Question re: Modern Soviet/Russian Uniforms

[ErikB]

Not sure where to put this question.  I guess workbench makes sense as this question is about trying to make decisions about painting our minis... on the workbench.

So, why do the Russians seem to use the same or similar camouflage to the US?  They have a multicam, woodland camouflage, and others that look just like the US.  They even have a version of green and brown SS-era camouflage.  I don't understand why.  This could cause fatal confusion.

Can anyone explain it to me?

[carlos marighela]

Fashion pure and simple. Standing out in something distinctive is meant to foster the notion that you are somehow special or elite. You can ask a similar question as to why matelots and aircraft mechanics need to wear camouflage outfits in vivid blues and greys.

Multicam and variations thereof has sought of become the default setting for much of the world’s militaries as it has a residual connection with SF types. Woodland/ERDL and a million variations had the same function in the 1980s/90s. It’s essentially the same thing as to why kepis were popular on the mid 19th C then pickelhaubes were the thing after the. Franco Prussian War or, for that matter, why 9/10ths of the world’s airborne favour maroon or red berets.

[ErikB]

Sure, that makes sense for berets and accouterments, but to wear almost the same uniform as your enemy?  You're going to get shot by your own people.  Why do the Russians do this?

[carlos marighela]

As I have tried to point out, it’s not just the Russians. How important a factor similar uniforms are in terms of fratricide is another matter entirely. Throughout history, right into the modern age there have been opponents wearing similarly coloured and/or styled uniforms. The increasing use of similar small arms systems and ammunition, with distinctive sound signatures is probably as great an issue as camo.

[cuprum]

Since then, as bright uniforms on the battlefield are gone., a military suit has not been the main marker of opponents on the battlefield. He performs the exact opposite function - to make a soldier "invisible".
Also take an interest in the average level of casualties from "friendly fire" in modern conditions - this also means something
But if it comes to hand-to-hand combat - then your question may become relevant 

But seriously, I recommend taking a look, for example, at the initial stage of the armed conflict in Ukraine. Opposing sides easily solved this problem with the help of colored adhesive tape and fabric ribbons.