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DO, we all get turned on by certain things, if yours is Latin, go for it mate. I can`t see the point in changing for changes sake.

Can just ask why do some cap badges have Latin wording on them on ?

I've always wondered about that.

For those who may not have already heard, the SBS held there inaugaration of there new cap badge (as pictured a few posts back) it is the same design but on a black sheild back ground (same as the SAS badge).

SB had plenty of fun on there parade for it. Beside being given a 'Right tun' to get on parade (should have been a left) and would have left them looking at the water tower insted of HRH Prince Phillip.

One officer decide to make up his own routine, so stood himself at ease. Was the only bloke to brace up for the next command.

Phil the greek gave a passing comment 'hope your lads fight better than they can march'

Two seniors were later escorted off the camp for fighting, and there is now a huge great burn in the senior's mess carpet (not just a cigarette burn) , which absolutly noone knows how it got there.

I think my interest in Latin comes from my interest in languages in general. Having picked up a few phrases here and there in different languages can be handy sometimes.

I agree, change for changes sake is a no no.

Fair point. Duly noted.

There is an article in the latest, Nov/Dec, Globe and Laurel written by the Commanding Officer SBS entitled, 'The Rationale for Changing the SBS' Regimental Identity.'

As I couldn't find a picture of the new beret badge on this thread I have copied the one shown in the article.



Aye, Derek

Looks a bit better than the picture version but I still don't see the need for change. Any chance of you giving us the highlights of the article?

Rotary Booty wrote:As I couldn't find a picture of the new beret badge on

I think I'm losing the will to live!

If it ain't broke don't fix it. Was it broke? Not from where I'm standing.

I still think it looks un-inspiring. The wavy blue lines are meant to represent "waves"!! And therefore the sea.
I hear that the knife is supposed to repesent the old Siebe Gorman Diving Knife (the one with the great big brass sheath).!!
I certainly wouldn't want to fight any one with that. That's if I could even lift it!!

No disrespect to the guys who are serving, have served and would hopefully one day serve in the SBS, but the badge looks Shyte. I know that by having the badge on the Beret, means you are one of an Elite Force,(and i thought the Globe and Laurel did that as well) but surely, would they not have been better asking the guys themselves what they wanted? Its a bit like the BBC, spending millions on a new logo, only to go back to the original several years later, lets all hope, that one day, the guys will get their Globe and buster back on their Berets.

A few interesting points there from those who know?,I was thinking the new SBS have retained the Green Beret,but what dress uniform will they be wearing,No 1s Best blues,Lovats or a 'Ginger Suit'?.That is of course when they are not 'Bimbling around' in foreign parts?.Aye JR

Aldo
Here is a full copy of the article. It may be the way I'm reading it, but in para 4 he talks about 'the need to consider what cap badge successful non-Royal Marine SBS personnel should wear'. Does that mean 'Royal' will still wear the G&L? A slender hope perhaps!

As I read through the SBS’ operational history just before taking command, I came across an article from the November 1947 edition of the Globe and Laurel which was written by the CO of the Combined Operations Beach and boat Section (COBBS) – one of the Service’s many forebear units. A sentence towards the end of the article caught my eye, ‘What we need at the moment is a little less secrecy so the remainder of the Corps realises what we are doing and why we are doing it’. Some things never change!
Mindful of this unhelpful dynamic in SBS – Corps relations, I would like to take this opportunity to set out the rationale underpinning the forthcoming changes to the SBS’ Regimental identity. From the outset, I cannot state strongly enough that changing the SBS’ Cap Badge and associated accoutrements has nothing to do with a desire to distance the Service from the Corps. We are, therefore, very grateful that CGRM has allowed the Service to retain the Green Beret as an unambiguous statement that Commando and Royal Marine ethos will remain pre-eminent within the SBS.
So why the change? The reasons are threefold. Firstly, in any organisation’s, or indeed individual’s, evolution there comes a time when establishing one’s own identity becomes a vital prerequisite in sustaining ambition, sense of purpose and self-esteem. You do not need me to tell you that nowhere is such a dynamic so keenly felt as in a military unit, where pride in the Regimental identity is synonymous with an enduring will to fight and win. As with the Corps, the SBS is no different in this regard. It has a need to evolve its identity and terms and conditions of service in step with its place in the world as a unique Special Forces unit.
The second reason is to achieve the commonality of appearance that enhances unit cohesion. Practicably, therefore, with a tri-Service approach to recruitment there is a need to consider what cap badge successful non-Royal Marine SBS personnel should wear – a similar conundrum that led to the adoption of the Green Beret by Commando Forces in October 1942. I am sure you would agree that having a myriad of RN, Army and RAF cap badges on the Green Beret would do little to store up the cohesion of a unit such as the SBS.
Thirdly, there is the issue of parity with other Special Forces units in terms of an individual being able to take pride in having completed one of the most arduous military selection courses in the World. Whilst some may argue that seeking visible recognition for achievement in the form of a new Regimental identity does not chime well with the inherent humility expected of an SF soldier, I would suggest that humility and taking pride in the uniqueness of one’s achievement would not be seen as mutually exclusive. Again, here too, there are some parallels with the logic underpinning the Corps’ practices of wearing Royal Marine Commando shoulder flashes, the Commando Dagger and parachute wings.
I hope that this will explain the rationale behind these changes and emphasise the importance the service attaches to its affiliation with the wider Corps. Finally, I would like to thank you all for the crucial and enduring support that the Royal Marine Family gives the SBS. There can be no doubt that the Corps remains the lifeblood of the Service.

Sorry it was so long, but to miss any of it out could alter the message.

Sisyphus - reading your post, does that mean there is already a picture of the new badge on this thread? If so, I still can't find it! Doh!

Aye, Derek

Cheers Rotary. For me the article doesn't really make a good argument, the pride and motivation of a regiment comes from the history and achievments not the top brass saying they are important enough to warrant a new cap badge (I don't even have had to serve in any unit to understand that). Secondly if a soldier wants to join the SBS from the Paras or somthing then they should accept that they get the globe and laurels or maybe be allowed to wear there old cap badge or possible having the globe and laurel with the SBS motto. None of the reasons really justified the change for me.

Rotary


Does this mean they will get to wear special forces para wings as well?

What a good idea!! That ought to be the way to distinguish the SBS from the rest of the Corps. Keep the Globe & Laurel and give them SF parachute wings!!
At least they wouldn't have to wear that crappy cap badge and would be able to stay true to their heritage.!!
S.B.

Being stuck in Hospital, ones mind wanders all over the place from boredom and I gave some thought to this thread.

All p**s taking aside, I know how we like to wind each other up, I have come to the conclusion that it would have been better to leave the badge as it was. It takes a great deal of commitment to earn a green beret and the globe and laurel has been proudly worn, in one shape or another for over three hundred years.

All of this should not be wiped out on a futile 're-branding' exercise.

It is the man who wears the beret not the design or colour that matters


Have a good New Year