Warrant Officers (in Russian: Praporshchiki) were created within the Soviet Army in 1972, in order to encourage conscripts to enlist for extended service following their two year mandatory service.
These hats are dated c1992
The new Praporshchiki had many of the same privileges as commissioned officers, including higher pay, benefits and the right to wear officer quality uniforms. This cap represents one worn by a Praporshchik of Motorized Rifles or by Medical/Veterinary/Justice/Intendance Praposrshchiki after 1980 (remember - these services changed their branch color from magenta to red that year)
