This camouflage pattern is by far the most notable from the Soviet collection. The only thing that compete is Butan/Dubok pattern, and that's mainly due to the fact that it was used for decades by the Ukrainian Army. While Soviet digital two-color pattern was also used after the collapse, mostly by Belarus and Tadjik border guards, it's main legacy is the use during Soviet times and especially in Afghan war. This article is part of a large list of all uniforms used by the Soviet contingent in Afghanistan, so if that is your thing - check it here.
History of KZS
The KZS suit was designed as part of the NBC equipment. The ever expanding development and production of the nuclear weapons throughout the first part of the Cold War made all countries to adapt their doctrines. KZS suit was designed for the "Chemical troops" - these little units within regiments which were supposed to take care of the rest of the troops who were affected by the nuclear fallout. To be suitable for the nuclear conditions and to give some protection for the user, the KZS suit was soaked in a special fire resistant solution, which supposed to make the suit charred rather then to burn. The camouflage pattern was used to improve concealment of the NBC troops, who were otherwise wearing rubber suits with zero concealment characteristics.
That fire resistant solution applied to the fabric is a nasty one. When in contact with skin, it will give rashes and is generally unpleasant to wear. But since these suits were not produced for decades now, the ones in storage mostly lost their rash-giving abilities. Nevertheless, if you come across an unissued suit - do wash it with a good amount of soap before wearing.
Use of KZS during the Soviet-Afghan War
KZS became famous in the Soviet Army during the Soviet-Afghan War. The chaotic terrain of Afghanistan, which, contrary to popular believe, is not just yellow desert, required a camouflaged solution. Regular M69 uniform or Mabuta special suit were okay, but to hide in the green zones something green was needed. And KZS was a perfect choice, certainly better than a bright green and white KLMK suit. The texture of the KZS material reinforced it's concealment capabilities - being matte it better absorbs the light.
The suit was favorite choice of all units and regiments - from regular infantry and technical support units to all types of Spetsnaz. Universally loved, it played another important function - kept the everyday uniform intact. Soviet Army was not too generous with clothing for conscripts - just two sets per year, with only one of them being in possessions at a given time.
The KZS was sometimes worn over the regular uniform, which was the correct and by the book way of doing things, but more often than not it was the main set of clothing. This was a great choice for summer - made from a net like cloth, even a slightest breeze of air cooled down the whole body. Running around the rocks and thorns was not the most pleasant experience, but many soldiers preferred scratches to heat.
KZS elsewhere
Although not produced for more than three decades now, original KZS appears in surprising places and even participates in modern conflicts. Since early 2000s, when all sort of military themed games started to gain in popularity, KZS was one of the simplest choices. In post-soviet countries it was a very cheap option for a camouflaged overall and it was not unusual for a typical gopnik in adidas suit to wear a KZS on top of it and play paintball or airsoft. Although photographs are now lost, this was my very first kit for a big airsoft game in 2008.
Here are couple of examples of Ukrainian troops wearing KZS during their deployment in Iraq. What is interesting is that it is worn en-masse, and not by individual soldiers.
Since then, KZS was in demand around the world, especially with the growing popularity of Soviet-Afghan themed events. Being almost only period-correct camouflage option for the Soviet side, KZS suits became reenactors' favourite.
But while it makes sense to use such an outdated piece of equipment for games, using one for an actual war sounds ridiculous. Nevertheless, this still happens. There is at least half dozen photos of Ukrainian soldiers using KZS in the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian War. The reasons are unclear, but certainly not financial. KZS still has its positive sides and wouldn't be a bad choice to wear in summer in a relatively safe environment, but from the photos it does seem that people use it to go into the actual battles.
Being an iconic Soviet camouflage, KZS even managed to get on the slip case of our first book in the Weapons Series - Soviet Weapons of the Afghan War.
