Identification marks of technology. Soviet and American systems

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All combat vehicles of the armed forces must have their tactical numbers and other identification marks. Their presence simplifies the work of unit commanders and helps to effectively manage troops as a whole. In different periods in different countries, different marking systems were used with particular characteristics. Thus, in different countries different approaches to the formation of marks were usually used, which led to different results. Consider the designation system of armored vehicles and other combat vehicles used in the two superpowers of the past.

Soviet system



Currently, the Russian army uses a system of identification marks (OZ), based on the ideas of the Soviet era. It has undergone some changes in the form of the addition of certain signs, but some of the basic provisions remained the same. For example, in recent years, for the first time in domestic practice, the Emblem of the Armed Forces was officially introduced into OZ — for several decades earlier, state symbols and signs of belonging to the army were “local initiative”.


Medium tank T-54 in Hungary. On the tower visible part sign and number. Photo of Wikimedia Commons


The latest Soviet-era OZ system was described in the Ground Forces Battle Regulations in the 1982 edition of the year. Appendix No. 8 to Part II of the Charter (rota battalion) described the principles of assigning OZ, their execution, etc. The main feature of the system was a general focus on secrecy. In order to impede the work of reconnaissance of the enemy, it was proposed to regularly change the identification marks and conditional equipment numbers.

According to the Military Regulations, all combat vehicles of the same part or unit had to have a common identification mark indicating their belonging. The sign was proposed to perform in the form of a geometric shape of a particular type. Inside the figure, letters, numbers, lines and simple drawings were allowed, which significantly increased the number of available options. The OZ of the compound / part was introduced by the higher supervisor and had to change with a certain frequency.

OZ parts / compounds should be applied on the side and stern surfaces of the hull or turret of the combat vehicle in such a way that it is well observed by other participants of the battle formation. Color OZ was to contrast with the overall color of the car. Thus, white signs were used on the equipment with summer protective colouration, while black or red were used on the winter camouflage.


Tank T-64 with regular OZ. Part denotes a solid white rhombus, the decoding of the number is unknown. Photo Scalemodels.ru


The identification mark of a compound or unit was supplemented by a three-digit conventional number, also known as a “combat number”, “tactical number” or “side number”. Each part of the higher command for a certain period allocated a range of numbers in the form of several hundred. The equipment numbers of a particular unit were allocated by its command at its discretion. It is curious that the charter did not prohibit the assignment of one conditional number to several machines of different types. Thus, the same numbers could be present simultaneously on tank and BMP.

For greater convenience of identifying technology, in parts there were several options for assigning numbers. When using them, each number had a meaning that the commander understood. Different digits of the three-digit number could indicate the number of the battalion and / or company, as well as the number of a specific machine. There were no obligatory instructions on this score, and therefore different systems were used in different parts, including incompatible ones.

In addition to the mandatory OZ, other images could be present on the armor of combat vehicles. To participate in various celebrations or public events, guards, emblems of the armed forces, and various inscriptions could be applied to the equipment. However, in accordance with the statutes, after the completion of events, all these signs should be removed or painted over, leaving only regular OZ parts and a conventional symbol. However, this prescription was not always followed, and often tanks and other armored vehicles for a long time retained "non-standard" images.

Identification marks of technology. Soviet and American systems
A rather complicated version of a graphic sign: an open circle with a number and a sheet. Photo Panzer35.ru


It is known that during armed conflicts in Afghanistan and Chechnya, ground forces often had to abandon the required designations of equipment for greater security. The presence of well-distinguished signs and numbers could unmask the technique, and also made it easier for the enemy to find priority targets. After leaving the hot spot, the parts of the OZ were restored.

The current system of identification marks of Russian ground forces differs little from the old Soviet one. Graphic signs of parts / connections and three-digit numbers are still used. At the same time, recently, other OZ can be supplemented with a red and white star, the emblem of the Russian armed forces. For parades and other special occasions, other signs are temporarily placed on the vehicle.

American system

The US Ground Forces have their own system of designations of technology, the same for combat and auxiliary vehicles. Its general provisions were formed back in the years of the Second World War and later changed only slightly. Some new signs were introduced, but the general principles remained the same. The American OZ system is fundamentally different from the Soviet. It does not provide for high secrecy and allows you to immediately understand the ownership of a particular machine.


Tank T-72B3 and its crew at the exercise, 2018 g. Identification marks are put on the aft box of the tower. Photo of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation / mil.ru


In the past, the technique carried large images of a white star and the US Army inscriptions, but in recent decades, graphic OZ was abandoned. The size of the letters has noticeably decreased. Such transformations were carried out before the beginning of the nineties, when it was necessary to introduce new tactical signs. In the future, serious processing of OZ in the US armed forces were absent.

The remaining identification marks of the army ground equipment consist of two groups of numbers and letters. Such "codes" are placed on the front and aft parts of armored vehicles or are applied to the bumpers of cars. One group of symbols is on the left side, the other is on the right. The signs on the left allow you to determine the belonging to the compound, and the right marks indicate the unit and your own tactical vehicle number. It is important that in the American OZ system, the simplest abbreviations are used to facilitate the recognition of technology.

The left group of OZ begins with a number and a letter designating a division. The number indicates the connection number, other characters indicate its type. Infantry divisions are designated as I or ID, tank - A or AD. Further, a hyphen indicates the numbers of the battalion and the regiment. They are followed by specialization of the battalion or regiment - INF (infantry), ARM (tank), CAV (cavalry), R or REC (reconnaissance), etc.


Tank M1A2 Abrams 1 th cavalry division of the US Army, OZ applied on the lower frontal part. Photo US Army / dvidshub.net


The second group of characters contains a letter and numbers. The letter indicates a company (starting with A) or a regimental headquarters (HQ). The first digit identifies platoon membership, and the second is a private car number. Since the tank platoon of the US Army has only four cars, the troops do not have to face a shortage of numbers. In some cases, the second group of OZ can determine the commander machine. Thus, in tank units, a platoon commander always has a tactical number ending in one. His deputy is working on the tank number XXUMX.

Modern military regulations of the US Army do not provide for the use of other "official" identification marks. At the same time, there is a certain “initiative”, and other images appear on the surface of the armor that are not provided for in the governing documents. Often a tank call sign is applied to an ejector. Large and flat front sheets of the tower are decorated with emblems of units and divisions.


The tank of the 1 Division of the US Marine Corps with the call sign Star Lord. All available OZ are clearly visible. Photo US MC / dvidshub.net


The US Marine Corps uses a simplified numbering technique, which does not allow to determine its membership. On board with a shift to the stern, USMC letters and a six-digit machine number are applied. However, in the past other SPs have been introduced, pointing to the compound and subdivision. The A1-I alphanumeric index is placed on the front wings or on the frontal parts of the equipment. The letter indicates a company, and the other two letters indicate the number and type of division. Unlike the army, the CMP refers to connections with one letter instead of three.

The National Guard uses several signage systems at once, depending on the state. One of the general trends is the use of "traditional" two-digit numbers on the sides of vehicles. They can be supplemented with graphic emblems of compounds or parts. Also in the National Guard of some states provide indices similar to the army.


National Guard tank pcs. South Carolina with characteristic OZ. Photo US Army / dvidshub.net


During Operation Storm in the Wilderness, coalition armies introduced a new way to designate technology. On the sides and panels of the towers was applied so-called. chevron - an image of V or triangles of different orientations with different additional elements. Inverted V denotes company A; Companies B and C had chevrons pointing right or left. The fourth company was indicated by a triangle. The number of points inside the chevron indicated the platoon number. Chevrons differed in large sizes and were well distinguishable from considerable distances, because of which they had advantages over other OZ.

Currently, mandatory OZ for combat vehicles of the army and the USMC are only numbers that are placed on the foreheads or sides. Emblems of parts, call signs and chevrons have a significant distribution, but are not required.

Different approaches

It is easy to notice that in two superpowers the main approaches to the designation of technology were formed quite a long time ago. Both systems provided the required level of ease of monitoring the work of the troops, but were based on different ideas. This led to the formation of systems that have the most serious differences.


Tank M1A1 Abrams with the identification marks of the times "Storm in the desert." Figure Blueprints.com


In the Soviet army, secrecy was paramount, with which the requirements for regularly changing the OZ units / formations and conventional numbers were associated. In practice, the replacement of identification marks could be made quite infrequently, but in this case the approach used solved the set tasks. Commanders could monitor and control their subordinates, while reconnaissance and analysis of the data obtained by foreign special services in a known manner was difficult.

The American approach, both in the ground forces and in the ILC, meant putting all the necessary information and did not allow for high secrecy. However, the main disadvantages of this system consisted in another, namely in the small sizes of the letters and inability to quickly and accurately identify a particular machine and its accessories.

Having pluses and minuses, both the Soviet and the American ways of designating vehicles of the ground forces with these or other changes have survived to our days. In the past, notation systems were repeatedly modified and refined based on the experience gained. In their current form, they meet the goals and objectives, as well as the requirements. In all likelihood, in the foreseeable future, the armies of the United States and Russia will not significantly change the designation system of technology.

Based on:
http://army.armor.kiev.ua/
http://otvaga2004.ru/
http://pentagonus.ru/
http://desantura.ru/
http://otvaga2004.mybb.ru/
Battle Regulations of the Ground Forces. Part II. Battalion, company. M .: Military Publishing, 1982.
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16 comments
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  1. +13
    21 February 2019 06: 09
    Thanks, informative.
    1. -11
      21 February 2019 08: 12
      Quote: lucul
      Thanks, informative.
      but why? soon it seems like there will be no "question" signs, thanks to such "generous" articles. what's next ? the signature of our newest submarines? aircraft? "Warrior" blocking code? brute force went to information.
      1. +1
        22 February 2019 16: 14
        Quote: Dead Day
        but why? soon it seems like there will be no "question" signs, thanks to such "generous" articles. what's next ? the signature of our newest submarines? aircraft? "Warrior" blocking code? brute force went to information.

        What secret information was announced?
  2. +4
    21 February 2019 07: 20
    Thanks to the author for the article. He reminded a little forgotten and highlighted the US numbering, which was never thought of. Too small and long, not saying anything for our side.
  3. +1
    21 February 2019 07: 58
    Thanks to the author.
    I have long wanted to read on this topic.
  4. +4
    21 February 2019 08: 40
    open circle with number and sheet.
    If I am not mistaken, the "oak leaf" is 41gvTD, the city of Cherkassy, ​​Ukrainian SSR
  5. +4
    21 February 2019 12: 12
    I see Orney differences in the following:

    Our health system reflected and reflects readiness for an all-out war, when operational intelligence data for both sides are crucial not only in the operational sector of the front, but through an advantage on it, to drastically change the situation at a higher level. Hence the measures for total secrecy. For the stakes are as high as possible and the slightest advantage in knowing the situation could give the enemy a chance to change the confrontation in their favor.

    The US Army has never waged a war of annihilation. Even the most ambitious actions in Europe from 1943-44 had a character that did not directly affect the preservation of their own territory. And often with full dominance in resources. Hence the simpler approach to the question considered in the article. That is, if the Germans even defeated a group of divisions, it would be very sad for the Allied front, but would not put the very United States on the brink of total defeat and death. TVD is removed and there are plenty of reserve resources.
    In subsequent conflicts, everything is even simpler. If the system worked in WWII, then there is no reason to change it even in minor conflicts.
    1. 0
      21 February 2019 15: 09
      I think so. In short: ours are waiting all the time for a shecher, the Yankees relaxed because are fighting on foreign territory.
  6. +1
    21 February 2019 12: 34
    Perhaps this topic could be divided into several articles? ,,, what vehicles: automotive, armored vehicles, air force?
    History of occurrence.
    Identification marks of armored vehicles (Air Force) of the Red Army before the Second World War and during the war.
    Identification marks of armored vehicles (Air Force) in the Soviet period and the present.
    Identification marks of foreign armies. (IMHO) winked
    ,,, and so incomprehensible no beginning no end No.
  7. +1
    21 February 2019 16: 41
    [quote] [Identification marks of the technique / quote]
    [quote] According to the Combat Charter, all combat vehicles of one unit or formation should have a common identification mark indicating their affiliation [/ quote]
    All the same, it’s good on the earth. And what is this OZ



    Who will tell the truth? laughing laughing laughing
    1. 0
      21 February 2019 23: 39
      laughing laughing laughing

      It’s better to use airbrushing. As one Soviet film used to say ... You're on a duckling, I'm on a piggy. smile And, of course, it’s better for you ... You breathe in the sky. smile
  8. -2
    21 February 2019 18: 50
    And what is the article about? -Write about license plates on a car, you can use the example of N.Zelandii and Honduras. laughing
  9. 0
    22 February 2019 11: 55
    If you happen to encounter an American tank platoon, then the tanks must be destroyed in the following order: first with a number ending in 1 (tank of the platoon commander), then 4 (of his deputy).
  10. 0
    1 March 2019 21: 27
    There is 1 question for our army - why did they change the star? stop . Three color star why? request It’s interesting that in our army they teach in ordinary units the insignia, the numbering of the equipment of the most likely enemy what (otherwise they know more in civilian life) soldier
  11. 0
    31 March 2019 16: 20
    In the Wehrmacht and SS troops, each division had tactical marks. In the chronicles and in the photo it is very easy to identify the combat path.
  12. 0
    1 May 2019 13: 49
    Thanks for the article.
    In the past, notation systems have been repeatedly changed and refined taking into account the experience gained. In their current form, they meet the goals and objectives, as well as the requirements.
    - I can’t agree with this in any way, for the same reasons that are described in the article.
    I suppose there should be analogues of RFID tags, encrypted. https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/RFID so that you cannot read without a key. At once we kill all the flaws and in the appendage we get a mountain of advantages.

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