The Scout Uniform

The “Class A” Shirt

One of the most recognized symbols of the BSA is the Scout uniform, and the item most people think about is the recognizable tan shirt.

Scouts who were part of Cub Scout Pack may already have their Scouts BSA shirt. While it is not required, many packs have the Scouts transition from their dark blue Scout Shirt to the tan one once they reach the WEBELOS rank. Scouts will use that same tan shirt while they are with the troop.

Parents… If you purchased a tan shirt while your Scout was in a pack, you may have been told to “get a larger size”, and this is why. That shirt can be used until the Scout ages-out of the troop at 18 years old…or until they outgrow the shirt and require a new one.

Starting New

When Scouts join a troop, they are starting a new adventure. As such, their Scouts BSA shirt cannot include rank and other advancements patches earned while the Scout was in Cub Scouts.

One exception is the Arrow Of Light patch. This patch, which symbolizes the completion of the Cub Scouts program, can be worn on the uniform while the Scout is a member of the troop.

There are a few additional exceptions. The flag on the sleeve…the council path…the World Scout Emblem (Fleur-de-lis) over the front pocket… These are some of the items that can remain.

As they did while in the pack, Scouts should place the troop’s number on the left sleeve. Our troop will provide this patch to the Scouts as needed.

Additional Scouts BSA Patches

There are a few patches that the Scouts will, over time, add to their uniform.

Patrol Patch

The Scout will (eventually) join a patrol. Each patrol typically has its own patch. Scouts wear the patrol patch on the right sleeve.

Rank

The Scout will receive a new rank patch whenever a rank is completed and awarded. This patch can be worn on the front pocket.

Youth Leadership Position

As talked about on other pages, the Scouts will hold various leadership positions while in the troop. Whenever a Scout is elected or nominated to a position, the troop provides a patch that can be placed on the Scout’s left sleeve.

Merit Badges

The Scouts BSA uniform typically has fewer patches and other items on it compared to the Cub Scout uniform. Aside from the rank advancements (the patches of which are placed on the front pocket), the other key advancements earned by the Scouts are the merit badges.

Every time a Scout completes a merit badge, a patch will be awarded. There are over 135 merit badges available to the Scouts. Most Scouts will earn quite a few. Since they can’t easily fit on the uniform, Merit Badges are placed on a sash that can be worn with the uniform.