BULGARIA   

East Bloc / Warsaw Pact

Bulgarian history can be differentiated by separate eras.  Notably,

• the Royalist AXIS membership period,
• the anti Fascist Liberation War (Communist era),
• and the post Cold War democratic NATO membership.

During the Communist era political work was undertaken by Political Military Officers.  Following the overthrow of the pro-German Fascist movement, the pro-soviet liberation movement adopted the Soviet POLITICAL COMMISSAR system still wearing the Royalist military uniform. 

Here is an example of such a uniform worn by a Political Commissar - prior to the introduction of the Soviet Style uniform, rank system and awards.

The Radovski Defence and Staff College was responsible in the 1950's for training political officers of the Bulgarian Army. In the 1990's the College underwent dramatic liberalisation and democratization, with the dismissal of political structures and the political control of the Communist Party in Bulgaria.

The Politic-military faculty and organisation were elminated, and a process of de-ideologisation of education began.

The Radovski Defence & Staff College

The Bulgarian Army issued interesting awards to it's servicemen, including these Awards for Outstanding soldiery and political mastery

A = Otlichnik Badge for Excellence in Combat and Political Training, 1st class - (1950's -1960's)

B = Otlichnik Badge for Excellence in Combat and Political Training, 2nd class- (1950's - 1960's)  

C = Otlichnik Badge for Excellence in Combat and Political Training, 3rd class - (1950's - 1960's)

D = Otlichnik Badge for Excellence in Combat and Political Training. RARE! Worn by Officers above the rank of Colonel. Larger than the other variants - it is solid metal.

E = Otlichnik Badge for Excellence in Combat and Political Training, 2nd emission This emission is no longer characterized by separate classes and can be dated to the 1970s.

F =Otlichnik Badge for Excellence in Combat and Political Training, last emission The badge is made in a different way, compared to the other representatives of the series: aluminum and paint were used.

Medal for Political Mastership "Georgi Kirkov":  This is a Communist medal for Political mastership with the portrait image of Georgi Kirkov, a distinguished political figure of his time..

MODERN NATO BULGARIAN ARMED FORCES:   psychological operations unit

Serving in ISAF, Bulgaria is now a NATO partner

It is known to have a dedicated PSYOPS unit but distinctive insignia or unit patch not identified.

психологическите операции на Българската армия.