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Starshina (Russian: Старшина, IPA: [stərʂɨˈna] ⓘ or Ukrainian: Старшина, romanized: Starshyna) is a senior military rank or designation in the military forces of some Slavic states, and a historical military designation. Depending on a country, it had different meanings. In the 19th century with the expansion of the Imperial Russia into Turkestan and the Central Asia, the word was even used to identify some Turkic leaders as a basic Russian word for aqsaqal (white-beard).

In Cossack armies the term initially identified a commissioned officer.[1] During the times of Cossack Hetmanate, starshyna was a collective noun, and people described with this word were divided into starshyna (officers) and general starshyna (general officers) the latter being part of the Hetman's General Cossack Rada. In Russia the term was later adopted to describe a non-commissioned officer rank. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, most of post-Soviet countries have adopted the Russian interpretation of the word.

Since the 1930s in the Soviet and later Russian army terminology, a starshina has been equivalent to "Sergeant Major"[2] (Most senior member at the company level) or a rank equal to a NATO OR-8. In naval terminology, starshina is a general term for junior and middle-ranking non-commissioned officers, similar in usage to "Chief Petty Officer".

The word originates from Old East Slavic language «*старъ»(old)

Russia

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Imperial Russia

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Later, in the Tsardom of Russia and Imperial Russia, a volostnoy starshina was the chief of a volost (a rural administrative unit), in charge of the distribution of taxes, resolving conflicts within obshchina (communes), distributing community lands and military conscription. The rank of Voiskovoi starshina (Войсковой старшина – Starshina of the Army (Host)) was introduced into the ranks of the Imperial military in 1826, as the equivalent of a "Lieutenant Colonel" in the Cossack cavalry.

Soviet Union and Russian Federation

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Starshina
Старшина
Army and air force insignia
Country Russia
Service branch Russian Ground Forces
 Russian Air Force
Rank groupNon-commissioned officer
Formation1935
Next higher rankPraporshchik
Next lower rankStárshy serzhánt
Equivalent ranksGlavny starshina of the ship

The word starshina gained its modern meaning in the Red Army, and is a hangover from the functional titles (like "Brigade Commander" or "Assistant Platoon Leader") that were initially used by that force – the word literally means "senior". Most functional titles in the Red Army were abolished in 1942, but starshina remained. Starshina was the highest non-commissioned rank in the Soviet Army until the reintroduction of the imperial rank of Praporshchik in 1972.

In the Soviet Navy, the term starshina was introduced between 1940 and 1943 as term equivalent to "Petty Officer" for every enlisted seaman above "Matros, 1st class." There was also created a rank equal to starshina in the Army, but termed Glavnyy korabel'nyy starshina (transl. Chief Petty Officer of the Ship) – this is the naval rank depicted in the tables below.

Insignia in the Red Army (1919–1946) and Soviet Armed Forces (1946–1991)

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See also: Ranks and rank insignia of the Red Army 1918–1935, Ranks and rank insignia of the Red Army 1935–1940, and Ranks and rank insignia of the Red Army 1940–1943
See also: Ranks and rank insignia of the Soviet Army 1943–1955 and Ranks and rank insignia of the Soviet Army 1955–1991
(1919–1924) collar
insignia
(1924–1935) 		collar insignia
(1935–1940) 		collar insignia
(1941–1943) 		Technical
troops
(1943–1946) 		Ground combat troops
(1943–1955) 		Ground forces
(1955–1963) 		Air force,
airborne forces,
air defence forces
(1955–1963) 		Navy
(1924–1940) 		Navy
(1955–1963) 		Air force, airborne forces
(1963–1994)

Insignia in the Russian Federation

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See also: Ranks and rank insignia of the Russian Federation's armed forces 1994–2010
Russian Federation
Strategic Missile Troops,

Airborne Forces (service dress)
(1994–2010)

Ground Forces
(service dress)
(1994–2010) 		Navy

(dress uniform)
(1994–2010)

Air Force and Airborne Forces

kursant ("cadet") with rank of Starshina
(dress uniform)
(1994–2011)

Field dress
(1994–2010) 		Air force, airborne forces
(2011–2015) 		Internal troops
(1995–2016)
Ministry of Emergency Situations (firefighters)
(1995–2001) 		Militsiya, police,

some internal troops

Navy
(dress uniform)
(after 2010)

Insignia

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Language variants

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In some former communist state, the rank of "older" is used with the local language variants.

[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Starshina

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Starshina (Russian: старшина, meaning "senior" or "elder") is a rank in the , serving as the highest enlisted position in the Ground Forces and Aerospace Forces, equivalent to a or in rank structure (OR-8). It functions as the principal enlisted advisor to the company commander, overseeing discipline, training, equipment maintenance, and soldier welfare within a unit. In the , the term denotes senior ranks, such as starshina 1st class or glavny starshina, comparable to (OR-7 to OR-8). The rank originated in the Soviet era, first established in the Red Army on September 22, 1935, via orders professionalizing non-commissioned leadership amid rapid military expansion. Starshinas played critical roles in small-unit tactics and maintaining order under combat stress during World War II. Post-war, the rank evolved within the Soviet Armed Forces, emphasizing extended-service personnel (sverkh'srochniki) who underwent specialized NCO training, requiring at least 12 months of prior service, including six months as a sergeant, and demonstrated excellence in leadership. In the modern , established after the Soviet Union's dissolution in 1991, the rank persists with minor and updates, reflecting ongoing reforms to build a more professional NCO corps since the . Promotion to starshina demands rigorous selection, often from graduates of NCO schools, and focuses on roles in , political education (historically), and , particularly in high-intensity operations. As of 2019, initiatives like the "" program in the have aimed to enhance starshina-level training, producing hundreds of specialists for advisory and instructional duties without creating new permanent positions. Since 2022, amid the invasion of , reforms have further emphasized contract-based starshinas for improved unit leadership and readiness, as of 2024. The rank's features a golden star on epaulets for army and personnel, symbolizing seniority, while naval variants incorporate motifs.

Overview

Definition and Etymology

Starshina (Russian: старшина́) is a senior (NCO) rank in the armed forces of and other Slavic countries, denoting the highest enlisted position typically at the company or level. This rank represents the pinnacle of the enlisted hierarchy, often held by experienced personnel who assist officers in unit administration, training, and discipline. In the rank structure, starshina corresponds to the OR-8 grade, aligning it with equivalents such as or in Western militaries. The term originates from the Russian word staršina, derived from staršiy (старший), meaning "elder," "senior," or "chief." Historically, staršina denoted a senior or authoritative figure in communal assemblies or groups, evolving into a military context to signify leadership among subordinates. Its earliest documented military application traces to the 17th century in Russian irregular forces, where it described senior officers or elected leaders within Cossack hosts, reflecting the democratic elements of these semi-autonomous units. While starshina functions as a singular rank in and structures, its usage in naval forces is more differentiated, encompassing a series of junior and mid-level NCO grades such as starshina 1st class (OR-6) and starshina 2nd class (OR-5), akin to roles. This distinction highlights the rank's adaptability across branches, maintaining its connotation of seniority in enlisted service.

Role and Responsibilities

The Starshina serves as a senior (NCO) in the , primarily acting as an advisor to or commanders on enlisted matters, while also junior personnel in technical and skills. Their core responsibilities include maintaining unit discipline, overseeing the care and maintenance of equipment, and managing at the company level to ensure operational readiness. In this capacity, the Starshina bridges the gap between officers and enlisted soldiers, providing specialized expertise in areas such as weapons handling and tactical procedures. In terms of , the Starshina holds significant influence over junior enlisted personnel, enforcing regulations and leading exercises, and may assume command of small units in the temporary absence of officers. This rank reports directly to the company commander, functioning in a role akin to a "top " by supporting officer-led rather than exercising independent tactical command. Unlike more autonomous Western NCOs, the Starshina's remains constrained within Russia's officer-centric structure, focusing on administrative and technical oversight. Internationally, the Starshina aligns with OR-8 , comparable to the U.S. (E-8), where it shares duties in unit administration and mentorship but with less emphasis on strategic advisory roles. It is analogous to the British Army's Warrant Officer Class 2, which also advises at the company level, and the French Adjudant-Chef, both emphasizing discipline and logistics in environments. Post-2000 military reforms, particularly the 2008 "New Look" initiative, aimed to adapt the Starshina's role to enhance professionalism in operations, integrating contract-based NCOs into multi-domain warfare through extended training programs lasting up to 34 months at specialized academies. These changes prioritized technical leadership and in modern doctrines, aiming to reduce reliance on conscripts and elevate the Starshina's contribution to overall force readiness. However, the ongoing since 2022 has strained these efforts, with high casualties among professional NCOs leading to greater reliance on conscripts, accelerated promotions for less experienced personnel, and partial de-professionalization of the force as of 2025.

Historical Evolution

Imperial Russian Period

The rank of starshina originated in the 17th and early 18th centuries primarily within Cossack and irregular troops of the , where it denoted elected or appointed senior leaders equivalent to company elders or communal heads. These individuals, often referred to as "elders" (starshina literally meaning "old man" or "senior"), were selected through participatory assemblies known as the krug, reflecting the egalitarian and consensus-based structure of Cossack society. They managed community affairs, led military raids, represented the Host in negotiations with central authorities, and enforced , such as verifying identities and policing migration. Socially, starshina were drawn from long-serving, established —typically experienced fighters from multi-ethnic backgrounds, including Russian fugitives and defectors—who enjoyed privileges like land allocations within Cossack settlements (stanitsy) and exemptions from certain imperial taxes in exchange for border defense duties. By the mid-18th century, under Peter the Great's reforms, the role began transitioning from purely elective communal to a more formalized position within the imperial military framework, as Cossack hosts were integrated as auxiliary irregular forces. The Military College increasingly appointed starshina based on service records, transforming the title into an honorary and for distinguished veterans, while preserving some in local governance. In the , starshina in Cossack units evolved into a senior role, often at the level (such as voiskovoi starshina, equivalent to ), held by experienced leaders responsible for unit discipline and operations in formations. Insignia for starshina in the late Imperial period typically featured shoulder straps with one or more stars, distinguishing them from junior ranks, though variations existed between Cossack hosts and line units. Military reorganizations in the 1880s and 1900s, prompted by defeats in the (1904–1905), reformed structures to emphasize , but starshina persisted as a vital rank for experienced personnel from or Cossack backgrounds, often rewarded with land grants or pensions for long service. In the , these leaders directed operations in Manchurian campaigns, exemplifying their tactical importance despite the broader imperial setbacks.

Soviet Period

The Starshina rank was reintroduced in the Red Army on September 22, 1935, through Orders No. 2590 and 2591 issued by the Central Executive Committee and the Council of People's Commissars, establishing a system of personal military ranks to replace earlier functional titles. Positioned as the highest non-commissioned officer (NCO) rank above Starshy Serzhant, it served as a senior enlisted position equivalent to a platoon section leader or company first sergeant, with initial emphasis on roles in officer training schools to develop leadership among experienced personnel. This reform, proposed by Marshal Mikhail Tukhachevsky and endorsed by Joseph Stalin, aimed to professionalize the command structure amid rapid military expansion. During , particularly the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945), the Starshina rank was expanded to accommodate veteran NCOs, who provided critical continuity in frontline units amid heavy losses and the need for seasoned small-unit leaders. Unlike most functional titles abolished in the 1940–1942 reforms, the Starshina was retained, particularly as a political designation, despite broader changes including the 1943 unification that reintroduced shoulder-board insignia for all ranks. These changes aligned Starshina with hybrid command roles in and mechanized formations, enhancing its utility in combat without merger into grades. Following the war, the Starshina rank was standardized within the unified established by decree on , 1946, integrating , , and under a consistent . In the era, it became essential in motorized rifle divisions, where Starshinas acted as company sergeant majors responsible for discipline, equipment maintenance, and technical training in mechanized operations, bridging conscripts and officers in large-scale armored units. By the , amid a conscript-heavy force, the rank was updated through minor insignia adjustments to emphasize long-service expertise, supporting the Soviet emphasis on and rapid deployment.

Post-Soviet Russian Period

Following the , the Starshina rank was retained within the newly formed through President Boris Yeltsin's Decree No. 446 of May 7, 1992, which unified former Soviet military structures under a single Russian command while preserving the existing NCO hierarchy to maintain operational continuity amid rapid downsizing from 3.4 million personnel in 1990 to about 1.2 million by 1998. Minor adjustments to rank and unification across services occurred in 1994 as part of broader standardization efforts, though the core responsibilities of Starshinas as senior enlisted leaders at the company level remained unchanged from Soviet precedents. The 2008 military reforms under Defense Minister significantly elevated the role of Starshinas in transitioning to a contract-based professional , replacing abolished positions with an expanded corps of trained NCOs—targeting 80,000 in the Ground Forces and Airborne Troops—to address chronic shortages that had left up to 80% of platoon-level positions vacant. Starshinas became central to brigade-level and unit readiness, with new programs shortening NCO to 10-12 months while emphasizing technical proficiency and leadership in combined-arms exercises, aligning the rank with the joint operations doctrine that prioritized rapid-response brigades over mass mobilization divisions. As of 2025, the Starshina rank remains active in the and Airborne Troops, where contract-based personnel form a significant portion of the force, including elite units staffed by professional NCOs to enhance tactical execution. Promotion to Starshina emphasizes at least five years of prior service, demonstrated competencies in 11 areas such as operational skills and moral qualities, and combat experience, with incentives like pay increases of 5-30% for qualifications to retain skilled personnel. Demographic shifts since the 2010s have seen increasing numbers of female Starshinas due to gender integration policies, including 2013 amendments to the "On Military Duty and Military Service" law that expanded contract opportunities for women aged 18-27 in NCO roles, raising female enlistment to approximately 41,000 by 2020—about 4% of active forces—with around 19,000 serving as soldiers or sergeants in units like the Ground Forces and Airborne Troops.

Insignia and Uniforms

Ground Forces

In the current , the Starshina rank is denoted by two gold chevrons positioned below a gold star on rectangular shoulder boards, typically in a protective green or pattern for field use. This design has remained standard since the 1994 uniform reforms, with the shoulder boards attached to the standard field (butylka or EMERCOM patterns) or dress uniforms. For the (VDV), variations include blue piping or accents on the uniforms to distinguish the elite units, while maintaining the same chevron and star configuration. No modifications to this have been reported as of 2024. During the Soviet era from 1935 to 1991, the insignia evolved significantly to reflect shifting standards and wartime needs. By , amid reforms, shoulder boards were reintroduced, with gold bars on or protective green boards for and support units. Post-war field from 1946 through the 1980s retained these gold bars on fabric shoulder boards for everyday wear, often in olive drab or patterns during exercises, with metal versions reserved for parades. Across all eras, Starshina in ground forces uniforms are placed on both shoulders for balance and visibility, using embroidered thread or metal for dress variants and durable fabric appliqués for daily and field wear to withstand operational conditions. In the , the Starshina ranks form a tiered structure within the category, consisting of Starshina 2nd class as the entry-level senior , Starshina 1st class as the mid-tier position, and Glavny Starshina as the chief level. These ranks correspond to codes OR-6 through OR-8, aligning with roles such as to in Western navies. Post-1991, the adopted insignia featuring and star motifs embroidered on cuffs for dress white uniforms, while working uniforms incorporate gold-colored stripes on black fabric to denote rank progression. In the , uniform updates specifically for crews introduced enhanced durability materials and subdued variants to suit confined, high-moisture environments, maintaining the traditional placement. During the Soviet period from to , naval evolved with the introduction of embroidered eagles in 1946, replacing earlier wartime designs and symbolizing through varying eagle sizes and arm placements for each tier. Soviet and post-Soviet naval uniforms for personnel traditionally included bell-bottom , with rank positioned on the cuffs for visibility during shipboard duties. Adaptations for units retained the cuff-based eagles or stripes but incorporated winged motifs to distinguish roles from surface fleet personnel.

International Variants

Post-Soviet States

In the post-Soviet states, the Starshina rank, inherited from the Soviet military structure, has been largely retained as a senior position to ensure continuity in command hierarchies and training. This retention allows for seamless integration in multinational operations among former Soviet republics, though adaptations reflect national identities and geopolitical alignments. Ukraine retained the rank as "Starshyna" upon establishing its independent Armed Forces in 1992, positioning it as a key role equivalent to a in terms. Variations such as Starshyna 2nd class and Chief Master Starshyna are used across ground, air, and naval forces, with contract service terms for these ranks ranging from three to five years. Since 2014, military reforms have emphasized standardization, including NCO ranks like Starshyna to enhance combat leadership and , as part of broader efforts to align administrative standards such as rank structures with alliance requirements. These changes, accelerated amid the ongoing conflict, have integrated Western training models while preserving the core Soviet-derived nomenclature for operational familiarity. and also retain "Starshina" as a senior NCO rank similar to the Russian structure, supporting regional military cooperation. In , the Starshyna rank remains unchanged from the Soviet model in the Ground Forces, serving as the senior enlisted leadership position below warrant officers. This structure supports close military cooperation with , as evidenced by the Zapad-2025 joint strategic exercises conducted in September 2025, where approximately 7,000 troops from both nations rehearsed defensive operations, relying on compatible rank systems for command coordination. and have localized the Starshina rank or its equivalents during professionalization efforts in the 2000s, adapting it to national contexts while maintaining its role as a for unit discipline and training. In , the equivalent rank is designated as Şeber-serjant (), incorporated into the Ground Forces to bridge enlisted and officer levels amid post-independence reforms focused on regional security. employs terms like Bosh starshina in its naval and ground forces, reflecting Soviet inheritance with modifications for a established after 1991. Across these states, the Starshina rank underscores continuity from Soviet origins to facilitate rapid force mobilization and interoperability in collective security frameworks like the . However, EU-aspirant nations such as exhibit gradual Westernization, expanding NCO responsibilities toward NATO-style decentralized leadership, while others prioritize stability through minimal alterations.

Other Slavic Countries

In Poland, the rank structure of the interwar (1918–1939) incorporated senior non-commissioned officer designations for experienced enlisted leaders in and units. Following and under Soviet oversight until 1989, Polish ranks evolved, but post-1990s integration restructured non-commissioned officers, establishing "starszy chorąży" as a senior equivalent (OR-9), responsible for technical and advisory roles in the . This rank, denoting a senior ensign, features NATO-aligned insignia with chevrons and stars on epaulets, and remains active in modern operations as of 2025. In Bulgaria, the 19th-century Bulgarian army, formed during the national revival under Russian advisory influence post-1878 independence, adopted "starshina" as a non-commissioned rank for platoon leaders and drill instructors, drawing directly from Russian Cossack and imperial structures. Today, the Bulgarian Armed Forces use "starshina" in two grades—"starshina 1st degree" (OR-6, akin to staff sergeant) and "starshina 2nd degree" (OR-5, akin to sergeant)—primarily in land forces for senior enlisted supervision, while the highest enlisted rank is glaven starshina (OR-9); insignia updated to EU and NATO standards including gold braid and crossed rifles since Bulgaria's 2004 NATO accession. Serbian military ranks in the 19th century, during the Serbian Uprisings and era (1804–1878), incorporated "starshina" variants for veteran non-commissioned officers in irregular and regular forces, influenced by Russian military advisors supporting Balkan independence efforts against the . In the modern , however, "starshina" has been largely phased out in favor of NATO-harmonized ranks like "starši vodnik" (), though legacy terminology persists in reserve training units as of 2025. The , established in 1918 amid post-World War I independence, initially drew on Allied influences but introduced "staršina" in 1919 for select units modeled on structures during the brief Soviet-oriented phase of the Czechoslovak Legion's integration. Under alignment in the 1950s, the rank formalized as a equivalent (OR-8) for senior non-commissioned roles in the , featuring red-starred insignia until 1989. Following the 1993 Velvet Divorce, both the Czech and Slovak armies replaced "staršina" with NATO-aligned ranks such as nadrotmistr (Czech) and rotmajster (Slovak) for senior NCO roles, with possible legacy use in historical or reserve contexts as of 2025. As of 2025, equivalents to the starshina rank see limited active deployment in non-post-Soviet Slavic militaries outside , primarily as legacy designations in reserve and training components, reflecting broader standardization that prioritizes unified hierarchies over historical Slavic variants.

References

  1. https://www.globalmilitary.net/ranks/rus/
  2. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/rank.htm
  3. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA098467.pdf
  4. https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Ranks_and_rank_insignia_of_the_Red_Army_1935%25E2%2580%25931940
  5. https://warontherocks.com/2024/08/russias-post-war-military-recruiting-strategy-emerges/
  6. https://www.militaryfactory.com/ranks/russia/russian-army-ranks.php
  7. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/starshina
  8. https://www.warpowerrussia.com/russian-military-ranks.php
  9. https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2019/March/Russian-NCOs/
  10. https://www.rand.org/pubs/commentary/2022/03/russias-problems-with-military-professionalization.html
  11. https://www.egmontinstitute.be/the-russian-soldiers-question-revisited/
  12. https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/imperial-boundaries/409F9D6A4903B51CE9E3361606076289
  13. https://www.marksrussianmilitaryhistory.info/Ranks.html
  14. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/army-rank-1935.htm
  15. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/army-rank-1943.htm
  16. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/av-history-3.htm
  17. https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP81-01043R002200200002-9.pdf
  18. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA1233-6.html
  19. https://valdaiclub.com/files/11447/
  20. https://jamestown.org/program/the-role-of-women-in-russias-armed-forces/
  21. https://www.csis.org/blogs/post-soviet-post/women-russian-military
  22. https://www.tridentmilitary.com/Soviet.Insignia.Illustrations.htm
  23. https://www.specshop.pl/Polish-Military-Ranks-Blog
  24. https://www.militaryfactory.com/ranks/poland/polish-army-ranks.php
  25. https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP83-00415R012600190002-9.pdf
  26. https://www.globalmilitary.net/ranks/bgr/
  27. https://suburbanmilitarism.wordpress.com/2018/01/28/soldiers-of-serbia/
  28. https://www.geopolitika.ru/en/article/modern-serbian-army-and-art-war
  29. https://a.osmarks.net/content/wikipedia_en_all_maxi_2020-08/A/Ranks_of_the_Czechoslovak_Armed_Forces
  30. https://www.iiss.org/publications/the-military-balance/2025/russia-and-eurasia/
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