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Congo-Brazzaville Army - Uniforms and Insignia

The grade and rank structure in the Congolese forces was patterned largely after that used in the French army. Because of the relatively small size of the forces and the lack of large military units, the senior officer rank was originally established as that of colonel. Although general officer ranks were established by law in 1966, as of late 1969 no commissions at these levels had been authorized. President Ngouabi himself was a major, and no officer on active duty held a rank higher than this.

French-style uniforms were predominant among the military, but in most cases uniform accessories were modified somewhat to reflect a national character. Paratroop and other special forces-type units generally wore a red beret, well-tailored camouflage fatigue uniforms, ankle-length combat boots; they carried automatic sidearms. Other troop units wore a black beret or garrison cap, short-sleeved khaki shirts, khaki trousers, cartridge belts, low puttees, and angle-high, thick-soled shoes. They were commonly armed with either rifles or automatic machineguns.

Although there were no strictly military decorations in existence in 1969, there were three national awards that gave recognition for courage and for outstanding service to the nation. In general, liberal use was made of decorations and awards to members of the armed forces, and medals were worn with pride on appropriate occasions.

The highest award of Congolese origin was the Congolese Order of Merit, established in February 1959. This award was worn immediately after the French Legion of Honor and was presented in three classes—Knight, Grand Officer, and Commander. It was granted to military personnel and civilians, both citizens and foreign nationals, in recognition of outstanding service to the Republic for a minimum period of at least ten years.

The second highest award, created in 1960, was the Congolese Order of Devotion, which was conferred in four classes—Knight, Grand Officer, Commander, and Grand Cross. It was awarded to military personnel and civilians, both citizens and foreign nationals, for noteworthy and distinctive service in the administrative, political, cultural, economic, or social fields. In addition, it could also be given for proven acts of courage and devotion displayed in the protection of national interests, as well as for outstanding acts of personal valor, including the saving of endangered life.

The third award, also established in 1960, was the Medal of Honor, granted for long, honorable, and loyal public service. Military personnel as well as Congolese citizens and foreign nationals were eligible for this recognition. It was awarded in three classes: bronze, for ten to fifteen years of service; silver, for fifteen to twenty years of service; and gold, for more than twenty years of service. Information is lacking as to the continued eligibility of Congolese nationals for French awards, but medals received by personnel during their service in the French colonial army were recognized according to French-established precedence.

In the year 1969 the Republic of Congo turned into a Marxist Leninist regime after the coup d'etat of Marien Ngouabi. The flag of the country changed and also the center of the order of Devotion. These insignia ceased to have been awarded in the middle of the 1990s. Subsequently, the flag of the Republic of Congo was the one the country had on the day of its Independence and the Order of Devotion was returned to its initial shape.