Russian GRU Military Intelligence 346th Separate Spetsnaz Brigade 10th Anniversary Medal – Rare Original Issue

Description

Original Item – Only One Available. A rare unit-issued commemorative medal marking the 10th anniversary of the 346th Separate Special Purpose Brigade, one of the Russian Armed Forces’ military-intelligence Spetsnaz formations. Established in 2012 and subsequently based in Prokhladny, Kabardino-Balkaria, the brigade is identified as Military Unit 31681 and belongs to the specialized reconnaissance structure of the General Staff’s Main Directorate, commonly known by the historic abbreviation GRU. The reverse inscription records the complete jubilee designation: “10 Years Since the Formation of the Separate Special Purpose Brigade, 2012–2022, Prokhladny.”

The medal is executed in a rich gilt finish and suspended from a traditional pentagonal mount covered with a blue ribbon divided by dark blue, green and white stripes. Its obverse carries the circular inscription “Separate Special Purpose Brigade” around a layered red-enamel formation emblem, three directional arrows and a central blue shield bearing the brigade’s insignia. The large silvered numeral 346 identifies the formation prominently at the base. The reverse presents the anniversary inscription in raised Cyrillic lettering together with the dates 2012–2022 and the brigade’s garrison city of Prokhladny.

Condition is excellent overall, with crisp relief, bright original gilt finish and clean red, blue, white and dark enamel. The ribbon remains fresh, and the original aluminum mounting plate and complete pin fastening are present. Unit-specific Spetsnaz jubilee medals were produced for a comparatively narrow military circle and are considerably less common on the collectors’ market than general Russian Armed Forces commemorative awards, making this a strong addition to an advanced collection of GRU insignia, modern Russian military-intelligence material or special-purpose unit decorations.