Submarine Warfare insignia facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The Submarine Warfare Insignia, often called "Dolphins," is a special badge worn by sailors who have successfully completed training to serve on submarines. It shows they are experts in how submarines work.

In the United States Navy, both officers and enlisted sailors wear this unique pin on their uniform. It's one of the most important badges a sailor can earn, alongside the Surface Warfare Badge and the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist insignia. To get their "Dolphins," sailors go through a tough training program. This program lasts about a year and teaches them everything about a submarine's many systems.

History of the Dolphin Badge
- How the Badge Looks
Earning the Enlisted Submarine Badge
Officer Submarine Qualifications
Submarine Medical Officer
Submarine Supply Officer
Unofficial Submarine Badges
Other Countries' Submarine Badges
Images for kids
See also

History of the Dolphin Badge

The idea for a special badge for submariners came from Captain Ernest J. King on June 13, 1923. He was a submarine commander who later became a very important admiral during World War II. Captain King drew a sketch of what the badge could look like. It showed a shield on a submarine with dolphins on either side.

The Navy then asked different companies to create designs. Some ideas included sharks, while others focused on submarines and dolphins. A company in Philadelphia, which made rings for the United States Naval Academy, was asked to help.

They sent in two designs, which were then combined into one. The final design showed the front of a submarine on the surface, ready to dive. Two artistic dolphins were placed on either side, with their heads resting on the submarine's diving fins.

Today, the design is very similar. It features two Mahi-mahi (also known as dolphin fish) next to the front part and the "conning tower" (the control center) of a submarine. On March 20, 1924, the Navy officially approved this design.

At first, sailors could only wear the dolphin badge when they were working on submarines. If they moved to a different type of Navy job, they had to take it off. But in 1941, the rules changed. Once a sailor earned their "Dolphins," they could wear them for their entire Navy career.

How the Badge Looks

The first officer's badge was a bronze, gold-plated metal pin. It was worn above the left pocket of their uniform. Enlisted sailors wore a badge made of embroidered fabric sewn onto their right sleeve. It was about two and three-quarters inches long.

In 1943, the rules changed again. If an enlisted sailor earned their "Dolphins" and later became an officer, they could wear the enlisted badge until they qualified as a submarine officer. Then they would switch to the officer's pin.

By 1947, enlisted sailors started wearing their embroidered badge above their left pocket, just like officers. In 1950, officers could also choose to wear an embroidered badge, and enlisted sailors could wear a silver-plated metal pin.

Over the years, there have been small changes to the design, especially to the waves shown on the badge. There are also some unofficial or special badges that submariners might wear. One example is the "diesel boats forever" pin from 1971.

Today, the submarine pin is either silver or gold. It is worn above all other ribbons on the uniform. If a sailor earns another special qualification, the submarine pin might be worn below the ribbons. For working uniforms, sailors wear an embroidered patch instead of the metal pin.

Earning the Enlisted Submarine Badge

When a sailor first joins a submarine crew, they start a special training program. They get a "Qualification Card" and a deadline to finish their training. They are also assigned a "sponsor," often called a "Sea Dad" or "Sea Mom." This sponsor helps them learn and get used to life on the submarine. Everyone, no matter their rank, must complete this training.

The main goals of this training are:

To teach sailors about all the submarine's systems and how they work together.
To make sure everyone can work well under pressure, especially during emergencies.

Learning how to control damage on the submarine is a very important part of the training.

A senior sailor, called the Ship's Qualification Coordinator, tracks everyone's progress. Each task on the qualification card is worth points. Sailors must earn a certain number of points each week. If they fall behind, they get extra study time with their sponsor.

Sailors learn using books, videos, computer programs, and hands-on practice with experienced crew members. They focus on how to operate the submarine's systems, like those for damage control, air quality, weapons, and the engine. When a sailor feels ready, they ask an expert, called a Qualification Petty Officer (QPO), for a "checkout." The QPO asks questions and might ask the sailor to draw diagrams. If the sailor knows enough, the QPO signs their card. If not, the sailor studies more and tries again later.

The qualification process has different stages, or "phases." One of the most important goals is to make sure every crew member, no matter their job, knows how to handle emergencies. In a fire or flood, every sailor must trust that their shipmates know where emergency equipment is and how to use it.

Qualification Stages

Damage Control Phase: This stage focuses on the submarine's structure and emergency systems. Sailors learn about:

* Internal communication systems. * The Submarine Song. * Emergency alarms. * Where damage control equipment is and how to use it.

Propulsion Phase: This covers the submarine's engine and power systems.
Auxiliary Systems Phase: This includes systems like:

* Hydraulics (for moving parts). * Drinking water systems. * Air systems (for breathing and other uses). * Air conditioning and refrigeration. * Systems that monitor the air inside the submarine. * Depth sensors. * Seawater and ballasting systems (for diving and surfacing). * Waste management systems.

Electronic Equipment and Navigation: This phase covers:

* Electronic sensors. * External communication systems. * Navigation systems.

Combat Systems: This includes:

* Torpedo and missile control systems. * Sonar systems (for detecting things underwater). * External defense systems.

Reviews and Walkthroughs

After completing each stage, sailors have a "block review." Here, they are tested verbally on everything they learned in that phase.

Once all stages are done, the sailor must complete "compartment walkthroughs." A senior sailor walks through the submarine with them, asking questions about different areas. If they pass these walkthroughs, they are ready for the final step: the "Qual Board."

The "Qual Board"

This is often the most nerve-wracking part of the training. The board is made up of a submarine officer, a chief petty officer, and a petty officer. They ask tough questions, especially about damage control.

During the board, sailors might be asked to draw and explain any system they learned. After the board, the sailor leaves while the board members decide if they passed. If they do, the board recommends them to the submarine's commanding officer.

Some submarines also have a "Snapshot Board." Here, sailors face pretend emergencies and must show they can lead the response. This helps make sure sailors have practical skills, not just book knowledge.

If the commanding officer agrees, the sailor is officially "Qualified in Submarines." They are then presented with their "Dolphins" badge. This is a very important moment, as it means they are now a full member of the submarine crew. There's a tradition called "tacking on" where other qualified sailors might playfully tap the new badge on the sailor's chest. This is a way of welcoming them, though it's not officially part of the Navy rules.

After qualifying, "SS" is added to the sailor's job title, like STS1(SS). This stands for "submarine specialist."

Life After Qualification

Once a sailor earns their "Dolphins," they gain more respect and responsibility. They must continue to learn and qualify in other areas beyond their main job. This ensures everyone is cross-trained.

If a submarine sailor goes to a shore job and then returns to a submarine, or moves to a different type of submarine, they usually need to "re-qualify." This is often a quicker process, involving a walkthrough with a senior crew member.

Officer Submarine Qualifications

Officer submarine qualifications are similar to enlisted ones, but they go much deeper. Officers must also know all major systems and how to handle damage. However, their training focuses heavily on how to "drive" and "fight" the submarine.

New officers start with smaller qualifications, like "Basic Engineering Qualifications" and learning to operate the periscope. These help them support other officers.

For the first few months, new officers focus on engineering. After a year of special nuclear power training, they learn the submarine's engineering systems. They qualify as Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW) and Engineering Duty Officer (EDO). These officers are responsible for the submarine's nuclear power plant and related systems.

After mastering engineering, officers move on to tactical qualifications. They learn to be a Contact Manager, who helps track other vessels. Then they work on becoming a Diving Officer of the Watch (DOOW), who supervises the crew in safely driving the submarine.

Finally, officers complete their Officer of the Deck (OOD) and Ship's Duty Officer (SDO) qualifications. The OOD is in charge of the submarine's operations at sea, and the SDO is in charge when the submarine is in port. They act directly on behalf of the commanding officer.

Like enlisted sailors, officers must pass a Qualification Board, led by the commanding officer. The officer must also be observed by the commanding officer performing OOD duties, including taking the submarine to sea and bringing it back to port. If they pass, the commanding officer recommends them for qualification.

Submarine Medical Officer

To become a submarine medical officer, a doctor must complete a special undersea medical course. They also need to pass an exam, write a paper on undersea medicine, and complete a submarine qualification card. They must serve on a submarine for at least 30 days and be recommended by their commanding officer.

Submarine Supply Officer

Supply officers on submarines manage all the supplies. To qualify, they must serve on a submarine for at least one year and learn about the ship's systems. They also need to show leadership and be able to handle emergencies. They usually complete their qualification within two years.

Unofficial Submarine Badges

The U.S. Navy Submarine Force has some unofficial badges that are part of its history. For example, sailors who qualify on a Seawolf-class submarine might receive an unofficial badge that features that specific submarine in the center.

Other Countries' Submarine Badges

Australia

In the Royal Australian Navy Submarine Service, sailors who qualify as submariners receive a badge with two dolphins and a crown. This badge was designed in 1966.

United Kingdom

The British Royal Navy Submarine Service started giving out badges in the 1950s. Since 1972, their badge shows two dolphins and an anchor with a crown. Earning this "dolphin" badge means a sailor has completed special training beyond their basic job.

France

The French Navy has three levels of submarine badges:

Basic Level: For new submariners who pass a course and final exam.
Superior Level: For experienced submariners who pass a more advanced exam.
Officer in Command: For officers who command or have commanded a submarine.

The first two levels can be worn by both officers and enlisted sailors.

Images for kids

This enlisted submarine qualification booklet—"qual card"—was completed during the Cold War.
Enlisted submarine qualification insignia that uses a Seawolf-class submarine.