The following leadership positions count toward Boy Scout advancement. For more 

information, see the Senior Patrol Leader Handbook (#32501) and Patrol Leader 

Handbook (#32502A). 

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. 

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. All members of a troop vote by secret ballot to choose 

their senior patrol leader. Rank and age requirements to be a senior patrol leader are 

determined by each troop, as is the schedule of elections. During a Scout’s time as 

senior patrol leader, he is not a member of any patrol but may participate with a Venture 

patrol in high-adventure activities. 

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 assistant senior patrol leader he 

is not a member of a patrol, but he may participate in the high-adventure activities of a 

Venture patrol. Large troops may have more than one assistant senior patrol leader, 

each appointed by the senior patrol leader. 

Troop Guide The troop guide is both a leader and a mentor to the members of the new-Scout 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 of the new-Scout patrol in much the 

same way that a Scoutmaster works with a senior patrol leader to provide direction, 

coaching, and support. The troop guide is not a member of another patrol but may 

participate in the high-adventure activities of a Venture patrol. 

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 patrol quartermasters 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. 

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 patrol scribes 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. 

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. 

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. 

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. A troop 

can have more than one instructor. 

Leave No Trace Trainer (new in 2010) 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. 

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. 

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 must know the required bugle calls 

and should ideally have earned the Bugling merit badge. 

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. 

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. 

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.

 

The troop 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. A member of the troop committee may 

assist him with his work. 

A Scout at least 16 years of age who has shown outstanding leadership skills may be 

appointed by the senior patrol leader, with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster, 

to serve as a junior assistant Scoutmaster. These young men (a troop may have more 

than one junior assistant Scoutmaster) 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.