With three green bars behind the Scout emblem, the senior patrol leader’s shoulder patch symbolizes one of the oldest leadership positions in Scouting. The Boy Scouts of America has long recognized the senior patrol leader as the highest youth leadership position in a troop. They are the primary link between a troop’s Scouts and its adult leaders. They shoulder the responsibility for leading meetings of the troop and the patrol leaders’ council and provide valuable leadership in planning and carrying out the troop’s program of outdoor activities, service projects, and events.

Responsibilities

• runs all troop meetings, events, activities, and the annual program planning conference
• runs the patrol leaders’ council (PLC) meetings
• appoints other troop junior leaders with the advice and counsel of the Scoutmaster
• assigns duties and responsibilities to junior leaders
• assists the Scoutmaster with junior leader training
• sets a good example
• wears the Scout uniform correctly
• lives by the Scout Oath and Law
• shows Scout spirit
• Senior Patrol Leader Handbook

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

The assistant senior patrol leader is the second highest youth leadership position in the troop, working closely with the senior patrol leader to help the troop move forward. The assistant senior patrol leader acts as the senior patrol leader in the absence of the senior patrol leader or when called upon, and provides leadership to other youth leaders in the troop. The assistant senior patrol leader is appointed by the senior patrol leader under the guidance of the Scoutmaster.

Responsibilities

• helps the senior patrol leader lead meetings and activities
• runs the troop in the absence of the senior patrol leader
• helps train and supervise the troop scribe, quartermaster, instructor, librarian, historian, webmaster,  chaplain aide, and OA representative
• serves as a member of the patrol leaders’ council
• sets a good example
• wears the Scout uniform correctly
• lives by the Scout Oath and Law
• shows Scout spirit
• lends a hand controlling the patrols and building patrol spirit

Patrol Leader

The patrol leader is the patrol’s key leader, representing the patrol at all patrol leaders’ council meetings and the annual program planning conference, and keeping patrol members informed of decisions made. Patrol leaders carry out planning, leading, and evaluating patrol meetings and activities, and assure patrols are prepared to participate in all troop activities. They keep their patrol intact so they can work together and share responsibilities to get things done. It is incumbent upon them to be a good example for the members of their patrol and the rest of the troop.

Responsibilities

• plans and leads patrol meetings and activities
• keeps patrol members informed
• assigns each patrol member a specific duty
• represents his patrol at all patrol leaders’ council meetings and the annual program planning conference
• prepares the patrol to participate in all troop activities
• works with other troop leaders to make the troop run well
• knows the abilities of each patrol member
• sets a good example
• wears the Scout uniform correctly
• lives by the Scout Oath and Law
• shows and develops patrol spirit
• The Patrol Leaders Handbook
• 10 Tips for Being a Better Patrol Leader

Troop Guide

Troop guides serve as both a leader and a mentor to the members of the new-Scout patrol. They should be an older Scout who holds at least the First Class rank and can work well with younger Scouts.

The troop guide helps the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol lead their patrol, so they can develop into a well-functioning group, working together harmoniously and productively.

Responsibilities

• introduces new Scouts to troop operations
• guides new Scouts from harassment by older Scouts
• helps new Scouts towards earning the First Class rank
• teaches basic Scout skills
• coaches the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol on his duties
• works with the patrol leader at patrol leaders’ council meetings
• attends patrol leaders’ council meetings with the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol
• counsels individuals Scouts on Scouting challenges
• sets a good example
• wears the Scout uniform correctly
• lives by the Scout Oath and Law
• shows Scout spirit

Quartermaster

Quartermasters serve as the troop’s supply boss. They keep an inventory of troop equipment and see that the gear is in good condition. They work with patrol quartermasters as they check out equipment and return it. At meetings of the patrol leaders’ council they report on the status of equipment in need of replacement or repair. In carrying out their responsibilities, they may have the guidance of a member of the troop committee.

Responsibilities

• keeps records on patrol and troop equipment
• makes sure equipment is in good working condition
• issues equipment and makes sure it is returned in good condition
• makes suggestions for new or replacement items
• works with the troop committee member responsible for equipment
• sets a good example
• wears the Scout uniform correctly
• lives by the Scout Oath and Law
• shows Scout spirit

Scribe

The scribe is the troop’s secretary. Though not a voting member, they attend meetings of the patrol leaders’ council and keep a record of the discussions. They cooperate with the patrol scribes to record attendance and dues payments at troop meetings and to maintain troop advancement records. The troop scribe may be assisted by a member of the troop committee.

Responsibilities

• attends and keeps a log of patrol leaders’ council meetings
• records individual Scout attendance and dues payments
• records individual Scout advancement progress
• works with the troop committee member responsible for records and finance
• sets a good example
• wears the Scout uniform correctly
• lives by the Scout Oath and Law
• shows Scout spirit