Uniform and insignia of the Boy Scouts of America
The Uniform and insignia of the Boy Scouts of America gives a Scout visibility and creates a level of identity within both the unit and the community. While all uniforms are similar in basic design, they do vary in color and detail to identify the different divisions of Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers.
While original Boy Scouts of America (BSA) uniforms were very similar to military uniforms
of the time, they slowly began to evolve into a more civilian attire. In 1980, the current uniforms were introduced, with much of the design by Oscar de la Renta.[1]. It loosely resembles the former British "Battledress" uniform, but without its trademarked waist-length jacket (the so-called "Ike" Jacket worn by Gen. of the Army [later President] Dwight Eisenhower).
The uniform and insignia are variously protected by copyright, trademark, and congressional charter.[2] The BSA does allow usage for movies and other events, but this is done on a case by case basis. BSA has rebuked instances where it was felt that the uniform was used inappropriately and without permission.[3] BSA rules and regulations also forbid the use of Scouting emblems for commercial or political purposes. The wear of camouflage or military style apparel as part ot the uniform is also prohibited.[4][5]
Cub Scout uniforms
Youth uniforms
The basic Cub Scout uniform consists of a navy-blue button-up shirt, navy-blue trousers or shorts, navy-blue socks with gold tops, a navy-blue web belt with brass buckle with Cub Scout logo, a neckerchief with slide and a navy-blue cap with a colored panel. Insignia worn on the shirt includes the US Flag, Council Shoulder Patch (CSP), unit numerals, Den numeral and advancement recognitions.
Tiger Cubs wear socks that are navy-blue with orange tops. The orange neckerchief, the neckerchief slide and the belt buckle have the Tiger Cub logo. The cap has an orange panel with the Tiger Cub logo.
The Wolf Cubs cap has a yellow panel with Wolf Cub logo. The yellow neckerchief and the neckerchief slide Wolf Cub logo.
Bear Cubs wear a cap with light blue panel with Bear Cub logo. The light blue neckerchief and the neckerchief slide have the Bear Cub logo.
Webelos have a choice of uniforms: the basic navy-blue uniform or the tan and green Boy Scout field uniform with blue shoulder loops. The Webelos cap is green with a BSA plaid panel and the Webelos logo. The BSA plaid neckerchief, the neckerchief slide and the belt buckle have the Webelos logo.
Scouter uniforms
The adult leaders uniform is the same tan and green as the Boy Scout uniform. Female leaders have the option of the classic yellow blouse with navy-blue shorts, skirt or culottes. At the pack level, blue shoulder loops are worn on the epaulets. Scouters with district or council positions wear silver loops, regional or national positions wear gold loops. A dark blue neckerchief with gold trim is worn by all Cub Scout leaders, with the exception of Webelos Den Leaders and their assistants, who wear an adult version of the plaid Webelos neckerchief. Ball caps identical to those worn by the Cub Scouts or Webelos may be worn by Den Leaders and assistants, while the Cubmaster, Assistant Cubmasters, Pack Trainer, and Pack Committee wear an Austrailian-style "Outback" hat.
Boy Scout uniform
The Boy Scout field uniform, worn by Scouts and adult leaders, consists of a tan (or khaki) button-up shirt or blouse, with two front pockets and shoulder epaulets and olive green pants or shorts. Female leaders may wear olive green pants, shorts, culottes or a skirt. At the troop level, red shoulder loops are worn on the epaulets. Scouters with district or council positions wear silver loops, regional or national positions wear gold loops. Socks are olive green with a red band at the top and are available in various lengths. The standard green web belt includes a brass buckle with the Scout logo and a knife clip.
The cap is olive green with a red front panel and a Scout emblem. The troop may may also choose the campaign hat, but today these are seen mostly in historical troops (i.e. pre-World War II), and by leaders in a training course.
A variety of official neckerchiefs are available or the troop can create their own design. Many troops now opt not to wear a neckerchief. Special neckerchiefs such as Eagle Scout or Wood Badge are generally worn on formal occasions.
Insignia such as sashes, medals, and pins are generally only worn only on formal occasions.
Varsity Scout uniform
Varsity Scouts use the Boy Scout Field Uniform with some different insignia. At the team level, blaze (orange) shoulder loops are worn on the epaulets. Scouters with district or council positions wear silver loops, regional or national positions wear gold loops.
Venturing uniform
The Venturing field uniform consists of a spruce green shirt or blouse with shoulder epaulets, gray trousers or shorts, gray socks and a gray web belt with brass buckle. Either the gray cap or the gray brimmed hat {"Aussie" style} with Venturing logo may be worn.
At the crew level, green shoulder loops are worn on the epaulets. Scouters with district or council positions wear silver loops, regional or national positions wear gold loops.
Venturers are allowed to develop their own Distinctive Dress Identity (DDI), thus designing their own uniforms. Many crews use a polo style shirt with a custom logo.
Sea Scouts uniform
Sea Scouts use traditional naval style uniforms sourced directly from the US Navy with buttons and other insignia from BSA Supply. The Sea Scout white cap with logo and the activity shirt are now available for use.
Scouter dress uniform
The Scouter dress uniform is appropriate for professional Scouters and all Scouting leaders on formal occasions. It consists of a dark-blue, two-button blazer with white shirt or blouse and heather gray trousers, slacks or a skirt. The blazer's gold-plated buttons bear the universal emblem and an embroidered Boy Scout emblem is worn on the left pocket or lapel. The official black leather belt with gold buckle is to be worn with trousers or slacks. Silk neckties with red, gold, and navy stripes are available for men and women. Black dress shoes are worn with the dress uniform.
Insignia
Various insignia are worn by Scouts and Scouters for various activities, honors, or training completed. Requirements state where insignia is to be placed.
Left sleeve
An elongated pentagonal patch is worn near the top of the sleeve to show which council the Scout belongs to. These patches, called council strips, have a unique design, and there are sometimes special designs for specific events or anniversaries (thought the latter uses are proscribed by BSA National). Some older troops, especially those who date back before councils were formed, may wear, at the approval of the council Scout Executive, a so-called "community strip" which has a long red arch with the town's name on it, with the state or territory located underneath.
Below the council strip is the troop number patch. Consisting of white numbers on a red background, the patch shows which troop the Scout belongs to. The numbers patch can be a single piece of fabric, which must be custom-ordered, or can consist of a separate piece of fabric for each number, which can be purchased individually.
Occasionally a strip of fabric, the veteran unit bar, is placed on or above the numbers patch to indicate how many years the unit has been active.
Below the troop number is a round patch to indicate which leadership position the Scout or Scouter holds, if any. While Scouts may hold multiple positions simultaneously, only one position patch may be worn.
A rectangular "Trained" patch is placed below the position patch to indicate a Scout or Scouter who has completed Junior Leader Training or Scout Leader Training, respectively.
Scouts who are serving as a Den Chief may wear a Den Chief cord around the shoulder instead of a Den Chief position patch. Scouts who earn the Den Chief Service award may wear the Den Chief Service award cord in addition to the Den Chief position patch, and may continue to wear it for as long they are Scouts.
Right sleeve
At the top of the sleeve is a U.S. flag patch. These usually come preattached to the uniform. Wearing the U.S. flag is optional. Scouts whose religion, tradition, or personal beliefs prevent them from displaying the flag are not required to do so.
Below the flag patch is a round patch indicating which patrol the Scout belongs to, if the patrol has chosen a patrol patch. Around this patch may be one or more National Honor Patrol patches.
Below the patrol patch may be the rectangular Quality Unit patch, if the troop has met the annual requirements for this award.
Left pocket
Immediately above the pocket are rectangular square-knot patches, if any. These indicate awards earned, and are worn mostly by adult leaders, though patches representing religious emblems may be worn by Scouts. The square knot insignia was introduced in 1947, replacing military-style ribbons that were used since the 1920's, but were seen worn with U.S. and foreign military awards after the Second World War.
Above the square knot patches are optional service star pins, indicating how long the Scout or Scouter has been active in Scouting. The pins are worn attached to colored backings, now made of plastic, in which a specific color is used to denote which program the individual served time in. Currently, service stars earned as Boy Scouts use green background; Venturing/Sea Scouts-red; Cub Scouts-gold; Varsity Scouts-brown; and adult service (regardless of registration) -light blue. Scouts and leaders who have earned service stars as Tiger Cubs prior to 2000 can use an orange backing (these were eliminated as a measure to "integrate" Tiger Cubs into the general Cub Scouting program), while those who served in the old Exploring program prior to 1998 when Venturing was formed can wear the red backing to indicate Exploring service.
Halfway between the top of the pocket and the shoulder is the round World Crest patch, which is found on the uniform of most other Scouting organizations, and represents unity with other Scouts around the world.
On the pocket itself is an oval patch worn by Scouts to indicate rank.
Below the pocket Scouts may wear the rectangular Arrow of Light patch, if earned. This is the only insignia that may be worn as both a Cub Scout and a Boy Scout.
On the flap of the pocket may be a patch for a Totin' Chip or Firem'n Chit, which indicate that the Scout has been trained, respectively, to use sharp-edged woods tools (knife, hatchet, axe) safely; or to build, use, and extinguish campfires safely. These are not official patches, but are very common. Occasionally they are worn on the right pocket flap.
Right pocket
Immediately above the pocket is a "Boy Scouts of America" strip. This is made of the same fabric as the uniform, and comes preattached.
Above the BSA strip may be one or more interpreter strips, indicating any foreign languages the Scout speaks.
Above the interpreter strips may be an optional name tag or pin.
On the pocket itself may be any temporary insignia from a summer camp or other activity. Temporary insignia is sometimes placed below the pocket as well.
On the flap of the pocket may be an elongated pentagonal patch indicating membership in an Order of the Arrow lodge.
Other
Shoulder loops are worn on buttoned epaulets on either shoulder. Scouts and Scout leaders wear red loops. Employees and volunteers at a council level wear silver loops, while national employees wear gold loops. Other divisions of the BSA wear different colored loops.
Up to six merit badges may be worn on the sleeves of a long-sleeved uniform shirt. Any excess merit badges, or all merit badges if the shirt is short-sleeved, may be worn on a special green sash.
Rank badge designs
In Venturing, the advancement system consists of three awards, the Bronze Award, Gold Award, and Silver Award. These awards were brought back after the Exploring program was changed over to the Venturing program, and were based on awards given to Explorers prior to the mid-1970's. These awards are earned by both Venturers and Sea Scouts.
- The Bronze Award is a bronze diamond-shaped medal, encompassing the Venturing emblem (known as the "Mountain-Vee"), and is suspended from a green and white ribbon. The Bronze Award is awarded in five different categories: Outdoor/High Adventure, Arts & Hobbies, Sea Scouting, Religious Life (formerly Youth Ministries), and Sports. Each category is a separate Bronze Award and is characterize with a pin-on device for the medal, and a white "campaign ribbon" with a specific design.
- The Gold Award consists of the Venturing emblem surrounded by a compass rose and suspended from a solid white ribbon. Prior to 1998, this was the Explorer G.O.L.D. Award, but was revived as the mid-level advancement award, based largely on leadership skills. An all-white campaign ribbon is also worn, along with the Bronze Award ribbons.
- The Silver Award, the highest award in Venturing, has a silver soaring eagle surrounded by a compass rose, and has a red, white, and blue background. The medal is suspended from a white ribbon with two narrow green stripes, and has a bar pin with the word "VENTURING." A square knot, silver with a green and white background, is worn.
Sea Scouting follows a rank sequence that has been in place since the mid-1920s. These ranks are Apprentice, Ordinary, Able, and Quartermaster.
- The Apprentice rank badge consists of the First Class Scout badge, superimposed on an anchor. A single bar is located on the bottom.
- The Ordinary rank badge is the Apprentice rank badge with two bars. Sea Scouts with this rank can also wear the Sea Scouting Bronze Award medal and ribbon.
- The Able rank badge is the Ordinary rank badge with three bars.
- The Quartermaster badge consists of the Sea Scouting emblem on a silver ship's wheel, suspended from a solid blue ribbon, which in itself is mounted on a bar pin bearing a "double-carrick bend" knot. Quartermasters can wear either the youth "Cracker Jack" uniform, or a Chief Petty Officer-style uniform with the Sea Scout emblems swen on the sleeve cuffs. A dark blue square knot on a white background is worn on this uniform.
Classifications
Some units use a uniform "class" system, which exists only on a local level and varies between units and councils. Most class systems refer to "Class A", "Class B", "Class C", etc., with most having two to four classes. Typically, Class A will be a "full" uniform, often with medals and sashes if applicable, while lower classes may be a simpler uniform or troop t-shirt.
Scout shop
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Scoutstuff.org
Scoutstuff.org is the online official store of the Boy Scouts of America, National Supply Division. The BSA National Supply Division created this Web site to feature products from the BSA Official Catalog. Originally, the site did not have e-commerce capabilities. Instead, visitors browsed the site and assembled shopping lists of items that, when completed, provided the addresses of Scouting retailers near the customer's ZIP code area. In 2005, the site was redesigned and now has e-commerce capabilities.
Local BSA councils are not allowed to have their own online stores. When customers buy their supplies at local council stores, the council gets a percentage of the proceeds. A concern of council officials is that when buyers use Scoutstuff.org, these proceeds go to BSA, not the councils.
See also
Footnotes
- ^ : Exclusive right to emblems, badges, marks, and words
- ^ Peterson, Robert (2002). "From Doughboy Duds to Oscar de la Renta". Scouting Magazine. Boy Scouts of America. Retrieved 12 January.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ Walton, Mike (2000). "Celebrity Costumes- or Uniforming?". The Badge and Uniform Site. Walton, Mike. Retrieved 12 January.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ Walton, Mike (2001). "Camouflage/Military Uniforms and Scouting". The Badge and Uniform Site. Walton, Mike. Retrieved 7 February.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ "No 'camouflage' uniforms". Scouting Magazine. Boy Scouts of America. October 2005. Retrieved 7 February.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help)CS1 maint: year (link)