In the Red Army, shoulder straps and military ranks were completely abolished, as an equal sign of all military personnel. However, very quickly the “red” understood that it was impossible to do without any insignia in the army. Then there were introduced sleeve insignia and a special chest badge for commanders. Shoulder straps are preserved only in most of the "white" armies and became a symbol of belonging to the anti-Bolshevik formations. The Red Army returned shoulder straps only in 1943.
Former prisoners of war in the Red Army could retain elements of their former uniforms, but they definitely could not have epaulets (it was just dangerous in the red camp). Yes, and helmets and other equipment was hardly available to them. They wore red ribbons, bows, and bandages as insignia.
