Jim Perks – Introduction of the Black Caps

Simon: What’s the relevance of the black cap then?

Well, I wanted to ensure there was still recognition. Dolphins were recognised and it wasn’t about the Surface Fleet getting and equivalent. The Surface Fleet though ‘Oh you’re doing this because we’ve got our set of dolphins.’

It absolutely wasn’t. We were running out of things we could do. What can you do to help the human, to try and make their lives better, to try and make them feel special?

So, we did a little bit of a straw pole and we said, “That was cool wasn’t it, back in the ‘40s and black caps, and it’s practical and it’s something we’ve always talked about in my career.” “Why have we got a white cap cover on a submarine? It’s bloody ridiculous. It’s not practical apart from anything else.”

And most people said, “Oh, that’s a good idea, let’s do that” and 1st said, “Yeah ok, we can do that”

We were helped by the 2nd Sea Lord at the time being Nick Hine and a badge wearing Submariner who also loved the idea. We did it and it was done too quickly, however, and it wasn’t funded properly and we had a bit of a backlash ‘cos we didn’t have … I don’t think there is still a supply route that is free, you have to go and buy them or just dye them yourself or spray paint your cap. I think it looks brilliant, I think it’s good, most people that I talk to think it’s a good idea.

Some of the more senior cohort would disagree but as I said with the black dolphins it was the same. It’s not about the senior cohort actually, it’s about the people, we’re trying to look after them. Not look after those of you that retired 20 years ago, sorry. It’s not about you anymore. You can have an opinion but if your opinion isn’t going to increase retention or recruitment then ok, great, fine I’m not going to do anything about that.

If black caps make a difference and make people talk about the Submarine Service, brilliant and it helps recruiting and retention, then we should do it.