This object is a modern-issue Chilean Navy Submarine Warfare Badge, a breast insignia awarded to qualified submarine personnel of the Armada de Chile. For collectors of military insignia, this badge represents a fascinating example of how submarine qualification traditions have spread across navies worldwide, while retaining distinctive national characteristics. The Chilean submarine service boasts one of the longest continuous histories in South America, and this badge is a tangible symbol of that proud heritage.

Origins of the Chilean Submarine Force

The Fuerza de Submarinos (Chilean Submarine Force) was established in 1917 when Chile received six British H-class submarines from the Royal Navy. This acquisition placed Chile among the earliest submarine-operating nations in the Western Hemisphere. The submarine badge appears to have been instituted following international submarine warfare insignia conventions that were established in the 1920s, though the precise date of its introduction remains undocumented.

In the late 1920s, Chile further expanded its underwater capability with the purchase of three Capitán O'Brien-class submarines. The early Type II badges from the 1930s through the World War II era coincided with this period of fleet expansion, representing the first well-documented variant of the Chilean submarine qualification insignia.

The broader period from 1915 to 1950 was not without challenges for the Chilean Navy. Political turmoil affected the service, most dramatically during the 1931 mutiny, which involved 26 vessels. Despite such upheavals, the Chilean Navy maintained its reputation as one of the most professional naval forces in the Americas — a distinction it retains to this day.

Physical Description and Design

The badge depicts a submarine in horizontal position flanked by two dolphins, with the dolphins resting on the submarine’s bow planes. This design follows international submarine insignia conventions that have become standard across many of the world’s navies. The modern version features a golden finish metal construction and measures approximately 57 mm (2¼ inches) in width and 51 mm (2 inches) in height. Attachment is accomplished through a clutchback or horizontal pin with a “C” catch mechanism.

The reverse of modern examples bears the manufacturer’s marking “MILLED CHILE,” identifying it as a product of Medal Company (Chile), which currently produces these badges for official issue. This marking is a crucial identification feature for collectors seeking to distinguish modern official production from earlier variants or reproductions.

Variants and Classification

Multiple documented variants of the Chilean submarine badge exist, representing both historical evolution and functional distinctions within the service.

The earliest documented forms are the Type I and Type II badges from the 1930s through the World War II period. These were manufactured in stamped brass and, notably, the Type II examples are typically unmarked on the reverse — a significant distinction from their modern counterparts.

Modern badges come in two color variants that denote different qualification categories. Gold badges are worn by all ranks who have qualified in submarine operations. Silver badges are designated for personnel serving in auxiliary capacities, specifically in Engineering, Medical, and Supply services. This two-tier color distinction allows immediate visual identification of the wearer’s role within the submarine force.

Additionally, a beret badge version exists for officers and NCO personnel of the Submarine Force, worn on the black beret that is distinctive to the Chilean submarine service.

Award Criteria and Usage

The badge is awarded to personnel of the Chilean Navy Submarine Force who successfully complete the submarine qualification process, which follows standards similar to those employed by international submarine forces. It is worn on the uniform or, in the case of the beret version, on the black beret associated with the submarine service. The qualification represents a rigorous process that certifies the wearer’s competence in submarine operations — a tradition shared by submarine forces worldwide.

The Modern Chilean Submarine Force

Today, Chilean submarine operations are based at Talcahuano and the force operates four attack submarines: two Type 209/Thomson-class boats that entered service in 1984, and two Scorpène-class submarines delivered in 2005–2006. The submarine force remains an active and vital component of Chilean naval power, and the qualification badge continues in active use as of 2025.

Collector Considerations

The present example is described as being in Zustand 2 (Condition 2) and represents a modern production specimen. Collectors should be aware that alongside official issue badges, modern reproductions and collector versions also exist in the marketplace. The presence or absence of the “MILLED CHILE” marking on the reverse is a key diagnostic feature for identifying official modern production. Historical examples from the 1930s–WWII era, produced in stamped brass without manufacturer markings, are considerably rarer and represent a distinct collecting category.

The Chilean submarine badge, while less frequently encountered than its American, British, or German counterparts, offers collectors an opportunity to explore the submarine traditions of a navy that has operated underwater craft for over a century. Its design, rooted in universal submarine insignia conventions yet distinctively Chilean in execution, makes it a worthy addition to any comprehensive collection of submarine warfare memorabilia.