The Pelzmütze is a winter fur hat (Winterpelzmütze) worn by the armed forces of the Soviet sphere, in this case by the Nationale Volksarmee (NVA), the East German army, between 1956 and 1990. The hierarchical distinction was reflected in the emblem: gold for officers and silver for sergeants and enlisted personnel, as in the example, which belongs to the Uniform and Accessories Collection of the Museum of Angra do Heroísmo. The NVA, organised into four branches — Land Forces, Navy, Air Force and Border Troops — was created in 1956 to replace the Kasernierte Volkspolizei. It became one of the main forces of the Warsaw Pact during the Cold War, playing a prominent role in guarding the Berlin Wall. Military service became compulsory in 1962, for 18 months, covering citizens aged 18 to 60, including women. The NVA was demobilised on 2 October 1990, transferring facilities, equipment and part of its personnel to the Bundeswehr after German reunification.
UNTIL 27 APRIL 2026 . AEROGARE CIVIL DAS LAJES