Monday, 4 November 2013

Driver's License

War can be chaotic, but there are still some rules that have to be followed. For example, you still need a license to drive a vehicle. LiveJournal user babs71 was kind enough to share one that his grandmother had.


"GABTU KA 04438 license to drive combat vehicles"


"GABTU KA 04438 license to drive combat vehicles. Courses finished well"

"Well" corresponds to the commonly used Russian grading system. It is the 4th level out of 5, under "Excellent". Levels 1, 2, and 3 do not have names. The 3rd level would be equivalent to a "satisfactory", while 2 would be a failure. 1 is reserved for special cases of exceptional failure. 


The upper left corner has a place for your photograph. The text next to it says "The license is stored at the unit office, and is handed out along with a travel document. While operating the vehicle, keep it with you at all times." The next page states the operator's unit and "LICENSE: Issued to Hofs R. M., certifying that he has the right to drive an STZ 3-5 tractor." Even though the Red Army had servicewomen, I guess the paperwork wasn't updated to include female pronouns.  


"
  1. Completed the tractor operator courses
  2. Passed the exam for driving tractors STZ 3 and 5
  3. Order from the unit on June 30th '4 [the last digit is illegible]
  4. #222
  5. Unit commander [signature]"
Two more spaces remain for additional qualifications.



"Information about the driver:
  • Profession before military service
  • Party affiliation
  • Year of birth"

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