Troop Positions
Home Up Eagle Info Order of the Arrow Troop Positions Advancement Packing List

 

TROOP POSITIONS:        

Download doc to print and issue to each scout            

How to custom make the Special patrol patches

Troop Ranks and Positions

Click any of the following troop positions below to see the duties in detail.  

PATROL POSITIONS:

POSITION DESCRIPTIONS

Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)

Job Description:

The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) is the executive officer of the troop who works closely with the scoutmaster and other adult leaders as well as the PLC. The SPL is elected by majority vote of the troop. By PLC decision. he must be at least Life rank. He is responsible for leading PLC meetings to plan and organize troop activities. He is responsible, with the help of the other members of the PLC, to plan and carry out the troop meetings. The SPL is the primary officer responsible for discipline in most activities. He is responsible with the help of the other members of the PLC for planning and carrying out all troop campouts or other outings. In particular the SPL is responsible, with the Troop Quartermaster for selecting troop gear to take on campouts. When the SPL cannot be present, he should ensure that a senior member of the PLC (usually the ASPL) will be present to conduct the meeting, organize the campout, etc. The SPL, at the direction of the Scoutmaster, is responsible for writing a summary of accomplishments at the end of each term of office. At all times the SPL must be aware that he is the primary role model for the scout troop and he should demonstrate leadership and provide a living example of the following the principles of scouting.

Reports to: Scoutmaster

Adult Mentor: Scoutmaster

Senior Patrol Leader duties:

  • Preside at all troop meetings, events, activities, and the annual program planning conference.
  • Chairs and regularly attends the Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) monthly meetings occurring during his service period.
  • Collects PLC reports from the Troop Guides and uses them to generate the Troop Meeting Planner and Campout Activities Planner.
  • Appointed other boy leaders with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster.
  • Assign duties and responsibilities to other junior leaders.
  • Assists with Scoutmaster in training junior leaders.
  • Delegates task to the ASPLs. Makes sure an ASPL attends any meeting/function he will not be able to attend (troop, PLC, Committee Meeting, etc.)
  • Oversees the planning efforts of Scouts for all Troop campouts (whether he attends these outing or not).
  • Regularly attends troop meetings, troop campouts, and troop events during his service period.
  • Set a good example.
  • Enthusiastically wear the Scout Uniform correctly.
  • Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
  • Show Scout spirit.

Senior Patrol Leader Qualifications:

  • Life Scout

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)

Job Description:

The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) is the assistant to the SPL. The ASPL is selected jointly by the SPL and Scoutmaster immediately after a new SPL is elected. By PLC decision, the ASPL must be of at least Star rank. The ASPL should be ready at all times to assist the SPL in any duty or to assume the role of the SPL in his absence. Assigned duties may require planning or conducting troop meetings, campouts. etc. The ASPL, at the direction of the Scoutmaster, is responsible for writing a summary of accomplishments at the end of each term of Office.

Reports to: Senior Patrol Leader

Adult Mentor: Scoutmaster

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader duties:

  • Help with leading meetings and activities as called upon by the Senior Patrol Leader.
  • Take over troop leadership in the absence of the Senior Patrol Leader.
  • In the absence of the Troop Scribe, Historian, or Quartermaster should be prepared to perform the duties of those offices on a temporary basis.
  • Perform tasks assigned by the Senior Patrol Leader.
  • Assist in the training of younger scouts along with the Troop Guide and Instructors.
  • Guide the Troop Historian and the Troop Librarian.
  • Regularly attends troop meetings, troop campouts, and troop events during his service period.
  • Provide a role model to the troop of cheerful service and an example of following the principles of scouting.
  • Enthusiastically wear the Scout Uniform correctly.
  • Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
  • Show Scout spirit.

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Qualifications:

  • Star Scout

Counts toward rank: Star, Life, Eagle

Patrol Leader

Job Description:

    The Patrol Leader is elected by the patrol and leads the patrol.

Reports to: The Senior Patrol Leader

Adult Mentor: Scoutmaster

Patrol Leader duties:

  • Plan and lead patrol meetings and activities.
  • Keep patrol members informed.
  • Assign each patrol member a job and help them succeed.
  • Represent the patrol at all Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) meetings and at the annual program planning conference.
  • Prepares the patrol to take part in all troop activities.
  • Develop patrol spirit.
  • Regularly attends troop meetings, troop campouts, and troop events during his service period.
  • Work with other troop leaders to make the troop run well.
  • Know what patrol members and other leaders can do.
  • Set the example.
  • Wear the Scout uniform correctly.
  • Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
  • Show Scout spirit.

Patrol Leader Qualifications:

  • 1st Class Scout

Counts toward rank: Star, Life, Eagle

 

Troop Quartermaster

Job Description:

    The Troop Quartermaster keeps track of troop equipment and sees that it is in good working order.

Reports to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Adult Mentor: Adult Quartermaster

Troop Quartermaster duties:

  • Keep records on patrol and troop equipment.
  • Keep equipment in good repair.
  • Issue equipment and see that it is returned in good order.
  • Suggest new or replacement items.
  • Work with the troop committee member responsible for equipment.
  • Regularly attends troop meetings, troop campouts, and troop events during his service period.
  • Set a good example.
  • Enthusiastically wear the Scout Uniform correctly.
  • Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
  • Show Scout spirit.

Quartermaster Qualifications:

  • 1st Class Scout

Counts toward rank: Star, Life, Eagle

Assistant Patrol Leader (APL)
Note: This position will NOT count toward rank advancement.

Job Description:

    The Assistant Patrol Leader is elected by the Patrol and leads the patrol in the absence of the Patrol Leader.

Reports to: The Patrol Leader

Adult Mentor: Scoutmaster

Assistant Patrol Leader duties:

  • Assist the Patrol Leader in:
      - planning and leading patrol meetings and activities.
      - keeping patrol members informed.
      - preparing your patrol to take part in all troop activities.
  • and steer patrol meetings and activities
  • Take charge of the patrol in the absence of the Patrol Leader.
  • Represent the patrol at Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) meetings in the absence of the Patrol Leader.
  • Work with the other troop leaders to make the troop run well.
  • Regularly attends troop meetings, troop campouts, and troop events during his service period.
  • Help develop patrol spirit.
  • Set a good example.
  • Wear the Scout Uniform correctly.
  • Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
  • Show Scout Spirit.

Assistant Patrol Leader Qualifications:

  • Scout

Counts toward rank: none

Instructor

Job Description:

The Instructor teaches scouting skills.

Reports to: The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Adult Mentor: Assistant Scoutmaster for the New Scout Patrol

Instructor duties:

  • Instruct Scouting skills as needed within the troop or patrols.
  • Regularly attends troop meetings, troop campouts, and troop events during his service period.
  • Prepare well in advance for each teaching assignment.
  • Set a good example.
  • Enthusiastically wear the Scout uniform correctly.
  • Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
  • Show Scout spirit.

Instructor Qualifications:

  • 1st Class Scout

Counts toward rank: Star, Life, Eagle

Troop Scribe

Job Description:

    The Troop Scribe keeps the troop records. He records the activities of the Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) and keeps a record of dues, advancement, and Scout attendance at troop meetings.

Reports to: The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Adult Mentor: Troop Committee Secretary

Troop Scribe duties:

  • Attend and keep a log of Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) Meetings.
  • Record attendance at troop functions.
  • Record advancement in troop records.
  • Work with the troop committee member responsible for finance, records, and advancement.
  • Regularly attends troop meetings, troop campouts, and troop events during his service period..
  • Set a good example.
  • Enthusiastically wear the Scout Uniform correctly.
  • Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
  • Show Scout spirit.

Scribe Qualifications:

  • 1st Class Scout

Counts toward rank: Star, Life, Eagle

 

Troop Quartermaster

Job Description:

    The Troop Quartermaster keeps track of troop equipment and sees that it is in good working order.

Reports to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Adult Mentor: Adult Quartermaster

Troop Quartermaster duties:

  • Keep records on patrol and troop equipment.
  • Keep equipment in good repair.
  • Issue equipment and see that it is returned in good order.
  • Suggest new or replacement items.
  • Work with the troop committee member responsible for equipment.
  • Regularly attends troop meetings, troop campouts, and troop events during his service period.
  • Set a good example.
  • Enthusiastically wear the Scout Uniform correctly.
  • Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
  • Show Scout spirit.

Quartermaster Qualifications:

  • 1st Class Scout

Counts toward rank: Star, Life, Eagle

 

Troop Guide 

Job Description:

    To work actively with new Scouts in the Trail to First Class program. The Troop Guides introduce new Scouts to troop operations and helps them feel comfortable in the troop.

Reports to: Assistant Scoutmaster for the New Scout Patrol

Adult Mentor: Assistant Scoutmaster for the New Scout Patrol

Troop Guide duties:

  • Help all first year Scouts earn advancement requirements through First Class
  • Help all Scouts keep uniforms in correct order & patches in correct positions
  • Advise patrol leader on his duties and responsibilities at Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) meetings.
  • Attend Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) meetings with the New Scout Patrol Leader.
  • Prevent harassment of new Scouts by older Scouts.
  • Help Assistant Scoutmaster train new Scouts by older Scouts.
  • Guide new Scouts through early troop experiences to help them become comfortable in the troop and the outdoors.
  • Teach basic Scout skills.
  • Regularly attends troop meetings, troop campouts, and troop events during his service period.
  • Set a good example.
  • Enthusiastically wear the Scout Uniform correctly.
  • Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
  • Show Scout spirit.

Troop Guide Qualifications:

  • Star Scout

Counts toward rank: Star, Life, Eagle

Bugler

Job Description:

The Bugler plays the bugle at troop ceremonies.

Reports to: The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Adult Mentor: Appointed by Scoutmaster

Bugler duties:

Bugler Qualifications:

  • 1st Class Scout
  • Must be able to play bugle/trumpet/cornet
  • Must be able to hit High E without cracking (highest note for most bugle calls)

Counts toward rank: Star, Life

Librarian

Job Description: The Librarian takes care of troop literature.

Reports to: The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Adult Mentor: Merit Badge Coordinator

Librarian duties:

  • Establish and take care of the troop library.
      - Keep records on literature owned by the troop.
      - Hold and store all earned merit badges and deliver them at Court of Honor.
      - Keep books and pamphlets available for borrowing at troop meetings.
      - Add new or replacement items as needed.
      - Keep a system for checking books and pamphlets in and out.
      - Follow up on late returns.
  • Set a good example.
  • Regularly attends troop meetings, troop campouts, and troop events during his service period.
  • Wear the Scout Uniform correctly.
  • Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
  • Show Scout spirit.

Librarian Qualifications:

  • 1st Class Scout

Counts toward rank: Star, Life, Eagle

Historian

Job Description: The Historian keeps a historical record or scrapbook of troop activities.

Reports to: The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Adult Mentor: Troop Publicity Coordinator

Historian duties:

  • Gather pictures and facts about past troop activities and keeps them in scrapbooks, wall displays or informational ( historical ) files.
  • Take care of troop trophies, ribbons, and souvenirs of troop activities.
  • Keep information about former members of the troop.
  • Set a good example.
  • Regularly attends troop meetings, troop campouts, and troop events during his service period.
  • Enthusiastically wear the Scout Uniform correctly.
  • Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
  • Show Scout spirit.

Historian Qualifications:

  • 1st Class Scout

Counts toward rank: Star, Life, Eagle

Chaplain Aide

Job Description:

    The Chaplain Aide works with the Troop Chaplain to meet the religious needs of the Scouts in the troop. He also works to promote the religious emblems program.

Reports to: the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (and works with the Chaplain)

Adult Mentor: Adult Chaplain

Chaplain Aide duties:

  • Keep troop leader appraised of religious holidays when planning activities.
  • Assist Chaplain or religious coordinator in meeting the religious needs of troop members while on activities.
  • Encourage saying grace at meals while camping or on activities.
  • Tell Scouts about the religious emblem program of their faith.
  • Help plan for religious observance in troop activities.
  • Regularly attends troop meetings, troop campouts, and troop events during his service period.
  • Set a good example.
  • Enthusiastically wear the Scout uniform correctly.
  • Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
  • Show Scout spirit.

Chaplain Aide Qualifications:

  • 1st Class Scout

Counts toward rank: Star, Life, Eagle

Den Chief

Job Description:

    The Den Chief works with the Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and den leaders in the Cub Scout pack.

Reports to: The Den Leader in the pack and the Assistant Scoutmaster for the New Scout Patrol in the troop.

Adult Mentor: Den Chief Coordinator

Den Chief duties:

  • Serve as the activities assistant at den meetings.
  • Meet regularly with the Den Leader to review the den and pack meeting plans.
  • If serving as a Webelos Den Chief, prepare boys to join Boy Scouting.
  • Project a positive image of Boy Scouting.
  • Know the purposes of Cub Scouting.
  • Encourage Cub Scouts to join a Boy Scout troop upon graduation.
  • Help out at weekly den meetings and monthly pack meetings.
  • Regularly attends troop meetings, troop campouts, and troop events during his service period.
  • Be a friend to the boys in the den.
  • Set a good example.
  • Wear the Scout uniform correctly.
  • Live by Scout Oath and Law.
  • Show scout Spirit.

Den Chief Qualifications:

  • 1st Class Scout
  • Must be at least 2 years older than the age of the boys in the den he is working with.
  • May not be a den chief for his younger brother's den

Counts toward rank: Star, Life, Eagle

Junior Assistant Scoutmaster

Job Description:

Reports to: The Scoutmaster

Adult Mentor: Scoutmaster

Junior Assistant Scoutmaster duties:

Junior Assistant Scoutmanster Qualifications:

Counts toward rank: Eagle

 

Webmaster                                                        

Job Description: Must keep the troop web site up- to -date with current info.

Webmaster  Qualifications:

  • 1st Class Scout

Counts toward rank: Star, Life, Eagle

Leave No Trace Trainer                                                       

Job Description:

The Leave No Trace Trainer helps minimize impact on the land by teaching members the principles of Leave No Trace
and improving Scouts’ outdoor ethics decision-making skills. The senior patrol leader may appoint a Scout, 14 years or older
who has successfully completed the official 16-hour Leave No Trace Trainer training course, to serve as the troop Leave No
Trace Trainer. A Scout under the age of 14, or who has not completed Leave No Trace Trainer training, may serve as an
instructor teaching Leave No Trace skills until he obtains the necessary training.

He should have completed Leave No Trace training as well as earned both the Camping and Environmental Science merit badges.

The Trainer will need to attend campouts to lead Leave No Trace practices during the campout.

Webmaster  Qualifications:

  • 1st Class Scout

Counts toward rank: Star, Life, Eagle

PATROL   LEADERSHIPS

Patrol Hikemaster

Job Description:

The Patrol Hikemaster makes sure all scouts in the patrol are well hydrated and looks for signs of stress during the hike.

Arranges for hikes and camps. He will always ensure that the patrol has a map and a compass, knows the route and is skilled in the art of navigation. He can find North without a compass and knows how to pack a backpack, light a fire, live in the woods. He knows how to arrange the campsite, put up bear bags, he understands the woods and knows his woodlore.

Patrol Grubmaster

Job Description:

The Patrol Grubmaster is in charge of food and cooking (exception for those doing 1st Class Cooking).  He lines up menus and purchases food for campouts. He also is in charge of kitchen duties in the field. Creates menus, shopping lists, equipment lists and knows how to keep the patrol running in the field. The Grubmaster knows recipes and it prepared to cook from what the patrol has. He knows that hot food and a good meal is not only good for the body, it is good for the soul. He assigns the KP Roster for the day: who’s washing, drying, stove cleanup, firewood etc

 

Download KP Roster

 

Patrol Readyman

Job Description:

The Patrol Readyman looks after first aid equipment and takes care of all first aid on hikes and camps. He is astute at first aid and understands what to do in an emergency situation.  He is also in charge of cleanliness around the camp. He is one that ensures that Scouts are washing their hands, purifying water, taking care of themselves. The Patrol Readyman knows his first aid. He is qualified in Red Cross First Responder, Wilderness First Aid, and CPR. The Readyman also has his patrol ready to tackle disasters in our community. He has an emergency response kit ready for his patrol and knows what do if an emergency hits our community.

 

Patrol Cheermaster

Job Description:

This is the guy that keeps moral up. Carries the patrol flag – keeper of morale in the patrol. He is the guy that is quick with a cheer, a song, a joke. It is his job to assist others and keep them in good cheer. This is a tough job. The Cheermaster is skilled in the art of confrontation and knows how to stifle a quarrel quickly. He understands the importance of the thorns, roses and buds and ensures his patrol conducts these often. He is also the one in charge of keeping the patrol flag. He knows the moves with the flag and knows his flag ceremonies. He is the one that guards the spirit of the patrol.

 

 

OA Troop Representative

Job Description:

An Order of the Arrow Troop Representative is a youth liaison serving between the local OA lodge or chapter and his troop. In his troop, he serves as a communication and programmatic link to the Arrowman and adult leaders and Scouts who are not presently members of the Order. He does this in a fashion that strengthens the mission of the lodge and purpose of the Order. By setting a good example, he enhances the image of the Order as a service arm to his troop.

Reports to: The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Adult Mentor: Adult OA Representative

OA Troop Representative duties:

  • Serves as a communication link between the lodge or chapter and the troop.
  • Encourages year round and resident camping in the troop.
  • Encourages older Scout participation in high adventure programs.
  • Encourages Scouts to actively participate in community service projects.
  • Assists with leadership skills training in the troop.
  • Encourages Arrowmen to assume leadership positions in the troop.
  • Encourages Arrowmen in the troop to be active participants in the lodge and/or chapter activities and to seal their membership in the Order by becoming Brotherhood members.
  • Regularly attends troop meetings, troop campouts, and troop events during his service period.
  • Sets a good example.
  • Enthusiastically wears the Scout uniform correctly.
  • Lives by the Scout Oath, Scout Law and OA Obligation .
  • Shows Scout spirit

OA Troop Representative Qualifications:

  • Under 18 years old
  • Appointed by SPL with SM approval
  • OA Member in good standing
  • First Class Scout

Counts toward rank: Star, Life, Eagle

OA Member Eligibility

The Order of the Arrow membership requirements are:

  • Be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America.
  • After registration with a troop or team, have experienced 15 days and nights of Boy Scout camping during the two-year period prior to the election.  The 15 days and nights must include one, but no more than one, long-term camp consisting of six consecutive days and five nights of resident camping, approved and under the auspices and standards of the Boy Scouts of America.  The balance of the camping must be overnight, weekend, or other short-term camps.
  • Youth must be under the age of 21,
  • hold the BSA First Class rank or higher, 
  • and following approval by the Scoutmaster or Varsity team Coach, be elected by the youth members of their troop or team.
  • Adults (age 21 or older) who are registered in the BSA and meet the camping requirements may be selected following nomination to the lodge adult selection committee.  Adult selection is based on their ability to perform the necessary functions to help the Order fulfill its purpose, and is not for recognition of service, including current or prior positions. Selected adults must be an asset to the Order because of demonstrated abilities, and must provide a positive example for the growth and development of the youth members of the lodge.