Figure 1.--This drawing shows Pioneers in their formal uniform. Note that the caps are all red and the only insinia they wear is their sleeve patch. This appars to depict a camp event.

A Russian reader decribes the formal uniform that was worn by some boys. He refers to it as the "parade" or "smart" uniform.

Normal Uniform

A HBC reader indicates that little effort was made to strictly control the Pioneer uniform worn by most boys. Normally, as long as a boy wore his red scarf, little was said about his turn out. A Russian reader reports, "As the daily uniform, worn each day, any clothes could serve. The only obligatory item was the red scarf, all the rest of tghe uniform was optional.".

Formal Uniform

Some care was taken for a special group of boys. HBU is not sure how they were chosen. They wore a more elaborate formal uniform. A Russian reader writes, "The smart form was especially regulated only. It consisted of a special white shirt with superimposed pockets and chevrons on the sleeve. With the shirt they wore short short pants, either light blue or light green (but never khaki), white belt with metal buckle, shoes, red scarf and red or red and white field-cap (Ispanka). HBU has also noted a brown belt. We are not sure how common the whote belt was.

Outfitting

HBU at this time does not understand just how many boys had the formal uniform. Also did the parents have to buy it, or were the uniforms provided by the Pioneer organization.

Usage

We do not know to what extent it was worn. This needs further investigation. Our Russian reader reports, "... for formations, assemblies and similar events, the formal uniform, including white kneesocks was really necessary."