All ranks of Cossacks. Cossack ranks and shoulder straps

At the lowest rung of the service ladder stood an ordinary Cossack, corresponding to an infantry private. Next came the clerk, who had one stripe and corresponded to a corporal in the infantry.
The next level of the career ladder: junior sergeant, sergeant and senior sergeant, corresponding to junior non-commissioned officer, non-commissioned officer and senior non-commissioned officer, with the corresponding number of badges for modern non-commissioned officers.
This was followed by the rank of sergeant, characteristic not only of the Cossacks, but also of the non-commissioned officers of the cavalry and horse artillery of the Russian army and gendarmerie. The sergeant is the closest assistant to the commander of a hundred, squadron, battery for drill training, internal order and economic affairs. The rank of sergeant corresponded to the rank of sergeant major in the infantry.
According to the Regulations of 1884, introduced by Alexander III, the next rank in the Cossack troops, but only for wartime, was the sub-sergeant, corresponding to an intermediate position between ensign and warrant officer in the infantry, which was also introduced in war time. In peacetime, except for the Cossack troops, these ranks existed only for reserve officers.
The next grade in the chief officer ranks is cornet, corresponding to second lieutenant in the infantry and cornet in the regular cavalry. According to his official position, he corresponded to a lieutenant in modern army, but wore a shoulder strap with a blue gap on a silver field (the applied color of the Don Army) with two stars. In the old army, compared to the Soviet army, the number of stars was one more.
Next came the centurion, a chief officer rank in the Cossack troops, corresponding to a lieutenant in the regular troops. The centurion wore shoulder straps of the same design, but with three stars, corresponding in his position to a modern senior lieutenant.
A higher level is podesaul. This rank was introduced in 1884. In the regular troops he corresponded to the rank of staff captain and staff captain. The podesauls were assistants or deputies of the esauls and, in their absence, commanded hundreds of Cossacks. Shoulder straps of the same design, but with four stars. His official position corresponds to that of a modern captain.
And the highest rank of chief officer is esaul. It is worth talking about this rank in particular, since the people who wore it held positions in both civil and military administration. In various Cossack troops, this position included various service prerogatives.
The word comes from the Turkic “yasaul” - chief. It was first mentioned in the Cossack troops in 1576, as introduced into the Ukrainian Cossack army. Yesauls were general, military, regimental, hundred, village, marching and artillery. General Yesaul (two per Army) is the highest rank after the hetman. In peacetime, general esauls performed inspector functions; in war they commanded several regiments, and in the absence of the hetman, the entire Army. But this is typical only for Ukrainian Cossacks.
Military esauls were elected at the Military Circle (in Donskoy and most others - two per Army, in Volzhsky and Orenburg - one each). We were engaged in administrative matters. Since 1835, they were appointed as adjutants to the military ataman.
Regimental esauls (initially two per regiment) performed the duties of headquarters officers and were the closest assistants to the regiment commander. Hundred esauls (one per hundred) commanded hundreds. This link did not take root in the Don Army.
The village esauls were characteristic only of the Don Army. They were elected at village assemblies and served as assistants to the village atamans.
Marching esauls (usually two per Army) were selected when setting out on a campaign. Performed the functions of assistants to the marching ataman, in XVI-XVII centuries in his absence, they commanded the army, and later were executors of the orders of the marching ataman. For the Don Army they are typical only for the specified period.
The artillery captain (one per Army) was subordinate to the chief of artillery and carried out his instructions.
General, regimental, village and other esauls were gradually abolished. Only the military esaul was preserved under the military ataman Donskoy Cossack army.
In 1798-1800, the rank of esaul was equal to the rank of captain in the cavalry. Esaul, as a rule, commanded a Cossack hundred. His official position corresponded to that of a modern major. He wore an epaulette with a blue gap on a silver field, empty, without stars.
Next come the staff officer ranks. In fact, after the reform Alexandra III in 1884, the rank of captain was included in this rank, and therefore the rank of major was removed from the staff officer ranks, as a result of which a serviceman immediately became a lieutenant colonel from captain.
Next comes the military sergeant major. The name of this rank comes from the ancient name of the executive body of power among the Cossacks (the so-called military foreman). In the second half of the 18th century, this name, in a modified form, extended to individuals who commanded individual branches of the Cossack army. Since 1754, a military foreman was equivalent to a major, and with the abolition of this rank in 1884, to a lieutenant colonel. Wore shoulder straps with two blue gaps on a silver field and three big stars.
Next comes the colonel. The shoulder strap is the same as that of a military sergeant major, but without stars. Starting from this rank, the service ladder is unified with the general army, since the purely Cossack names of ranks disappear and the general level, characteristic of the entire Russian army, appears. His official position fully corresponds to the general ranks of the Russian Army.
Correspondence of Cossack ranks and ranks of the Russian army
Cossack - soldier, orderly - corporal, junior sergeant - junior sergeant, sergeant - sergeant, senior sergeant - senior sergeant, junior sergeant - sergeant major, sergeant - warrant officer, senior sergeant - senior warrant officer, subhorunzhiy - junior lieutenant, cornet - lieutenant, centurion - senior lieutenant, podesaul - captain, esaul - major, military foreman - lieutenant colonel, Cossack colonel - colonel, Cossack general - general.

An understanding of the image of a Cossack is represented by a picture of a young man with a dashing look, an earring in his ear, a mustache, a saber and, of course, a hat on his head. This image was firmly established thanks to numerous works of literature in which the Cossacks were considered as an independent ethnic group, with their own traditions, cultural heritage, way of life. But not everyone knows for sure the history of the origin of the Cossacks in Rus', and yet there are many interesting facts in it.

History of the Russian Cossacks

Establish the origin of the term " Cossack“It’s not possible without controversy. There are several versions on this matter that contradict each other. Only about 18 official ones have been accepted. All of them are united into two groups, the main idea of ​​which is the migratory nature of the settlement of the Cossacks or the emergence of a new ethnic group as an indigenous stratum of the population. We do not set ourselves the goal of studying true story the origins of the Cossacks, since this process was quite long and it was associated with a complex mixture of different clans. The formation of the Cossack army is of interest, and here it is necessary to turn to history.

The first Cossack communities have been known since the 15th century. Initially, they were groups of free Don, Dnieper or Volga Cossacks, and only later the famous Zaporozhye Sich arose. History knows facts about the existence of Siberian and Terek groups. They were engaged in hunting and fishing, but by the 18th century they mastered agriculture. By the time of entry into the military structure Russian Empire The Cossacks became a truly independent group, having income not only from fishing, but also from receiving state salaries.

In the history of battles Russian troops During the imperial era, a separate line belongs to the Cossacks. They not only took part in protecting state borders. Cossacks were always present as part of the expeditions of famous explorers.

At the end of the Patriotic War of 1812, which was marked by the Russian army storming the French capital, powerful agitation was carried out among the population aimed at demonizing the Cossack troops. Imagine the surprise of ordinary citizens when stately military men entered the capital, with all their appearance being a symbol of valor, honor and justice.

Don Cossacks and Kubans

All communities were divided among themselves according to the territory of settlement:

• The Don Cossack troops were formed from representatives of the group settled along the banks of the Don River. The Donets are considered the most numerous, as they occupied the territory of Rostov, Volgograd, Voronezh, Donetsk and Lugansk region. Even the territory of Kalmykia fell under settlement by the Don Cossacks.
• The tsarist army also included troops of the Kuban Cossacks. It is not difficult to guess that the geography of the Kuban Cossacks is connected with the river of the same name. Their territory extended from the Rostov region, along North Caucasus, to the Republic of Adygea. The Kuban people performed many military feats in the ranks of the Russian army, but they also became famous for their cultural heritage, which Lately is actively recovering.

In general, if we talk about the state of the Cossacks today, it should be noted that the revival of traditions is practically state program. President V.V. has stated this more than once. Putin.

Cossacks in the 20th century

The history of the Russian Cossacks in the 20th century is full of tragic events. After the revolution, everything that in any way reminded of the monarchy was denied, and since the Cossacks symbolized the protection and inaccessibility of the imperial throne, this class was subject to mass repression. As an army structure, the Cossack army was abolished, and the population was resettled throughout the territory of the state; there is no need to talk about imprisonment and execution.

But loyalty to their Fatherland, remaining in the blood of hereditary Cossacks, gave pulse to revival. This period came at a difficult time for the country - the time of the Great Patriotic War. On all fronts, the newly formed Cossack units heroically fought for freedom from the German invaders.

Today the SKR (Union of Cossacks of Russia) is reviving Cossack ranks and shoulder straps, as well as the order of their wearing and assignment. Popularizing the Cossacks does not turn it into a fashionable movement. Here, commitment by blood is honored, and not just the desire to join the community.

Hierarchy in the Cossack army

In the Cossack troops there were quite a large number of different ranks and ranks, largely because their initial ones were elective. These included the ataman, the canterei, centurion, hetman and foreman. After some time, to be more precise, in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, new military ranks, among whom is a fan, esaul , podesaul, hetman, ataman and others. It was from this that the development of the systematization of the Cossack troops began, which later made a necessary contribution to the development of the Cossacks.

From that moment on, recruitment into the Cossack troops began to number 600 people. “Head”, who was engaged in recruiting the required number of soldiers, followed the direct orders of high-ranking military personnel in the person of the governor. The set was made of “devices”, which were divided into smaller ones - hundreds. At the head of the hundreds were the centurions, under whose leadership were the fifty. Further down the hierarchy were dozens, who were therefore controlled by foremen. Each man managed his department properly.

In each Cossack settlement, Cossack soldiers were distributed, who performed almost the same duties and had the same rights as ordinary archers. The detachments in the Cossack troops were called villages, headed by atamans. Upon entering the service in one or another city, where they subsequently lived, they obeyed the city governor, carrying out all his orders and commands.

Other “guard” Cossacks, who already had a different manager, were sent to this settlement as a mansion. Their position was especially high, they were considered more elite than even the Pentecostals. In the case of the atamans, they were also highly valued, they were even put on a par with the “boyar children”, as a result of which they were awarded the honor of receiving, in addition to money, also land within the village.

As a result of the “Table of Ranks”, which came from the pen of Peter the Great, in the eighteenth century there were global changes in the Cossack ranks of the tsarist army. All ranks and ranks were ordered and distributed into one class - the first. At the end of the same century, changes occurred with the Cossack military system; they were included in the main document and now stood on a par with other ranks.

At the beginning of the nineteenth century, certain innovations occurred, as a result of which the Cossack troops were retrained. But after the monarch Alexander the Third introduced these changes, no further innovations were expected, only at the end of the nineteenth century a new title appeared - keeper .

Shoulder straps Cossacks

Although the Cossacks were considered a free formation, a strictly defined unity of command was established in the ranks of the army. After the troops were introduced into regular formations, military ranks in the Cossack troops of the tsarist army were brought into line with officer ranks. You can still compare Cossack ranks And shoulder straps, for example, with shoulder straps of the Russian or USSR army.

The junior rank of private is equivalent to the rank of Cossack. Cossack wears shoulder straps pentagonal shape blue. To the collar shoulder strap fastened with a silver button with the image of the coat of arms. The field option has also been determined shoulder strap, it is made of green cloth. The Cossack has no stripes or stripes.

Across the shoulder strap of the clerk, next in the Cossack hierarchy, there is a narrow strip in the form stripes, it is often called a strip. In the ranks of the Soviet or Russian army, a similar insignia is assigned to a corporal. Rank of clerk Cossack could only be obtained after a certain period of service. In the overwhelming majority of cases, the titles were appointed, but some of them were elected by a general meeting.

Jr constable And senior officer- these are ranks that were endowed with the same powers as non-commissioned military personnel. They were assigned organizational and command functions, subject to appropriate training. Shoulder straps The sergeant contains two or three narrow stripes. It is known that in the RA the rank of junior sergeant or sergeant is designated in this way. Stripes color – white or silver.

Staff Sergeant crowns the sergeant group of military ranks. In the Cossack army there is no such harmony. The corresponding rank is sergeant, on the shoulder strap of which there is one wide white stripe. If we draw analogies with the troops of the tsarist era, then sergeant performed the duties of a sergeant major. The basic position in the hierarchy remains identical. After this rank, a group of officer ranks begins.

Shoulder straps officers have six corners. The part of the shoulder strap facing the collar is made in the form of a trapezoid. As before, it is fastened with a button with a coat of arms, but is no longer made of cloth, but of specially woven braid. Podkhorunzhy corresponds to the rank of junior lieutenant. On the silver field, a cornflower blue gap stands out; this gap is sometimes called a stripe. In the modern army, one gap indicates that a serviceman belongs to the junior officer corps. On the chase there is one sprocket, which is attached along the axis of symmetry. The edging of the shoulder strap is cornflower blue.

Complete this group cornet And centurion. If we give an analogy with modern army ranks, then in terms of status and type shoulder strap these ranks are similar to lieutenant and first lieutenant. Compared to tsarist army, That centurion corresponded to the rank lieutenant. For these ranks, two stars are located across the shoulder strap, and three stars form a triangle.

An officer who holds a rank in the Cossack army corresponding to the army rank of major is esaul. His shoulder strap does not contain stars, but has two lumens of a cornflower blue hue. The difference between building a hierarchy is that the previous rank podesaul refers to junior officers and corresponds to a captain, while two esaul stripes indicate an increase in rank.

The next level is associated with the rank of military sergeant major. There is still a difference here, since there are three stars on the chase of this officer. That is, it is clear that there is no usual addition of stars, as in RA. This rank corresponds to the rank of lieutenant colonel (two stars with two ranks). Unity in the rank of colonel is being restored. Cossack Colonel is considered to be in the same rank as Colonel RF Armed Forces.

The correspondence between the ranks of the Cossack army and the ranks of the Armed Forces is clearly regulated for effective assistance. Separate formations of the Cossack army are involved in patrolling and to control order in crowded places, although they operate under the auspices of voluntary organizations.

Ask a Question

Show all reviews 0

Read also

1 Don Ataman, 17th century The Don Cossacks of the 17th century consisted of old Cossacks and Golota. Old Cossacks were considered those who came from Cossack families of the 16th century and were born on the Don. Golota was the name given to first-generation Cossacks. Golota, who was lucky in battles, grew rich and became old Cossacks. Expensive fur on a hat, a silk caftan, a zipun from bright overseas cloth, a saber and firearms- a arquebus or a carbine were indicators

In 1711, among other positions, two new positions appeared in the Russian army - adjutant wing and adjutant general. These were especially trusted military personnel, serving under senior military leaders, and from 1713 also under the emperor, carrying out important assignments and monitoring the execution of orders given by the military leader. Later, when the Table of Ranks was created in 1722, these positions were included in it, respectively. Classes were defined for them, and they were equated

Rules for wearing, insignia, location of medals, badges General form dress uniform clothes Particularly ceremonial uniform Particularly ceremonial winter uniform Casual uniform Field uniform Cossack shoulder straps Cossack shoulder strap TsKV dark red color gaps and edgings, instrument metal - silver, silver buttons, with an image

METHODOLOGICAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HERALDICAL SUPPORT OF THE MILITARY COSSACK SOCIETY CENTRAL COSSACK ARMY AGREED WITH THE HERALDIC COUNCIL UNDER THE PRESIDENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION Compiled by A.V. Prosvirin Artists A.V. Prosvirin, O.V. Agafonov Proofreaders S.A. Fedosov, A.G. Tsvetkov Layout A.V. Prosvirin Guidelines drawn up in accordance with the Presidential Decree Russian Federation dated February 9, 2010 171 On uniforms and insignia by rank of members

The attributes of the Central Cossack Army include the coat of arms, banner, anthem, and uniform of the Cossacks of the Central Cossack Army. Coat of arms of the TsKV Banner of the TsKV New banner of the TsKV Banner of the TsKV Flag of the TsKV Sleeve insignia of the State Register of Cossack Societies in the Russian Federation. The highest insignia of the VKO TsKV military cross

DECREE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF EMBRACES AND BANNERS OF MILITARY COSSACK SOCIETIES INCLUDED IN THE STATE REGISTER OF COSSACK SOCIETIES IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION List of amending documents as amended. Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of October 14, 2010 N 1240 In order to streamline the official symbols of military Cossack societies included in the state register of Cossack societies in the Russian Federation, to preserve and develop the historical traditions of the Russian Cossacks, I decree 1. Establish coats of arms

From the author. This article provides a brief excursion into the history of the emergence and development of uniforms of the Siberian Cossack Army. The Cossack uniform of the reign of Nicholas II is examined in more detail - the form in which the Siberian Cossack army went down in history. The material is intended for novice uniformitarian historians, military historical reenactors and modern Siberian Cossacks. In the photo on the left is the military badge of the Siberian Cossack Army

The story about the uniform of the Semirechensk Cossack Army of the early 20th century will be incomprehensible if we do not briefly touch on the topic of the uniform of the entire Russian Imperial Army who had her own long history and tradition, regulated by the Highest approved orders of the Military Department and circulars of the General Staff. After the end of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905. The reform of the Russian Army was begun, which also affected changes in uniforms. In addition to some return to uniforms

Modern uniform of Orenburg Cossacks The following samples of Cossack uniforms are approved by the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation On the uniform and insignia of ranks of members of Cossack societies included in the state register of Cossack societies in the Russian Federation dated February 9, 2010 171. Dress uniform of the Orenburg Cossack army Ceremonial day off uniform of the Cossacks of the Orenbug Cossack army

Russian Cossacks are united in several public organizations. The revived Cossack troops are registered at the state level as military Cossack societies; they include separate societies, farm societies, and stanitsa societies. Registered Cossack societies are called registered Cossacks. In the early 1990s, the Union of Cossacks of Russia was created. The TFR now also includes separate Cossack troops and districts, and within them are villages and farmsteads. To be different

The Cossack uniform is a historically established symbol, an integral attribute that determines the Cossacks’ belonging to the Terek Cossack Army. It is also designed to improve the organization and discipline of the Cossacks. The rules for wearing by Cossacks who have the right to wear Cossack uniforms, insignia, insignia and equipment of the Terek Cossack Army are established by regulatory legal acts of the President, the Government of the Russian Federation and orders of the Ataman of the Terek Cossack Army.

107 Cossack regiments and 2.5 Cossack horse artillery companies took part in the Patriotic War of 1812. They constituted irregular forces, that is, part of the armed forces that did not have a permanent organization and differed from the regular ones. military formations recruitment, service, training, uniforms. The Cossacks were a special military class, which included the population individual territories Russia, which made up the corresponding Cossack army of the Don, Ural, Orenburg,

His Imperial Majesty's own Convoy, a formation of the Russian Guard that protected the royal person. The main core of the convoy were the Cossacks of the Terek and Kuban Cossack troops. Also serving in the Convoy were Circassians, Nogais, Stavropol Turkmens, other Muslim mountaineers of the Caucasus, Azerbaijanis, a team of Muslims, since 1857 the fourth platoon of the Life Guards of the Caucasian squadron, Georgians, Crimean Tatars, other nationalities of the Russian Empire. Official founding date of the convoy

The Cossacks borrowed clothing and equipment from the soldiers of the Caucasus. A Cossack attribute, for example, was Circassian outerwear without a collar with long hems and special holders for cartridges on the chest of the gazyri. . The Cossacks wore a beshmet shirt with a stand-up collar, a burka cape made of goatskin, and also special shoes - flexible leather dudes. Headdress. Made according to a special sample. Initially it was a cylindrical hood, then a papa, and

Officers of the Cossack troops assigned to the Directorate of the Military Ministry wear ceremonial and festive uniforms. May 7, 1869. Life Guards Cossack Regiment marching uniform. September 30, 1867. Generals serving in the army Cossack units wear full dress uniform. March 18, 1855 Adjutant General, listed in Cossack units in full dress uniform. March 18, 1855 Aide-de-camp, listed in Cossack units in full dress uniform. March 18, 1855 Chief officers

Until April 6, 1834, they were called companies. 1827 January 1st day - Forged stars were installed on officer epaulettes to distinguish ranks, as was introduced in the regular troops at that time 23. July 1827, 10 days - In the Don Horse Artillery companies, round pompoms were installed for the lower ranks made of red wool; officers had silver designs 1121 and 1122 24. 1829 August 7 days - Epaulets on officer uniforms are installed with a scaly field, according to the model

THE GOVERNOR EMPEROR, on the 22nd day of February and the 27th day of October of this year, deigned to give the highest command to 1. Generals, Headquarters and Chief Officers and the lower ranks of all Cossack troops, except the Caucasian, and except for the Guards Cossack units, as well as civil officials consisting in the service in the Cossack troops and in regional boards and departments in the service of the Kuban and Terek regions, named in articles 1-8 of the attached list, Appendix 1, have a uniform according to the attached

Cossack ranks are ranks personally assigned to military personnel and those liable for military service, including Cossacks on benefits, in accordance with their military and special training, official position, merit, length of service, and affiliation with the Cossack army. History The first ranks of office among the Cossacks, the so-called Cossack foreman Don, Zaporozhye, and so on, ataman, hetman, clerk, clerk, centurion, foreman, were elected. Later appearance of ranks in

1. Officer of the Cossack regiment of the Don Army. 2. Cossack of the Wolf Hundred gene. Skin of the Kuban Cossack army. 3. Sleeve insignia of the Wolf Hundred, shoulder straps of ranks of the Kornilovsky Cavalry Regiment of the Kuban Cossack Army. 4. Officers of the Kornilovsky Cavalry Regiment of the Kuban Cossack Army and the 1st Volga Cossack Regiment of the Terek Cossack Army. 5. Shoulder straps of ranks of the Standing Army First row, first pair of colored shoulder straps of cavalry regiments, second pair of protective shoulder straps

Coat of arms of the Transbaikal Military Cossack Society Approved by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of February 9, 2010 N 168 Description of the coat of arms of the Transbaikal Military Cossack Society. In the golden field, under the azure belt supporting the scarlet head, there is a scarlet dragon walking to the left, struck by two bunches of scarlet lightning emanating from the belt, three in each. In the chapter - the emerging golden double headed eagle- main figure State emblem Russian Federation. Behind the shield, in

On June 28-30, 1990, the 1st Constituent Big Circle Congress of the Union of Cossacks of the UK took place. On November 29-December 1, 1990, the Council of Atamans of the Cossack Union adopted the Declaration of the Cossacks, and the Banner of the Cossack Union was also adopted, consisting of horizontal white, blue and red stripes with the emblem of the Union in the center. Nowadays the Union of Cossacks of Russia TFR has a black-yellow-white flag with an image in the center on a blue circle. On the front side is the emblem of the TFR, and on the back is the face of Christ.

Today, when entering the hall of the Military Gallery of the State Hermitage, you involuntarily stop at the monumental painting by P. Hess The Battle of Tarutino on October 6, 1812. The painting depicts a Cossack attack on the French cavalry. We see the famous Life Cossacks, fearless hundreds of Donets, dashing Cossack artillery rushing into battle. The horsemen, their uniforms, equipment and weapons are brilliantly drawn. But for some reason the feeling of embellishment of what is happening does not leave me. Really,

Since 1883, Cossack units began to receive only standards that fully corresponded in size and image to cavalry standards, while the panel was made in the color of the army’s uniform, and the border in the color of the instrument cloth. From March 14, 1891, Cossack units were given banners of reduced size, that is, the same standards, but on black banner poles. Banner of the 4th Don Cossack Division. Russia. 1904 The 1904 model is fully consistent with the similar cavalry model

Astrakhan Cossack Army The Astrakhan Cossack Army was formed in 1776-1799 from settlers from the Don, Kalmyks and Tatars. After Napoleonic wars 1817 The Astrakhan army was re-formed. The seniority of the army has been assigned since 1750 - the date of the founding of the Astrakhan Cossack Regiment. In 1854, it was ordered to have 3 cavalry regiments in the army. The Astrakhan army consisted of two departments; the 1st department included the villages of Kazachebugrovskaya, Krasnoyarsk, Chernoyarsk,

Adjutant General, Chief Officer of His Majesty's Life Guards Cossack Regiment and Cossack field cavalry regiments of the Ural Cossack Army in the usual form, orders for the military department of 1883 64 and 72. Headquarters and chief officers serving in military district departments and institutions subordinate to them, ordinary uniform and checkmen, order for the military department of 1892 305. Life Guards Caucasian Cossack squadrons 1 Trumpeter of His Imperial Majesty,

As noted by researcher of the history of the Caucasian linear Cossacks V.A. Kolesnikov, the Khopersky Cossack regiment existed for almost a century and a half 1775-1920, starting with a convoy police team, staffed by residents of only four settlements on the eastern outskirts of the Voronezh region, then by the beginning of the 20th century. grew into a serious fighting unit, replenished by Cossacks from two dozen villages of the Khopersky regimental district of the Kuban army... The Khopertsev can deservedly be called old-timers of the Kuban

Special ceremonial summer uniform of members of the Kuban Military Cossack Society Dress uniform of the Kuban Cossack Army Ceremonial combat summer uniform of the Kuban Cossack Army Everyday uniform of members of the Kuban Cossack Military Society Everyday summer uniform of the Kuban Cossack Army Field uniform of members of the Kuban Military Cossack Society

Uniform of the Transbaikal Military Cossack Society Dress uniform of the Transbaikal Military Cossack Society Field uniform of members of the Kuban Military Cossack Society Chevrons Cossack shoulder straps Cossack shoulder straps of the Transbaikal Cossack Army yellow-orange color gaps and piping, gold instrumentation, silver buttons, with the image of the coat of arms of Transbaikal

General view of the dress uniform Everyday clothing Field uniform Cossack shoulder straps Cossack shoulder straps IKV yellow-orange color gaps and edgings, gold metal hardware, silver buttons, with the image of the coat of arms of the IKV Cossack Prikaznoy Junior sergeant Uryadnik Senior sergeant

"APPROVED"
Ataman of the Volga Military
Cossack society
Cossack General I. Mironov
"17" December 2012

POSITION
on the procedure for assigning Cossack ranks to Cossacks
Volga Military Cossack Society.

I. General provisions

1. The assignment of Cossack ranks is carried out in accordance with the Regulations on the procedure for assigning ranks to members of Cossack societies included in the state register of Cossack societies in the Russian Federation, approved by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of February 9, 2010 No. 169.

2. In order to streamline the rank production, Cossacks’ submissions for the assignment of a regular or extraordinary rank are constantly considered by the existing certification commissions, which should be in all military Cossack societies.

3. About the assignment of a Cossack rank to a member of the Cossack society, a corresponding entry is made in the Cossack certificate.

4. It is prohibited to assign Cossack ranks, bypassing the previous ones.
As an exception, early assignment of Cossack ranks, bypassing the previous ones, is allowed to members of Cossack societies elected to the positions of district (departmental) ataman - up to esaul and Military Ataman - up to military foreman. Subsequently, this category of persons is allowed to assign the next Cossack ranks ahead of schedule, if they have the appropriate education and undergo additional training for their position, but not earlier than after 6 months.

5. Submission for assignment (deprivation) of a Cossack rank is carried out according to the form developed by the Office of the President of the Russian Federation on Cossack Issues. Documents for the assignment of Cossack ranks must be submitted to the headquarters of the All-Russian Military District for registration and consideration by the attestation commission of the All-Russian Military District. After the decision is made by the VVKO certification commission, the documents are presented to the Military Ataman for signature.

6. Cossack ranks can be assigned to persons in service (reserve, retired) in the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation, the FSB of the Russian Federation, the justice authorities and the prosecutor's office of the Russian Federation, in accordance with their military or special ranks and the positions they occupy in Cossack society.

II. Procedure for promotion to Cossack rank

1. A citizen of the Russian Federation who is enrolled in one of the Cossack societies of the All-Russian Military District is promoted to the rank of Cossack.

2. A Cossack, a clerk, filling a position for which the state provides for the rank of junior constable and higher is promoted to the rank of junior constable - upon expiration of his term of service in the previous rank.

3. A junior constable is promoted to the rank of constable, filling a position for which the state provides for the rank of constable and above - upon expiration of his term of service in the previous rank.

4. A non-commissioned officer filling a position for which the state provides for the rank of senior non-commissioned officer and higher is promoted to the rank of senior non-commissioned officer - upon expiration of his term of service in the previous rank.

5. A senior officer is promoted to the rank of junior sergeant, filling a position for which the state provides for the rank of junior sergeant and higher - upon expiration of his term of service in the previous rank.

6. A junior sergeant is promoted to the rank of sergeant, filling a position for which the state provides for the rank of sergeant and higher - upon expiration of his term of service in the previous rank.

7. A sergeant who fills a position for which the state provides for the rank of senior sergeant and higher is promoted to the rank of senior sergeant - upon expiration of his term of service in the previous rank.

8. A Cossack who has the military or special rank of junior lieutenant, awarded to public service(military or other), subject to the position held, for which the rank of sub-sergeant is provided, as well as a senior sergeant who has a secondary specialized education and special training, in accordance with the position held, for which the rank of sub-soror and higher is provided - after the expiration of service in the previous rank.

9. A Cossack who has the military or special rank of lieutenant, awarded in the public service (military or otherwise), in accordance with the position held for which the rank of cornet is provided, is promoted to the rank of cornet, as well as a sub-horunzhi who has higher education and special training, in accordance with the position held, for which the rank of cornet and higher is provided - after the expiration of service in the previous rank.

10. The rank of centurion is promoted to a Cossack who has the military or special rank of senior lieutenant, awarded in the public service (military or otherwise), subject to the position held for which the rank of centurion is provided, as well as a cornet with higher education and special training, subject to compliance position held, for which the rank of cornet and higher is provided - after the expiration of service in the previous rank.

11. A Cossack who has the military or special rank of captain, awarded in the public service (military or otherwise), in accordance with the position held for which the rank of captain is provided, as well as a centurion who has higher education and special training, in accordance with the position held, is promoted to the rank of captain. positions for which the rank of podesaul and higher is provided - after the expiration of service in the previous rank.

12. A Cossack who has the military or special rank of major, awarded in the public service (military or otherwise), in accordance with the position held for which the rank of esaul is provided, is promoted to the rank of esaul, as well as a podesaul who has higher education and special training, in accordance with the position held positions for which the rank of esaul and higher is provided - after the expiration of service in the previous rank.

13. The rank of military foreman is promoted to a Cossack who has a military or special rank of lieutenant colonel, awarded in the public service (military or otherwise), in accordance with the position held for which the rank of military foreman is provided, as well as an esaul who has higher education and special training, with in accordance with the position held, for which the rank of military sergeant is provided and above - upon expiration of the period of service in the previous rank.

14. A Cossack who has a military or special rank of colonel, awarded in the public service (military or otherwise), in accordance with the position held for which the rank of Cossack colonel is provided, as well as a military sergeant major who has higher education and special training, is promoted to the rank of Cossack colonel. in accordance with the position held, for which the rank of Cossack colonel and higher is provided - after the expiration of the period of service in the previous rank.

III. The procedure for submitting documents for the assignment of Cossack ranks
1. Submissions for the assignment of Cossack ranks to district (departmental) atamans of the VVKO (esul, military foreman, Cossack colonel), after considering the official by the certification commission of the VVKO, are drawn up by the headquarters of the VVKO, the section “Bases for the submission” is signed by the Troop Ataman, who is also in the section “Conclusion of officials persons" petitions for the assignment of the Cossack rank.
2. Submissions for the assignment of Cossack ranks to officials of the Military Board of the All-Russian Military District are drawn up by the headquarters of the All-VVKO after consideration by the certification commission of the Air Force, the section “Bases for the submission” is signed by the immediate superior of the official, in the section “Conclusion of officials” they apply for the assignment of a Cossack rank: when assigning the main ranks - the immediate superior of the official and the Troop Ataman, when representing junior and senior ranks - the immediate superior.

3. Submissions for the assignment of Cossack ranks to atamans of farm, village, city, district, yurt Cossack societies, after consideration by the certification commissions of the relevant Cossack societies, are drawn up by the headquarters of the district (departmental) Cossack society, the section “Bases for the submission” is signed by the district (departmental) ataman, aka in the section “Conclusion of Officials” he petitions for the assignment of the Cossack rank.

4. Submissions for the assignment of Cossack ranks to members of the boards of district (departmental) Cossack societies, after consideration by the certification commission of the corresponding district (department) Cossack society, are drawn up by the headquarters of the district (departmental) Cossack society, the section “Bases for the submission” is signed by the immediate superior, in the section “Conclusion of officials persons" apply for the assignment of Cossack: main ranks - the immediate superior of the official, the district (departmental) ataman and the Military Ataman, junior and senior ranks - the immediate superior of the district (departmental) ataman.

5. Submissions for the assignment of Cossack ranks to officials of the farm, stanitsa, city, district, yurt Cossack society are drawn up and petitions for the assignment of Cossack ranks by the ataman of the corresponding farm, stanitsa, city, district, yurt Cossack society. The section “Grounds for assignment” is signed by the ataman (KhKO, SKO, GKO, SKO), in the section “Conclusion of officials” they apply for the assignment of a Cossack rank: main ranks - ataman (KhKO, SKO, GKO, RKO, SKO), district (department ) ataman and Troop Ataman, junior and senior ranks - ataman (KhKO, SKO, GKO, RKO, SKO), district (department) ataman, lower ranks - ataman (KhKO, SKO, GKO, RKO, SKO).

IV. The right to sign orders on assigning Cossack ranks to members of the All-Russian Military District.
1. The highest rank - Cossack general - President of the Russian Federation.

2. The main ranks are esaul, military foreman, Cossack colonel - Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Volga Federal District.

3. Junior and senior ranks - junior sergeant, sergeant, senior sergeant, sub-horunzhiy, cornet, centurion, podesaul - Ataman of the Volga military Cossack society.

4. Lower ranks - Cossack, clerk, junior constable, constable, senior constable - Ataman of the district (department) Cossack society.

Chief of staff
Volga Military Cossack Society
Cossack Colonel B. Kumaneev

There are several versions about the origin of the word “Cossack”. According to one, it comes from the name of some tribes of the Turkic group that inhabited the steppes between Moscow, Lithuania, Polish states and the steppe khanates of the Tatars. Kasogs, Khazars... Versions have been put forward about the origin of the word from the Turkish root “kaz”, as well as from the Mongolian “ko”, which meant “protection, armor”.

Many linguists find the roots of the word “Cossack” in Turkic languages, and their meaning is “guard, straggler, free, security.” Despite the similarity of most versions, the question of the origin of the term remains open.

Where did they come from?

There is also no definite opinion about the origin of the Cossacks themselves. There are a number of versions about the origin of this part of the people:

1. Fugitive serfs from Russian principalities. For a long time this version was considered official and still appears in school history textbooks. In the twentieth century it was criticized as dubious.
2. Self-education on empty lands. Outcasts of numerous steppe and mountain tribes: Kirghiz, Circassians, Kasogs and many others, united with the same Russian “freemen”.
3. Strategic plan of the Russian tsars. “Free people” specially moved to the borders of the Slavic states, exempt from taxes, as a shield from the warlike steppe tribes.
4. Version of the "Golden Horde". According to one version, the Cossacks arose from the Slavic population of the powerful, but historically fragile, Mongol-Tatar empire Golden Horde. According to this version, the Cossacks were settled on the banks of the Don and Dnieper by the Horde.

Despite numerous studies, the question of the origin of this ethnos (or subethnos) still remains open.

What were the Cossacks like?

Despite the presence of a variety of nationalities among the “free people,” the backbone was made up of Russians and Ukrainians. In general, they can be divided into two groups: the first consisted of the so-called servicemen, registered (Cossack ranks in public service), and the second of the free people living on the banks of the Dnieper, Don, Yaik and Terek, with “stanitsa” self-government.

A large territorial-social formation was called an army, for example, the Don Army. The available occupations for the Cossacks were livestock farming, hunting, including fishing. The lack of agriculture can be explained by two reasons - the state of permanent war in which the troops were with the surrounding warlike neighbors, and the established culture of warriors for whom arable farming was a “low” occupation.

Well, the main role in the life of the Cossacks was played by military actions, and primarily by mining, which constituted the main source of their income. The common expression “behind the zipuns” comes from campaigns in the Crimean, Persian lands, and the Caucasus. Military campaigns were not limited to land - river raids (on boats) and sea raids were very common.

Relations with Russia

After the Cossacks formed into state associations and troops, diplomatic relations with Moscow began - embassy villages and an elected ataman were sent to the capital.

At first, relations between Russia and the troops were built on an allied basis against common opponents. In some ways, it was even convenient for Moscow to have independent Cossacks - Russia did not bear responsibility for the numerous raids of the Ushkuiniks, was reliably protected from the aggression of the steppe tribes and at the same time could from time to time rein in the allies by suspending the supply of weapons and food.

Over time, relations between the partners cooled - Moscow was worried about the constant departure of Russian citizens to the lower “Cossack ranks”, and was also concerned about the autonomy of such serious military associations near the borders. And starting from the seventeenth century, the “free people” began to prove that the suspicions were not unfounded: the uprisings of Razin, Pugachev, Bulavin, the support of False Dmitry demonstrated to the Russian Empire how serious a force the “stanitsa warriors” had become.

Through careful and patient diplomatic moves, the Russian sovereigns managed to bring the highest Cossack ranks to take the oath by the end of the 17th century, which de facto made them Russian subjects. Peter I abolished elected atamans and made them punishable (that is, appointed by the state). The last “sip of freedom” was the uprising of Emelyan Pugachev, after the suppression of which the Zaporozhye Sich was liquidated on the orders of Catherine II.

What were the ranks and how did they change?

The first, elected Cossack ranks were as follows: plastun, foreman, centurion, clerk, ataman, hetman. With the development of the organization of troops, the ranks of military judge, captain, colonel and some others appeared.

After the troops lost independence and became part of Russia, the stanitsa ranks were combined into unified system. Under Nicholas I, the Cossack ranks were reduced and Russian ranks. The comparisons were as follows:

1. The junior ranks included: plastun (private), clerk (corporal), constable (sergeant), sergeant (sergeant).
2. Chief officer ranks: cornet - second lieutenant (modern lieutenant); centurion - lieutenant (modern senior lieutenant); podesaul - staff captain, staff captain (modern captain); esaul (there were a variety of - military, regimental, hundred, general) - captain (modern major); colonel - the highest rank of chief officer.
3. Generals - ataman (general), hetman (commander-in-chief).

Titles in modern Russia

In our time, the Cossack ranks have been restored. In the Soviet Union, accordingly, they were abolished as a relic of tsarism. Of course, there were some persecutions - there were those exiled, those shot, and those who emigrated.

So, the Cossack ranks from lowest to highest:

1. The lower ranks include: senior constable, constable, junior constable, clerk, Cossack (plastun).
2. The junior ranks include: senior sergeant, sergeant, junior sergeant.
3. Senior ranks: podesaul, centurion, cornet, sub-horunzhiy.
4. Main ranks: colonel, military foreman, captain.
5. Highest rank: general.

What kind of shoulder straps did they have?

As a rule, the Cossacks, even being part of the Russian army, had a different system of shoulder straps. This was due to their unambiguous self-determination as a special, elite caste. The Russian rulers, taking into account the excellent combat performance of the “stanitsa residents,” did not force them to be equalized “with the same brush.” So, Cossack ranks and shoulder straps:

1. Plastun (private) - “naked” shoulder straps.
2. Prikazny (corporal) - one stripe.
3. Sergeant (sergeant) - two stripes.
4. The senior officer is one wide stripe.
5. Junior sergeant (sergeant major) - longitudinal braid.
6. Sergeant (ensign) - longitudinal braid and two stars.
7. Senior sergeant (senior warrant officer) - longitudinal braid and three stars.
8. Podhorunzhy - one clearance with one star.
9. Cornet (lieutenant) - one lumen with two stars.
10. Sotnik (senior lieutenant) - one clearance with three stars.
11. Podesaul (captain) - one clearance with four stars.
12. Esaul (major) - one gap.
13. Military foreman (lieutenant colonel) - two ranks with three stars.
14. Colonel - two gaps.
15. General - two stars.

What can you understand by studying Cossack ranks and titles? A photo comparing the “stanitsa” and all-Russian shoulder straps and ranks suggests that after the troops lost their independence, their special system was tied to the Russian one and differed from it only in details.

What can we say about the “stanitsa residents” today?

The Cossacks are a unique phenomenon, a unique culture that was formed in conditions of constant conflicts and gave birth to a caste of freedom-loving warriors. What happens today when hereditary “stanitsa residents” begin to understand themselves by studying the history of their grandfathers and great-grandfathers, Cossack ranks and shoulder straps? Photos of fearless and skilled fighters who participated in the First World War, Civil War and Great War Patriotic Wars, allows them to touch a certain historical community, to realize that they are not just a resident of Krasnodar, Rostov or Stavropol, but also a descendant of an amazing, courageous and freedom-loving people.

At the lowest rung of the service ladder stood an ordinary Cossack, corresponding to an infantry private.

Next came the clerk, who had one stripe and corresponded to a corporal in the infantry. The next step in the career ladder is junior sergeant and senior sergeant, corresponding to junior non-commissioned officer, non-commissioned officer and senior non-commissioned officer and with the number of badges characteristic of modern non-commissioned officers.

This was followed by the rank of sergeant, who was not only in the Cossacks, but also in the non-commissioned officers of the cavalry and horse artillery. In the Russian army and gendarmerie, the sergeant was the closest assistant to the commander of a hundred, squadron, battery for drill training, internal order and economic affairs. The rank of sergeant corresponded to the rank of sergeant major in the infantry.

According to the regulations of 1884, introduced by Alexander III, the next rank in the Cossack troops, but only for wartime, was sub-short, an intermediate rank between ensign and warrant officer in the infantry, which was also introduced in wartime. In peacetime, except for the Cossack troops, these ranks existed only for reserve officers.

The next grade in the chief officer ranks is cornet, corresponding to second lieutenant in the infantry and cornet in the regular cavalry. According to his official position, he corresponded to a junior lieutenant in the modern army, but wore shoulder straps with a blue clearance on a silver field (the applied color of the Don Army) with two stars. In the old army, compared to the Soviet army, the number of stars was one more.

Next came the centurion - a chief officer rank in the Cossack troops, corresponding to a lieutenant in the regular army. The centurion wore shoulder straps of the same design, but with three stars, corresponding in his position to a modern lieutenant. A higher step is podesaul. This rank was introduced in 1884. In the regular troops it corresponded to the rank of staff captain and staff captain. Podesaul was the assistant or deputy of the captain and in his absence commanded the Cossack hundred. Shoulder straps of the same design, but with four stars. In terms of service position he corresponds to a modern senior lieutenant.

And the highest rank of chief officer is esaul. It is worth talking about this rank in particular, since from a purely historical perspective, the people who wore it held positions in both the civil and military departments. In various Cossack troops, this position included various service prerogatives. The word comes from the Turkic “yasaul” - chief. It was first mentioned in the Cossack troops in 1576 and was used in the Ukrainian Cossack army. Yesauls were general, military, regimental, hundred, village, marching and artillery. General Yesaul (two per Army) - the highest rank after the hetman. In peacetime, general esauls performed inspector functions; in war they commanded several regiments, and in the absence of the hetman, the entire Army. But this is typical only for Ukrainian Cossacks. Military esauls were elected at the Military Circle (in Donskoy and most others - two per Army, in Volzhsky and Orenburg - one each). We were engaged in administrative matters. Since 1835, they were appointed as adjutants to the military ataman. Regimental esauls (initially two per regiment) performed the duties of staff officers and were the closest assistants to the regiment commander. Hundred esauls (one per hundred) commanded hundreds. This link did not take root in the Don Army after the first centuries of the existence of the Cossacks. The village esauls were characteristic only of the Don Army. They were elected at village assemblies and served as assistants to the village atamans. Marching esauls (usually two per Army) were selected when setting out on a campaign. They served as assistants to the marching chieftain, in the 16th-17th centuries they commanded the army in his absence, and later they were executors of the marching chieftain’s orders. The artillery captain (one per Army) was subordinate to the chief of artillery and carried out his instructions. General, regimental, village and other esauls were gradually abolished. Only the military esaul was preserved under the military ataman of the Don Cossack army. In 1798 - 1800 The rank of esaul was equal to the rank of captain in the cavalry. Esaul, as a rule, commanded a Cossack hundred. His official position corresponded to that of a modern captain. He wore shoulder straps with a blue gap on a silver field without stars.

Next come the staff officer ranks. In fact, after the reform of Alexander III in 1884, the rank of esaul entered this rank, and therefore the rank of major was removed from the staff officer ranks, as a result of which a serviceman immediately became a lieutenant colonel from captains.
Next in the Cossack career ladder is the military sergeant major. The name of this rank comes from the ancient name of the executive body of the Cossacks. In the second half of the 18th century, this name, in a modified form, extended to individuals who commanded individual branches of the Cossack army. Since 1754, a military foreman was equivalent to a major, and with the abolition of this rank in 1884, to a lieutenant colonel. He wore shoulder straps with two blue gaps on a silver field and three large stars.

Well, then comes the colonel, the shoulder straps are the same as those of a military sergeant major, but without stars. Starting from this rank, the service ladder is unified with the general army one, since the purely Cossack names of ranks disappear. The official position of a Cossack general fully corresponds to the general ranks of the Russian Army.