History of the army tattoo
In the XVIII century only in Russia was officially introduced identification of people at risk. Peter the Great in 1712 issued a decree according to which all recruits selected for service in the army or navy were to have distinctive tattoos.
During the First World War, during the lull, soldiers tattooed each other in the army in order to identify comrades in the event of serious injury or death. The military's urge to get tattoos was driven by the instinct of self-preservation.
The Red Army tattooed a five-pointed star on the left arm of a Red Army soldier. The Soviet and Russian armies initially disapproved of tattooing. Scouts were not allowed to have tattoos at all. They simply drew their service insignia and name on their skin.
Soviet servicemen serving in Indochina or Vietnam avoided army tattoos largely for fear of blood poisoning. However, none of those who were in the Airborne Forces or Special Forces Group were without a tattoo, at least on the rib of the palm. The blood type began to be "tattooed" in Afghanistan to soldiers for practical reasons, to save lives.
Modern army tattoos vary depending on the military specialty and branch of service. It is not only a desire for identification, but also the memory of the soldier of the army service and memorable events of his biography.
What do these tattoos mean?
Like any other tattoo, the meaning of these tattoos depends on the character of the bearer of such a tattoo himself. Only the owner of the tattoo himself knows why he has it and why exactly on this or that part of the body. Nevertheless, the most common meaning of these tattoos is that the person has: achievement, merit, performance.
Having undergone hard training and having obtained a service qualification in the army, such tattoos become a sign of achieved achievement. In other words, it is a sign that you serve, or you were once in the service.
Another common meaning-memory of friends who died in combat. While serving in the military, it is normal to develop close relationships with your unit mates and, it is the nature of any "military" theme.
In honor of friends lost in combat, fellow soldiers get these tattoos, which would forever make a reminder of friends who were not left around alive.
Military style tattoos are also sometimes used to determine rank in the military. One's status. If the bearer of such tattoos is promoted in rank or position, he is fully entitled to apply himself such a tattoo associated with the assignment of a new, next rank or position.
In other cultures, several centuries ago, promotion to a higher rank in the army was indicated by granting a certain type of tattoo. Although this has changed a lot since then, some "wearers" of such tattoos, still maintain this tradition.
These tattoos are also a sign of loyalty, love and devotion to their country. There are few other professions that value loyalty to their country at all, not the military. But to always remind themselves of why they are military (soldiers) and get inspired by what they are serving, they get such tattoos.
Nowadays, such tattoos are not only given to the military, as people who have never served in the armed forces are also getting them. However, the reason for getting these tattoos is different from the ones that active or former military personnel get.
Some people simply get these tattoos because they think it looks very cool or want to be treated with the respect that military personnel and veterans receive. For others, these tattoos are a sign of patriotism and support for the military, especially during military conflicts.
What tattoos are done in the military
Each military unit has its own tradition of tattoos. For example, fall conscripts get a dragon tattoo, and spring conscripts get an eagle tattoo. Those who served in the North Caucasus apply army tattoo of a scorpion.Those who served in the North Caucasus tattoo a scorpion, its sting is directed upwards. Snipers tattoo the image of a terrorist under the scope, scouts - a tattoo of an owl or a bat. Drawings on the body of special forces soldiers must look intimidating, so they can often have a tattoo of a wolf on the shoulder, skull, leopard, etc. For airborne paratroopers, a tattoo is a must.
"Patron" - a universal image, "rocket" can apply themselves only those who served in the relevant units, the general drawings can apply themselves as tattoos soldiers of all branches of the military. These include "eternal flame," "head of the dushman" and common inscriptions.
Army tattoos are not permitted to be applied to indecent parts of the body, in connection with this there is a law. For further service is required to remove the existing tattoos, and if the soldier refuses to do this, he is exempted from military service.
Where to "get" a tattoo?
Most often, army tattoos are difficult to perform. The complexity of the sketch, requires finding a qualified master, who has experience and has already done similar tattoos. It is for this reason, it is recommended to give preference in favor of those professionals who have experience. It is necessary to understand that such a tattoo is done for life and in case it is unsuccessful, to remove it becomes problematic. With the right approach to this issue, you can be sure that you will be satisfied with the work done on your body tattoo.
Military tattoos by branch of service
Tattoos made in the army are divided into categories, and indicate the social status of the person. According to such tattoos, you can determine in what military rank the soldier was in the service, in what troops served, and even in what place.
As a rule, such tattoos are tattooed in the middle or at the end of service, when the soldier has already established himself in the army.
Approximate division of army tattoos for different types of troops:
Airborne Tattoos
Tattoos, which do themselves soldiers serving in the Airborne Forces, probably know many, even people who do not know the type of troops. All this was made possible thanks to August 2, when Russia celebrates Airborne Day. Paratroopers in tank tops show off their army tattoos on their shoulders. Airborne tattoos include the following elements:
- parachute with wings on the left shoulder;
- bmdashka;
- winged sword with beret, shield;
- Airborne troop emblem, a wolf with wings;
- parachute, plane.
Tattoos VDV - photo:
Airborne troopers tattoo on the shoulder
Tattoo of VDV on the shoulder - a parachute
Airborne troops tattoo on the shoulder
Tattoo Airborne Troops with an eagle and parachute
Airborne troops tattoo on the shoulder
Tattoos of Marines
Tattoos of marines originally completely repeated the official symbol of the marines (anchor on the background of a black circle framed with an outline of red). If we compare our Marines' tattoos with those of their Western "colleagues", one can distinguish the main difference: the Russian ones are more severe and mostly aggressive, in contrast to the more sentimental tattoos of the "likely" enemy, in which the pin-up style and mystical elements prevail.
Russian Marine Corps tattoos include such elements as:
- skull in a bandana (on the arm);
- An anchor in the background of the globe with a dolphin in the foreground
- tiger grin
- bear
Marine Corps tattoos - photo:
Russian Marines tattoo
Russian Marine Corps Tattoo
Russian Marine Corps Tattoo on Shoulder
Marines tattoo with a tiger
Tattoos Navy (Navy)
Navy soldiers don't just get tattoos. Every sketch for an army tattoo is thought out in detail. After all, the sea is very dangerous, and to make some negative sign in the form of a tattoo, not everyone would like. Therefore, the Navy tattoos are more thoughtful.
Navy tattoos include:
- a polar bear (on the shoulder) ;
- Anchor and sailboat;
- a steering wheel.
Navy tattoos - photo:
Navy tattoo.
Tattoo of the Northern Fleet
Tattoo of the Northern Fleet
Navy tattoo
Tattoos of intelligence
Tattoos of military intelligence can not put "just because" - they must be earned. Do drawings related to intelligence, at the end of the term of service. Such tattoos include:
- bat;
- owl.
Intelligence tattoos - photo:
Military intelligence bat tattoo
Military intelligence bat tattoo on the shoulder
Military intelligence bat and parachute tattoo
Intelligence tattoo
Military intelligence bat and parachute tattoo on the shoulder
Army tattoos are common, although there is no official permission to apply them.
Special forces tattoo: description, features, photos
Tattoos are very popular among members of various special units around the world. Often, special forces tattoos are unique pictures with a clear plot and drawing.
Russian spetsnaz is traditionally depicted on the tattoo machine gun, a symbolic beret, ribbons and the abbreviation SN. Other images characteristic of special forces tattoos are also known.
Why special forces soldiers have tattoos
Uninformed people may have a question about why they stuffed a special forces tattoo. After all, everyone knows that to wear on the body any pictures by the army command is not encouraged, especially if it is a special forces. Nevertheless, each special forces tattoo performs its role: unites soldiers in certain groups. Thanks to the drawing, you can easily identify "his". Also, the special forces tattoo is a vivid confirmation of the heroic past. Given the requirement of their commanders, many servicemen apply a tattoo already at "demobee".
The GRU emblem
Quite recently, few ordinary people were aware of the existence of such a secret service as the Main Intelligence Directorate. Today, the theme of "special forces," including the GRU, is often touched upon by many filmmakers and authors of sharp suspense novels. As in any army formation, the tradition of tattoos is also popular among members of the Main Intelligence Directorate.
The General Intelligence Agency, established back in 1942, uses a bat as its symbol. The article presents what the GRU Special Forces tattoo looks like (photo below). The fact that the choice of the secret service fell on this particular creature is quite understandable: this animal leads a nocturnal lifestyle and represents everything that is invisible, hidden and shrouded in mystery. In addition, bats cause fear in many creatures. Members of the Main Intelligence Directorate perform their tasks like bats, secretly and quietly. The bat is the main emblem in the GRU special forces tattoo.
What other tattoos are done in the special forces
As with the dark time of day, in addition to the bat, also associated with the owl, the image of this creature is also used in tattoos by military intelligence officers. In other agencies, images of tiger, leopard, wolf, bear, lynx and wolverine are very popular. They can be used by members of the SOBR, Interior Ministry Special Forces and Special Operations Forces. There are also patriotic symbols in the form of the double-headed eagle.
It is known that in the tattoos of the employees of the internal troops of the Interior Ministry must necessarily be present the main motif: a fist, clutching a Kalashnikov automatic rifle. This picture may be located on the background of a shield, or a five-pointed star. There may also be an image of one or another predator in the beret.
It is not uncommon for special troops to have a picture of scorpions. It symbolizes fortitude and constant readiness to repel an attack. Scorpions are covered mostly by those who happened to serve in the hot latitudes.
Naval commandos put a tattoo of sharks and dolphins. Punching on the skin a particular image, the ringman uses all his imagination, resulting in tattoos are unique paintings. They can intertwine elements used in various law enforcement agencies. Special Forces soldiers inscribe their unit numbers, dates of service. In addition, the tattoos may include various sayings, images of skulls in berets and parachutes.
Where the picture should be located
Predominantly special forces tattoo, (exclusively in black and white version, without any other colors) is applied on the chest or shoulder. The image of a bat and a scorpion is also very popular among many tattoo lovers who are not related to the special forces. But civilians, so that they are not confused with former or current military personnel, are advised to tattoo on other parts of the body. Artfully performed tattoo looks good and in a small format - on the back, neck, arm or forearm. Women can wear such a picture behind the ear.
As assured by the owners of tattoos, former Special Forces, the image applied to the body reminds them of the service. For other fans of tattoos, wearing such a decoration is nothing more than a tribute to fashion.
Popular Airborne Troops tattoos and their meaning
Consider the meaning of the most popular army tattoos of the airborne troops.
Airborne Bear Tattoo
Often, people who have served and decided to score Airborne tattoos can see images of a bear. The VDV bear is associated not only with the strength, power and survivability inherent in this animal, but also with the vast Russian soul, which is known to be compared to this very beast.
As a symbol of the strength and power of Russia, the bear is wonderfully suited for this kind of tattoo, succinctly fitting not only in meaning, but also in visual style, evoking fear and respect.
Tattoo for the Airborne Troops.
One of the most popular are considered tattoos for the Airborne Troops, in most cases printed on the rib of the left hand. Many believe that this tradition has long roots and its meaning can be interpreted in different ways.
First of all, such a tattoo is a kind of recognition sign, allowing the paratroopers to recognize each other and engage in intimate conversations, because it is the rib of the hand that is the most visible point, not covered by clothing. It is also stuffed by serving alcohol lovers and during the third toast the trooper silently drinks the shot with his left hand.
Bat
Tattoos with the image of a bat are tattooed by soldiers of military reconnaissance of the Airborne Forces. The choice for such an unusual animal for members of the special forces did not fall by chance.
This black creature, hiding in the darkness of the night sky, symbolizes inconspicuousness and stealth, which is necessary for soldiers serving in this type of troops. And its intimidating appearance is a challenge to anyone who dares to get in its way. That's why the bat is a great choice for an Airborne tattoo.
Skull in a beret.
Often on the arms, chest and back of paratroopers you can see an image in the form of a skull in a beret. Sometimes the skull can be seen with a knife in its jaw, or surrounded by machine guns, and often people have it printed on a burning background or with red eyes.
The skull is primarily a symbol of fearlessness before death, courage and military honor, and it is also considered a symbol of intimidation of enemies and ill-wishers.
Tiger or wolf in a beret
Another popular subject is the image of wolf and tiger with a beret, which have basically the same content. In most cases, these animals are depicted with a grin, ready at any moment to let their long sharp fangs into action.
Such qualities as strength, endurance and courage paratroopers try to depict, stuffing on their body a tiger, the wolf in turn means brotherhood, his "pack", which a man will defend until the end of life, and the battle grin, immortalized on the body of a paratrooper, means the readiness at any moment to stand up for their values.
The inscription of the Airborne Troops "No one but us".
Often on the tattoos of the airborne troops in addition to images of various animals, skulls and parachutes with airplanes you can notice the inscription "Nobody but us", which over the long history of the airborne troops has become their peculiar motto.
The author of this phrase is Vasily Filippovich Margelov, who in the circles of paratroopers is considered the most important person: the man who brought the airborne troops to the level of elite brave troops.
MEANINGS IN DIFFERENT PEOPLES
The bear is described in many stories, myths and legends, different cultures and religions of different peoples assigned their interpretation to the bear. People of China associate the bear with masculinity, incredible strength and courage. The Japanese believe the bear is a symbol of great wisdom, justice, charity and patience. The Celts bear stands for maternity, the moon and femininity, as well as the image of a bear as an emblem used by the Celtic warriors. The Indians worshipped the bear, created totems with its image, and believed that the bear controlled natural disasters. In their culture, the bear was a peaceful and kind animal. In India and Egypt the image of the bear was believed to bring power and extraordinary strength, the pharaohs loved to decorate the body image of this powerful predator. The ancient Romans and Greeks believed that the bear is the guide Artemis - goddess of hunting and fertility. Do Christians and Slavs bear is the hero of many tales, his image is described in the legends, in which the bear stands for courage, fearlessness, bravery, and hunting success. For many people bear associated with rebirth, so interpreted came from the fact that this animal has a feature to hibernate.
New What does the dog tattoo (dog paw)
INTERPRETATION OF IMAGES
It is also worth noting that each bear species also has a specific interpretation, because there are brown bears, grizzly bears, polar polar bears, pandas and others. On the designations of the picture also affects the emotional plane of the predator, because it can be depicted as a calm, and with a grin. More popular are realistic images of these animals, but the drawing can be performed in any preferred style, be it realism, thrash polka, geometry and many others.
1. white bear. Such a tattoo carries in itself the following description of the owner: it is a man zhiznadeliv, he does not know fear, in any situation, he will fight for his life, persistent and patient.2. Tattoo with the image of a Grizzly. This image indicates the determination of the person, as well as the fact that he can cope with any difficulties of life, he has a strong character and is able to protect themselves. 3. A bear that rests peacefully and poses no danger is interpreted as a symbol of wisdom, strength, tranquility. People who choose this image, as a rule, are not conflictive and like to solve any problem peacefully.4. The bear's goggle. This depiction describes the wearer as a strong, courageous person, ready for any difficulties, even if they would have to fight. This image well emphasizes the courage and power of the person.5. The roar of the bear. This image shows that it is not necessary to anger its owner, because behind the quiet image of a bear hides the incredible rage and aggression.6. panda. Koala. These cute bears show that the possessor of such tattoos is a person with a good soul, full of optimism and light.7. Paw of the raptor. This image indicates the strength and power of the owner, if the trace of claws is displayed - such an image is a sign of nobility and valor.8. Tattoo with a bear. The image on the body mostly girls, as the bear is associated with motherhood and continuation of the family.9. The image of cubs, or a teddy bear. Such a tattoo carries the positive qualities of kindness, warmth and tenderness.
Sketches of military intelligence tattoo
When drawing the traditional symbolism for special forces is allowed different stylistics. The picture can be colored or monochrome, strict graphic or patterned, can carry elements of humor. The picture can also be three-dimensional or "flat". All the variety can be seen in the basic sketches.
