This is an unusual Svazarm pin from made from a gold coloured metal. The badge face is 1.6cm high and has a long, stick pin style fastener to the rear. The text reads 'CSSR Automotoklub Svazarm Pardubice'. The Auto Moto Klub, often abbreviated to AMK, was the society for car owners, like the AAA or AA (UK). But in the 1960's the AMK was under military control, specifically that of the Svazarm. The badge picture features the horse crest of the city of Pardubice and a steering wheel.
Historical Background
The svazarm were formed in 1951 in former Czechoslovakia to train the population in military based disciplines. The svazarm was a copy of the Soviet DOSAAF paramilitary group.
The activities the Svazarm provided were extremely diverse, ranging from medical training to dog training. Dog lovers would be instructed in the training and breeding of dogs suitable for military purposes, especially German Shepherds. Shortwave radio operation was another popular activity, and was also useful for creating future radio operators in the army.
A more specialised branch of the Svazarm, based at Košice, trained pilots for the air force. Training included at least twenty flight hours of glider training and forty hours of basic training on motorised aeroplanes, as well as the necessary aviation theory. There ware also sections: Model airplanes and gliding (formally DOSLET), motor sport section (motorcycles and cars) and all sort of shooting sports. (rifle, pistol)
