CURRENT LEADERSHIP POSITIONS:
Patrol Leader
The patrol leader is the top leader of a patrol. He represents the patrol at all patrol leaders’ council
meetings and the annual program planning conference and keeps patrol members informed of
decisions made. He plays a key role in planning, leading, and evaluating patrol meetings and activities
and prepares the patrol to participate in all troop activities. The patrol leader learns about the abilities
of other patrol members and full involves them in patrol and troop activities by assigning them specific
tasks and responsibilities. He encourages patrol members to complete advancement requirements
and sets a good example by continuing to pursue his own advancement.
Senior Patrol Leader
The senior patrol leader is the top leader of the troop. He is responsible for the troop’s overall
operation. With guidance from the Scoutmaster, he takes charge of troop meetings, of the patrol
leaders’ council, and of all troop activities, and he does everything he can to help each patrol be
successful. He is responsible for annual program planning conferences and assists the Scoutmaster
in conducting troop leadership training. The senior patrol leader presides over the patrol leaders’
council and works closely with each patrol leader to plan troop meetings and make arrangements for
troop activities. All members of a troop vote by secret ballot to choose their senior patrol leader. Rank
and age requirements to be a senior patrol leader are determined by each troop, as is the schedule of
elections. During a Scout’s time as senior patrol leader, he is not a member of any patrol but may
participate with a Venture patrol in high-adventure activities.
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
The assistant senior patrol leader works closely with the senior patrol leader to help the troop move
forward and serves as acting senior patrol leader when the senior patrol leader is absent. Among his
specific duties, the assistant senior patrol leader trains and provides direction to the troop
quartermaster, scribe, historian, librarian, instructors, and Order of the Arrow representative. During
his tenure as assistant senior patrol leader he is not a member of a patrol, but he may participate in
the high-adventure activities of a Venture patrol. Large troops may have more than one assistant
senior patrol leader, each appointed by the senior patrol leader.
Troop Guide
The troop guide is both a leader and a mentor to the members of the new-Scout patrol. He should be
an older Scout who holds at least the First Class rank and can work well with younger Scouts. He
helps the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol in much the same way that a Scoutmaster works with a
senior patrol leader to provide direction, coaching, and support. The troop guide is not a member of
another patrol but may participate in the high-adventure activities of a Venture patrol.
Quartermaster
The quartermaster is the troop’s supply boss. He keeps an inventory of troop equipment and sees that
the gear is in good condition. He works with patrol quartermasters as they check out equipment and
return it, and at meetings of the patrol leaders’ council he reports on the status of equipment in need
of replacement or repair. In carrying out his responsibilities, he may have the guidance of a member
of the troop committee.
Scribe
The scribe is the troop’s secretary. Though not a voting member, he attends meetings of the patrol
leaders’ council and keeps a record of the discussions. He cooperates with the patrol scribes to
record attendance and dues payments at troop meetings and to maintain troop advancement records.
A member of the troop committee may assist him with his work.
Historian
The historian collects and preserves troop photographs, news stories, trophies, flags, scrapbooks,
awards, and other memorabilia and makes materials available for Scouting activities, the media, and
troop history projects.
Librarian
The troop librarian oversees the care and use of troop books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals,
and merit badge counselor lists. He checks out these materials to Scouts and leaders and maintains
records to ensure that everything is returned. He may also suggest the acquisition of new literature
and report the need to repair or replace any current holdings.
Instructor
Each instructor is an older troop member proficient in a Scouting skill. He must also have the ability to
teach that skill to others. An instructor typically teaches subjects that Scouts are eager to learn—
especially those such as first aid, camping, and backpacking—that are required for outdoor activities
and rank advancement. A troop can have more than one instructor.
Chaplain Aide
The chaplain aide assists the troop chaplain (usually an adult from the troop committee or the
chartered organization) in serving the religious needs of the troop. He ensures that religious holidays
are considered during the troop’s program planning process and promotes the BSA’s religious
emblems program.
Bugler
The bugler plays the bugle (or a similar interest) to mark key moments during the day on troop
outings, such as reveille and lights out. He must know the required bugle calls and should ideally have
earned the Bugling merit badge.
Den Chief
The den chief works with a den of Cub Scouts and with their adult leaders. He takes part in den
meetings, encourages Cub Scout advancement, and is a role model for younger boys. Serving as den
chief can be a great first leadership experience for a Scout. A Webelos den chief can help plan and
assist with the leadership of Webelos den meetings and field activities. He can lead songs and stunts,
and encourage Webelos Scouts to progress into the Boy Scout troop.
Order of the Arrow Troop Representative
The Order of the Arrow representative serves as a communication link between the troop and the
local Order of the Arrow lodge. By enhancing the image of the Order as a service arm to the troop, he
promotes the Order, encourages Scouts to take part in all sorts of camping opportunities, and helps
pave the way for older Scouts to become involved in high-adventure programs. The OA troop
representative assists with leadership skills training. He reports to the assistant senior patrol leader.
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
A Scout at least 16 years of age who has shown outstanding leadership skills may be appointed by
the senior patrol leader, with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster, to serve as a junior assistant
Scoutmaster. These young men (a troop may have more than one junior assistant Scoutmaster)
follow the guidance of the Scoutmaster in providing support and supervision to other boy leaders in
the troop. Upon his 18th birthday, a junior assistant Scoutmaster will be eligible to become an
assistant Scoutmaster.
Leave No Trace Trainer (new in 2010)
The Leave No Trace Trainer specializes in teaching Leave No Trace principles and ensuring that the
troop follows these principles on outings. He can also help Scouts earn the Leave No Trace award.
He should have a thorough understanding of and commitment to Leave No Trace. Ideally, he should
have completed Leave No Trace training and earned the Camping and Environmental Science merit
badges.
Troop Webmaster (new in 2010)
The troop webmaster is responsible for maintaining the troop’s website. He should make sure that
information posted on the website is correct and up to date and that members’ and leaders’ privacy is
protected. A member of the troop committee may assist him with his work.