PROMOTIONS AND AWARDS
This system is still relatively new and subject to adjustment at any time. Any medals or orders awarded before this system was in place will be honored. While inspired by the systems in place with other units, this system is original and unique to the Red Guard. We take awards and honors very seriously and don't hand them out lightly.
Medals, badges and ranks must be purchased by the recipient except in special circumstances. As you can see, our system includes criteria for reenactors as well as recognizing awards received by active duty and prior service military. Details on these awards can be found in their respective sections.
Guards Kapitan D. Motowylak
This system is still relatively new and subject to adjustment at any time. Any medals or orders awarded before this system was in place will be honored. While inspired by the systems in place with other units, this system is original and unique to the Red Guard. We take awards and honors very seriously and don't hand them out lightly.
Medals, badges and ranks must be purchased by the recipient except in special circumstances. As you can see, our system includes criteria for reenactors as well as recognizing awards received by active duty and prior service military. Details on these awards can be found in their respective sections.
Guards Kapitan D. Motowylak
RANK AND PROMOTIONS
Promotions are only awarded by the unit commander and are based primarily on need. To be considered for a leadership role, a candidate must be a leader and demonstrate the following characteristics: event attendance, tactical knowledge, work on behalf of the unit, authenticity, recruitment, long service, and being an ambassador for the unit at events and online.
Promotions are only awarded by the unit commander and are based primarily on need. To be considered for a leadership role, a candidate must be a leader and demonstrate the following characteristics: event attendance, tactical knowledge, work on behalf of the unit, authenticity, recruitment, long service, and being an ambassador for the unit at events and online.
GUARDS BADGES
Every member of this Guards unit must own an original or proper reproduction.
Every member of this Guards unit must own an original or proper reproduction.
UNIT MEDALS
Like the Guards Badge, all unit members are encouraged to acquire the following two medals for wear on their M43 uniform:
For the Defense of Stalingrad Medal: Est. 22 December 1942
Awarded to all Soviet military and civilians who participated in the defense of Stalingrad between 12 July and 19 November 1942.
For the Defense of the Caucasus Medal: Est. 1 May 1944
Awarded to all Soviet military and civilians who participated in the defense of the Caucasus region between July 1942 and 9 October 1943.
*Please note - The awards in this section pertain to the unit's base impression. When portraying other units or scenarios where certain awards may not be appropriate/authentic, participants may be asked to remove them.
Like the Guards Badge, all unit members are encouraged to acquire the following two medals for wear on their M43 uniform:
For the Defense of Stalingrad Medal: Est. 22 December 1942
Awarded to all Soviet military and civilians who participated in the defense of Stalingrad between 12 July and 19 November 1942.
For the Defense of the Caucasus Medal: Est. 1 May 1944
Awarded to all Soviet military and civilians who participated in the defense of the Caucasus region between July 1942 and 9 October 1943.
*Please note - The awards in this section pertain to the unit's base impression. When portraying other units or scenarios where certain awards may not be appropriate/authentic, participants may be asked to remove them.
PROFICIENCY/EXCELLENCE BADGES
The unit will only allow these following Excellence Badges and you may only earn and wear one badge at a time. Those wishing to wear an Excellence Badge must meet the requirements for that badge as listed below and be approved by the Commander.
Excellent Sniper: Est. 21 May, 1942
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must own an approved sniper rifle, sniper camouflage suit, and optics (binoculars or periscope); demonstrate a knowledge of period Soviet sniping tactics and equipment; and attend at least 5 events in a row exclusively as a sniper.
Excellent Machine Gunner: Est. 21 May, 1942
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must own a period Soviet heavy machine gun such as a M1910 Maxim or SG-43 or a light machine gun such as the DP-28. Heavy machine guns must be fielded for five events in a row while light machine guns must be fielded for ten events in a row. Machine Gunners must possess the proper tools, ammunition carriers, and equipment and demonstrate a knowledge of period Soviet machine gun tactics, deployment, and equipment.
Excellent Mortar Specialist: Est. 21 May, 1942
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must own a period Soviet mortar and field it no less than five times in a row. Mortar Specialists must possess the proper tools, ammunition carriers, and equipment and demonstrate a knowledge of period Soviet mortar tactics, deployment, and equipment.
Excellent Land Mine Specialist: Est. 19 August, 1942
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must be able to make mock land mines and field them for five events in a row. Land Mine Specialists must demonstrate a knowledge of period Soviet land mine tactics, deployment, and equipment.
Excellent Combat Engineer: Est. 19 August, 1942
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must have a complete engineer impression including camouflage suit, engineers knife, and specialist’s equipment and field it for five events in a row. Engineers must demonstrate a knowledge of period Soviet offensive and defensive engineering techniques and equipment.
Excellent Medic: Est. 4 October, 1942
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must have a complete medic impression including a fully-stocked medic bag. Excellent medics must also pass a CPR and basic First Aid course and serve as a medic for five events in a row.
Excellent Reconnaissance Scout: Est. 10 March, 1943
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must own a complete scout impression including camouflage suit, scout knife, and optics (binoculars or periscope), and demonstrate a knowledge of period Soviet reconnaissance tactics and equipment. This impression must be fielded for five events in a row.
Excellent Signaler: Est. 3 April, 1943
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must own a set of radios or field telephones and demonstrate a knowledge of period Soviet signals procedures. The candidate must field this equipment for at least five events in a row.
Excellent Driver: Est. 8 July, 1943
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must own and operate your own period motor vehicle for at least five events.
The unit will only allow these following Excellence Badges and you may only earn and wear one badge at a time. Those wishing to wear an Excellence Badge must meet the requirements for that badge as listed below and be approved by the Commander.
Excellent Sniper: Est. 21 May, 1942
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must own an approved sniper rifle, sniper camouflage suit, and optics (binoculars or periscope); demonstrate a knowledge of period Soviet sniping tactics and equipment; and attend at least 5 events in a row exclusively as a sniper.
Excellent Machine Gunner: Est. 21 May, 1942
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must own a period Soviet heavy machine gun such as a M1910 Maxim or SG-43 or a light machine gun such as the DP-28. Heavy machine guns must be fielded for five events in a row while light machine guns must be fielded for ten events in a row. Machine Gunners must possess the proper tools, ammunition carriers, and equipment and demonstrate a knowledge of period Soviet machine gun tactics, deployment, and equipment.
Excellent Mortar Specialist: Est. 21 May, 1942
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must own a period Soviet mortar and field it no less than five times in a row. Mortar Specialists must possess the proper tools, ammunition carriers, and equipment and demonstrate a knowledge of period Soviet mortar tactics, deployment, and equipment.
Excellent Land Mine Specialist: Est. 19 August, 1942
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must be able to make mock land mines and field them for five events in a row. Land Mine Specialists must demonstrate a knowledge of period Soviet land mine tactics, deployment, and equipment.
Excellent Combat Engineer: Est. 19 August, 1942
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must have a complete engineer impression including camouflage suit, engineers knife, and specialist’s equipment and field it for five events in a row. Engineers must demonstrate a knowledge of period Soviet offensive and defensive engineering techniques and equipment.
Excellent Medic: Est. 4 October, 1942
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must have a complete medic impression including a fully-stocked medic bag. Excellent medics must also pass a CPR and basic First Aid course and serve as a medic for five events in a row.
Excellent Reconnaissance Scout: Est. 10 March, 1943
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must own a complete scout impression including camouflage suit, scout knife, and optics (binoculars or periscope), and demonstrate a knowledge of period Soviet reconnaissance tactics and equipment. This impression must be fielded for five events in a row.
Excellent Signaler: Est. 3 April, 1943
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must own a set of radios or field telephones and demonstrate a knowledge of period Soviet signals procedures. The candidate must field this equipment for at least five events in a row.
Excellent Driver: Est. 8 July, 1943
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must own and operate your own period motor vehicle for at least five events.
MEDALS AND ORDERS
Hero of the Soviet Union: Est. 16 April, 1934
Awarded to Heroes of the Soviet Union, the highest honorary title that could be given to both civilians and soldiers for accomplishments in promoting peace, promoting socialism, protecting the motherland, or a heroic act to help others.
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must be active or prior service military and have been awarded very high awards in combat. Also awarded to any military or law enforcement member, should they (God forbid) be killed in the line of duty.
Order of the Red Banner: Est. 1 August, 1924
It recognized heroic military deeds. Before the establishment of the Order of Lenin, the Order of the Red Banner functioned as the highest (and practically the only) military order of the USSR. Practically all well-known Soviet commanders became Cavaliers of the Order of the Red Banner. Also awarded to NKVD personnel.
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must hold the rank of officer and have 10 or more years of service to the unit.
Order of the Red Star: Est. 6 April, 1930
Given to Red Army and Navy personnel for exceptional service in the cause of the defense of the Soviet Union in both war and peace. Also awarded for 15 years of service prior to the creation of the long service awards
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must have 10 or more years of service to the unit and hold the rank of Sgt. or higher. A second can be awarded after 20 years of service to the Red Guard.
Order of the Patriotic War, 1st Class: Est. 20 May, 1942
Awarded to all soldiers in the Soviet armed forces, security troops, and to partisans for heroic deeds during the Great Patriotic War. In 1985 during the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War, it was decided that all surviving veterans of the war would be awarded either 2nd or 1st class of the Order.
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must be active or prior service military with at least three deployments to combat zones. Also awarded to any officer with 20 or more years of service to the Red Guard.
The Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd Class: Est. 20 May, 1942
Awarded to all soldiers in the Soviet armed forces, security troops, and to partisans for heroic deeds during the Great Patriotic War. In 1985 during the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War, it was decided that all surviving veterans of the war would be awarded either 2nd or 1st class of the Order.
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must be active or prior service military with at least one deployment to a combat zone. Also awarded to any member holding the rank of Sr. Sgt or higher with 10 or more years of service to the Red Guard.
Order of Alexander Nevsky: Est. 29 July, 1942
To officers of the army for personal courage and resolute leadership.
Awarded only to the unit's commander and only if voted upon by the unit.
Order of Glory, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Class: Est. 8 November, 1943
The Order of Glory, modeled closely upon the Tsarist Cross of St. George, was awarded to non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the armed forces, as well as junior lieutenants of the air force, for bravery in the face of the enemy. A person initially received the third degree, and would subsequently be promoted to higher degrees for further acts of bravery.
Historical requirements for ground troops to be considered to receive the Order of Glory:
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must perform an act of bravery in the field at an event that is similar to those required for the original medal and witnessed be no fewer than three fellow members. The request must then be endorsed by his or her section leader submitted in writing along with the statements of the witnesses. The request will then be reviewed by the Commander, Starshina, and Sr. Sgt. with the Commander making the final decision whether to award the medal, a lower medal, or some other award or recognition.
Order of Lenin: Est. 6 April, 1930
The Order of Lenin was the highest civil decoration. Given to both civilians and soldiers for outstanding service to the motherland in defense, strengthening peace, and strengthening labor. From 1930-1934 made of silver, 1934-1936 made of gold, and from 1936-1991 made of platinum.
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must have previously been awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union medal.
For Bravery Medal (AKA Combat Valor Medal): Est. 17 October, 1938
The Medal for Courage was the highest military medal that could be awarded to a soldier for bravery on the field of battle. The silver medal features a T-35 tank and Polikarpov aircraft. It was awarded for "acts of bravery during a battle, during the defense of the state borders, or during military duties associated with risk to life."
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must perform an act of bravery in the field at an event that is similar to those required for the original medal and witnessed be no fewer than three fellow members. The request must then be endorsed by his or her section leader and submitted in writing along with the statements of the witnesses. The request will then be reviewed by the Commander, Starshina, and Sr. Sgt. with the Commander making the final decision whether to award the medal, a lower medal, or some other award or recognition.
For Combat Merit Medal: Est. 17 October, 1938
This military medal awarded for "combat action resulting in a military success", "courageous defense of the state borders", or "successful military and political training and preparation". Also awarded for 10 years of service prior to the creation of the long service awards.
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must be an enlisted soldier and have attended no less than thirteen unit MAX EFFORT events (Such as Lugoff, SC) or 25 events total. Also awarded to anyone promoted to the rank of Sr. Sgt or higher.
Hero of the Soviet Union: Est. 16 April, 1934
Awarded to Heroes of the Soviet Union, the highest honorary title that could be given to both civilians and soldiers for accomplishments in promoting peace, promoting socialism, protecting the motherland, or a heroic act to help others.
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must be active or prior service military and have been awarded very high awards in combat. Also awarded to any military or law enforcement member, should they (God forbid) be killed in the line of duty.
Order of the Red Banner: Est. 1 August, 1924
It recognized heroic military deeds. Before the establishment of the Order of Lenin, the Order of the Red Banner functioned as the highest (and practically the only) military order of the USSR. Practically all well-known Soviet commanders became Cavaliers of the Order of the Red Banner. Also awarded to NKVD personnel.
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must hold the rank of officer and have 10 or more years of service to the unit.
Order of the Red Star: Est. 6 April, 1930
Given to Red Army and Navy personnel for exceptional service in the cause of the defense of the Soviet Union in both war and peace. Also awarded for 15 years of service prior to the creation of the long service awards
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must have 10 or more years of service to the unit and hold the rank of Sgt. or higher. A second can be awarded after 20 years of service to the Red Guard.
Order of the Patriotic War, 1st Class: Est. 20 May, 1942
Awarded to all soldiers in the Soviet armed forces, security troops, and to partisans for heroic deeds during the Great Patriotic War. In 1985 during the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War, it was decided that all surviving veterans of the war would be awarded either 2nd or 1st class of the Order.
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must be active or prior service military with at least three deployments to combat zones. Also awarded to any officer with 20 or more years of service to the Red Guard.
The Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd Class: Est. 20 May, 1942
Awarded to all soldiers in the Soviet armed forces, security troops, and to partisans for heroic deeds during the Great Patriotic War. In 1985 during the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War, it was decided that all surviving veterans of the war would be awarded either 2nd or 1st class of the Order.
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must be active or prior service military with at least one deployment to a combat zone. Also awarded to any member holding the rank of Sr. Sgt or higher with 10 or more years of service to the Red Guard.
Order of Alexander Nevsky: Est. 29 July, 1942
To officers of the army for personal courage and resolute leadership.
Awarded only to the unit's commander and only if voted upon by the unit.
Order of Glory, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Class: Est. 8 November, 1943
The Order of Glory, modeled closely upon the Tsarist Cross of St. George, was awarded to non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the armed forces, as well as junior lieutenants of the air force, for bravery in the face of the enemy. A person initially received the third degree, and would subsequently be promoted to higher degrees for further acts of bravery.
Historical requirements for ground troops to be considered to receive the Order of Glory:
- For leading the initial strike into an enemy position, and personal courage that contributed to the success of the common cause;
- For pressing on an attack in a burning tank;
- For saving the banner from capture by the enemy in a moment of grave danger;
- For displayed marksmanship in the killing of from 10 to 50 enemy soldiers and officers using personal weapons;
- For the destruction of at least 2 enemy tanks while manning an anti tank gun;
- For the destruction of between 1 and 3 enemy tanks with hand grenades on the field of battle or behind enemy lines;
- For the destruction of at least 3 enemy aircraft with artillery or machine gun fire;
- For despising danger by being the first to burst into an enemy bunker (bunker, trench or dugout), for decisive actions that destroyed its occupants;
- For leading our troops in the enemy's rear through weaknesses in his defences found as a result of personal reconnaissance;
- For personally capturing an enemy officer;
- For night watch action resulting in an enemy death or capture;
- For displayed ingenuity and boldness in making one's way to the enemy position and destroying his machine gun or mortar;
- For participation in a night raid, destroying enemy military stores and property;
- For risking one's life while saving one's commander from imminent danger in battle;
- For showing neglect for personal danger in the capture of an enemy banner in battle;
- For being seriously wounded but returning to the battle after minimal medical care;
- For downing an enemy aircraft with personal weapons;
- For destroying enemy weapons and positions with accurate artillery or mortar fire ensuring the success of the mission;
- For making a passage through the enemy's barbed-wire entanglements while under fire;
- For selflessness in the rescue of the wounded during battle;
- For carrying on in a mission in a tank with a defective main gun;
- For quickly smashing a tank into an enemy convoy and carrying on with the mission after its destruction;
- For crushing with one's tank one or more enemy guns or destroying at least two machine gun nests;
- For gathering valuable intelligence from the enemy while on reconnaissance;
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must perform an act of bravery in the field at an event that is similar to those required for the original medal and witnessed be no fewer than three fellow members. The request must then be endorsed by his or her section leader submitted in writing along with the statements of the witnesses. The request will then be reviewed by the Commander, Starshina, and Sr. Sgt. with the Commander making the final decision whether to award the medal, a lower medal, or some other award or recognition.
Order of Lenin: Est. 6 April, 1930
The Order of Lenin was the highest civil decoration. Given to both civilians and soldiers for outstanding service to the motherland in defense, strengthening peace, and strengthening labor. From 1930-1934 made of silver, 1934-1936 made of gold, and from 1936-1991 made of platinum.
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must have previously been awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union medal.
For Bravery Medal (AKA Combat Valor Medal): Est. 17 October, 1938
The Medal for Courage was the highest military medal that could be awarded to a soldier for bravery on the field of battle. The silver medal features a T-35 tank and Polikarpov aircraft. It was awarded for "acts of bravery during a battle, during the defense of the state borders, or during military duties associated with risk to life."
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must perform an act of bravery in the field at an event that is similar to those required for the original medal and witnessed be no fewer than three fellow members. The request must then be endorsed by his or her section leader and submitted in writing along with the statements of the witnesses. The request will then be reviewed by the Commander, Starshina, and Sr. Sgt. with the Commander making the final decision whether to award the medal, a lower medal, or some other award or recognition.
For Combat Merit Medal: Est. 17 October, 1938
This military medal awarded for "combat action resulting in a military success", "courageous defense of the state borders", or "successful military and political training and preparation". Also awarded for 10 years of service prior to the creation of the long service awards.
To be eligible for this award, the candidate must be an enlisted soldier and have attended no less than thirteen unit MAX EFFORT events (Such as Lugoff, SC) or 25 events total. Also awarded to anyone promoted to the rank of Sr. Sgt or higher.
WOUND STRIPES - Instituted in 1942
Active duty or prior service military who have been awarded the Purple Heart are entitled to wear a light wound stripe. Active duty or prior service military who have been discharged on a medical disability from the military are also entitled to wear a serious wound stripe. For non-military, only individuals receiving a serious injury in the field at an event requiring an EMT or hospitalization may also be awarded a "light" red wound stripe. Any member who has already received a "light" wound stripe and receives a second serious injury at an event may wear a "serious" yellow wound stripe.
Active duty or prior service military who have been awarded the Purple Heart are entitled to wear a light wound stripe. Active duty or prior service military who have been discharged on a medical disability from the military are also entitled to wear a serious wound stripe. For non-military, only individuals receiving a serious injury in the field at an event requiring an EMT or hospitalization may also be awarded a "light" red wound stripe. Any member who has already received a "light" wound stripe and receives a second serious injury at an event may wear a "serious" yellow wound stripe.