UK: Greater Recognition for Senior Female Officers

Eighteen months ago the Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral David Steel began a consultation exercise to determine how the tricorn for senior female officers might be made more distinctive.

The caps of male officers of Commander rank and above are clearly marked with gold braid on the peak. This was not the case for the old tricorn caps previously worn by their female counterparts which only had a single line of 3mm gold Russian braid around the headband that never really stood out.

As of 12 September, the new cap is standard uniform for all female Commanders and above, to ensure they are recognised alongside their male equivalents and the proper marks of respect are not missed.

Princess Anne, Chief Commandant for Women in the Royal Navy, will wear a tricorn with a double band of braid around the headband, the designation of a female officer of Flag Rank.

Commander Eleanor Ablett, who has just received her new tricorn cap, said: “Promotion to commander is a significant milestone in an officer’s career. The tricorn was a little disappointing when compared with the laurels on the men’s peaked cap.

“The Navy values its senior women and this update to our tricorns demonstrates that fact.”

The Second Sea Lord has championed this matter on behalf of the 48 female officers of commander rank and higher.

He said: “I am delighted that we have been able to give female officers the recognition they deserve. They are a vital part of our service and should be acknowledged as such.

“As well as an improvement for our senior women today, I hope this small but important change now also gives something else for our junior servicewomen to strive for.”

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Press Release, September 16, 2013; Image: Royal Navy