Kepka-afganka
The kepka-afganka (Russian: ке́пка-афга́нка [ˈkʲepkɐːvˈɡankə]) is a balaclava-like khaki field cap that was issued by the Soviet Army as part of the OKZK NBC protective variant of the Afghanka uniform.[1]
Structure
The kepka-afghanka is made of a thick cotton fabric that includes a layer of fabric impregnated with a chemical absorbent. The back of the cap has a buttoning system to attach a protective veil that can also be buttoned up. Keeping in line with its intended NBC purpose, the left side of the veil has a button held opening that is meant to enable the connection of a gas mask filter, should the wearer want to use one in conjunction with the cap.[2] This opening allowed it to be compatible with a number of different protective gear including: the PMK respirator, the R2 Half-Mask Respirator, and a pair of flash protective OPF Goggles.
Usage
In reality, the cap was used in the Soviet-Afghan war along with the OKZK uniform. It was later issued to civil defense depots, seeing use by "liquidator" cleanup crews during the Chernobyl nuclear disaster response.
It is often erroneously referred to as "Syriyka" in English-speaking countries, stemming from the belief that they were first issued for overseas use in desert or tropical climates such as Syria,[3] Angola, Vietnam, and Cuba, and eventually during the earliest stages of the Afghanistan campaign.[4]
References
- “Soviet 1969 Pattern OKZK Chemical Troops Ryadovoi Summer Field Uniform.” Worthpoint, www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/soviet-1969-pattern-okzk-chemical-1838087939.
- “Russian/ Soviet Gas Masks.” Donordie, www.donordie.com/russian-ussr-gas-masks.
- http://www.sovietarmystuff.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=966
- http://www.sovietstores.com/soviet-uniform/soviet-russian-army-m-1969-tropical-tunic-syriyka.
See also
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