Uniforms, Ranks, and Insignia of the Armed Forces of Zaire

The uniforms and rank structure of the FAZ bear the mark of Belgian influence but also show evidence of long United States and French involvement with Zaire. Soldiers often wear fatigue uniforms, solid green in color or in a camouflage pattern. While dressed in fatigues, army personnel wear berets, the color of which denotes the branch of service. Personnel also wear combat boots and web or cartridge belts with this uniform.

Service uniforms are similar to those worn in the United States and several other countries. Army personnel wear a dark green uniform, the air force a light blue, the navy a dark blue, and the gendarmerie a forest green. Service uniforms are high collared and worn with visored caps, scarves rather than neckties, and lowquarter shoes. Officer rank insignia are worn on shoulder boards, enlisted rank insignia on the upper-left sleeve.

Note: This article comes from Zaire: A Country Study, which is in the public domain. Full credit goes to the authors of it.

Officer Ranks and Insignia

Enlisted Ranks and Insignia