Boy Scout troop

Patrol Leader's Council

Junior Assistant Scoutmaster

is a Scout at least 16 years of age who has shown outstanding leadership skills. He is appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster. A Junior Assistant Scoutmaster follows the guidance of the Scoutmaster in providing support and supervision to the other boy leaders in the troop. Upon his 18th birthday, a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster is eligible to become an assistant Scoutmaster.

Senior Patrol Leader

The senior patrol leader (SPL) is elected by the Scouts to represent them as the top youth leader in the troop. He runs all troop meetings, events, activities, the annual program planning conference, and the patrol leaders' council meeting. He appoints other troop youth leaders with the advice and counsel of the Scoutmaster.

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

The assistant senior patrol leader (ASPL) is the second highest-ranking youth leader in the troop. He is appointed by the senior patrol leader with the approval of the Scoutmaster. The assistant senior patrol leader acts as the senior patrol leader in the absence of the senior patrol leader or when called upon. He also provides leadership to other youth leaders in the troop.

Patrol Leader

The patrol leader is the elected leader of his patrol. He represents his patrol on the patrol leaders’ council and appoints the assistant patrol leader.

Troop Guide

The troop guide works with new Scouts. He helps them feel comfortable and earn their First Class in their first year. He teaches basic Scout skills and works with the patrol leader at patrol leaders’ council meetings. Serving as Guide can apply towards Positions of Responsibility requirements for Eagle in a Boy Scout Troop or a Varsity Scout Team, but in a Venturing Crew Ship it only counts for Star and Life.

Other troop leadership positions

Assistant Patrol Leader

The assistant patrol leader is appointed by the patrol leader and leads the patrol in his absence. He represents his patrol at patrol leaders’ council meetings when the patrol leader cannot attend. The assistant patrol leader position does not count towards leadership requirements for Star, Life, or Eagle.

Quartermaster

The quartermaster keeps track of troop equipment and sees that it is in good working order. He keeps records on patrol and troop equipment, makes sure equipment is in good working condition, and issues equipment and makes sure it is returned in good condition. (Appointed by the SPL) Serving as Quartermaster can apply towards Positions of Responsibility requirements for Eagle in a Boy Scout Troop or a Varsity Scout Team, but in a Venturing Crew Ship it only counts for Star and Life.

Scribe

The scribe keeps the troop records. He records the activities of the patrol leaders’ council and keeps a record of dues, advancement, and Scout attendance at troop meetings. (Appointed by the SPL)

Historian

The historian preserves troop photographs, news stories, trophies, flags, scrapbooks, awards, and other memorabilia. (Appointed by the SPL) Serving as Historian can apply towards Positions of Responsibility requirements for Eagle in a Boy Scout Troop, but in a Varsity Scout Team or a Venturing Crew Ship it only counts for Star and Life.

Librarian

The librarian oversees the care and use of troop books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor lists. (Appointed by the SPL)

Instructor

The instructor teaches Scouting skills.

Chaplain Aide

The chaplain aide works with the troop chaplain to meet the religious needs of Scouts in the troop. He also works to promote the religious emblems program. (Appointed by the SPL)

 Den Chief

The den chief works with the Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and den leaders in the Cub Scout pack. Helps Cub Scouts advance through Cub Scout ranks and encourages Cub Scouts to join a Boy Scout troop upon graduation. Serving as Den Chief can apply towards Positions of Responsibility requirements for Eagle in a Boy Scout Troop or a Varsity Scout Team, but in a Venturing Crew Ship it only counts for Star and Life.

Junior Assistant Scoutmaster

The junior assistant Scoutmaster (JASM) serves in the capacity of an assistant Scoutmaster except where legal age and maturity are required. He must be at least 16 years old and not yet 18. He is appointed by the Scoutmaster because of his leadership ability.

Order of the Arrow Representative

The Order of the Arrow Representative is a youth liaison serving between the local Order of the Arrow (OA) lodge or chapter and his troop. In his unit, he helps meet the needs of the unit and will serve as a communication and programmatic link to and from Arrowmen, adult leaders and Scouts who are not presently members of the Order. (Appointed by the SPL)

Webmaster

Effective January 1, 2010

Leave No Trace Trainer

Effective January 1, 2010

Bugler

The Bugler should be able to make appropriate bugle calls, as requested, at troop activities. (Appointed by the SPL) Serving as Bugler can apply towards Positions of Responsibility requirements for Star and Life but not Eagle.

Musician

Boy Scouts or Venturers who are members of bands, drill teams, or drum and bugle corps affiliated with a unit or a local council may also wear the musician badge special insignia.

Ranks requiring a Positions of Responsibility

• Star Rank #5 "While a First Class Scout, serve actively 4 months in one or more of the following positions..."
• Life Rank #5 "While a Star Scout, serve actively 6 months in one or more of the positions of responsibility..."
• Eagle Scout Rank #4 "While a Life Scout, serve actively for a period of 6 months in one or more of the following positions of responsibility..." (reduced list)
• See also: National Youth Leadership Training? (NYLT) - a fun, six-day outdoor learning course.