceptable for the Airborne Forces. In addition to the date of service, paratroopers inscribe their blood group. In the case of a heavy wounded soldier, this designation facilitates the work of doctors.
Drawings for the Navy
The symbol for the tattoo used by soldiers of the Navy was the anchor. Since many associate it with good weather, roots, and stability, Navy servicemen believe that having an anchor image on the body will prevent the owner with such a tattoo from getting lost in the sea. This army tattoo, in addition to being a talisman, also testifies to the strength of the soldier's spirit and body. In addition to the anchor, the following images can also be found in the Navy:
- Dolphins. Symbolize moderation and intelligence. This tattoo is considered a talisman.
- Helm. In the Navy is a symbol of masculinity. The bearer of such a tattoo must have leadership qualities.
- Rose of the winds. The presence of such a tattoo indicates that its owner, using the stars as landmarks and guides, follows his path. It is believed that the presence of such a tattoo will help its owner to survive both at sea and on land.
- Heart. The owner of this tattoo is loyal to his ship. Also, the image shows love for loved ones.
- Globe. Drawing indicates a love of travel. Symbolizes a person's power over the ocean.
- Rose. Is a symbol of self-sacrifice and unselfishness. The assistant bosuns have two crossed anchors between their thumb and middle finger. The rest of the servicemen are inscribed on the rib of their palm with the inscription, "To the Navy!"
The sailors' expression, "God and the flag of St. Andrew with us," existed back in the days of tsarist Russia. The image of the flag is also used as a tattoo in the Navy.
The shark is another tattoo element that is often used by sailors. This is a symbol of fearlessness, power, impetuosity, and the ability to survive. The owner of such a tattoo demonstrates to others about his readiness to courageously meet any danger.
Those who served in the Northern Fleet, the image of a polar bear is applied to the body. This predator represents courage, resilience, loneliness and power. In some army tattoos, instead of a bear, servicemen tattoo the image of a snow leopard - a lone predator that can live in very difficult conditions. The owners of such a tattoo show others the leadership tendencies and desire to keep inviolate their personal space.
What part of the body can I get a tattoo on?
It is extremely symbolic to have a tattoo on the chest near the heart, which means that the military past of the man forever remained in his memories and every day warms his soul with happy memories and long gone days.
The tattoo on the rib of the palm is associated with strength and combat. The relaxed inscription seems to hint that the hand can clench into a fist at any time.
Often VDV tattoos are printed on the wrist, where the pulse can be heard, which gives the tattoo additional meaning.
It is logical the presence of VDV tattoo on the shoulder and on the arm, because these places have the greatest visibility. These tattoos are undoubtedly a source of pride and an excellent choice.
Rare tattoos
Compared to the already familiar tiger and bear in berets, images of faces in gas masks are not common. Such tattoos are performed by those who served in the RXBZ (radiation, chemical and biological defense).
Soldiers of tank troops stuffed on the body images of tanks. These can be small tattoos or drawings with a plot. The main thing is that the basis of such a tattoo has always been the image of an armored vehicle.
A sword and two crossed rifles were the symbol for motorized troops. These elements, on the one hand, are a symbol of death, and on the other - protection from it.
Men's Tattoo Bear - Bear Tattoo Sketches for Men
More often than not, the subjects with the image of a bear are chosen by men. Many of them associate themselves with this predator. Bears are good hunters, strong, intelligent, calm. It is these positive qualities of bears that have made them a popular subject for men's tattoos.
