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. During a Scout’s time as Senior Patrol Leader, he is not a member of any patrol but may participate with a patrol in troop 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 an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader he is not a member of a patrol, but he may participate with a patrol in troop activities. There may be more than one Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, each appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader.
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.
Assistant Patrol Leader Assists the Patrol Leader, acts as the Patrol Leader when he is absent from troop meetings or troop activities, and attends the Patrol Leaders’ Council meetings to plan troop activities and troop meetings.
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster An active Life Scout or Eagle Scout at least 16 years of age who has shown outstanding leadership skills to serve as a junior assistant Scoutmaster. These young men 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.
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.
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 patrols 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.
Treasurer Has charge of the treasury notebook. The treasury notebook records meeting attendance, tracks activity attendance, and records other statistics. The Treasurer collects dues and hands money and records over to the Committee Treasurer or Troop Adult Leader if Committee Treasurer is not present.
Quartermaster (Troop) 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 patrols 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Troop Guide The troop Guide is both a leader and a mentor to the members of the 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 in much the same way that a Scoutmaster works with a Senior Patrol Leader to provide direction, coaching, and support.
Troop 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.
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 is also responsible as time-keeper during the troop meeting, making sure that meeting activities are done within the defined time limits. He should know the required bugle calls and should ideally have earned the Bugling merit badge.
Webmaster (Scout) The 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. He will work closely with the Committee Webmaster or another member of the troop committee may assist him with his work.
Leave No Trace Trainer 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.
Webelos Den Chief 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.