Description of Leadership Positions

These are suggestions for the Leadership of your Scout Troop. Individual Troops may modify them as needed. Refer to the latest Edition for the the Junior Leaders Handbook for additional guidance and reference materials.

Troop Positions Handbook

General Leadership Responsibilities

Uniform:

Set the example by wearing your uniform correctly. This means that you will wear all of the parts of the troop uniform, shirt tail tucked in, with all required badges in their correct locations.

Behavior:: Set the example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. Show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.

Attendance:: Set the example by being an active Scout. Be on time for meetings and activities. You must call the Person you report to if you are not going to be at a meeting or if you suddenly have to miss an outing. You also need to make sure that someone (your designated assistant, if there is one) is ready to assume your responsibilities.

	Senior Patrol Leader
Age:	None
Rank	Life or higher
Chosen by:	Elected by the members of the troop
Term:	12 months
Reports to:	Scoutmaster
Experience:	Previous service as ASPL, PL, or APL
Description	The Senior Patrol Leader is the leader of the Troop (the Scoutmaster serves an advisory/guidance role). The SPL is responsible for the Troop's overall operation. He is in charge of Troop meetings, heads the Patrol Leaders' Council, and is in charge of all Troop activities. 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 the Troop Junior Leader Training. The SPL 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 relationship of the senior patrol leader and the Scoutmaster should be one of mutual friendship and admiration. You'll see this displayed before every meeting of the troop as the senior patrol leader and the Scoutmaster review the agenda. You can expect to see them together again at the conclusion of the meeting, discussing how everything went and what adjustments or assignments should be made before the troop's next activity.
Training:	ALL Junior Leaders should attend training even if they have in the past. Should attend NYLT as soon as possible.
Responsibilities:	Runs all troop meetings, events, activities, and the annual program planning conference. Runs the patrol leaders' council meeting Appoints other leaders with the advice and counsel of the scoutmaster Assists the scoutmaster with junior leader training Sets a good example

	Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
Age:	None
Rank	Star or higher
Chosen by:	The Senior Patrol Leader appoints the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader with the approval of the Scoutmaster.
Term:	12 months
Reports to:	Senior Patrol Leader
Experience:	None
Description:	Among the assistant senior patrol leader's specific duties are providing training and guidance for the troop's quartermaster, scribe, Order of the Arrow representative, historian, librarian, and instructors. He serves in place of the senior patrol leader at meetings and events when the senior patrol leader must be absent. The assistant senior patrol leader is not a member of a patrol but may take part in the activities of a Venture patrol. Large troops may have more than one assistant senior patrol leader.
Training:	ALL Junior Leaders should attend training even if they have in the past. Should attend NYLT as soon as possible.
Responsibilities:	Helps the senior patrol leader lead meetings and activities Runs the troop in the absence of the senior patrol leader Helps train and supervise the troop scribe, quartermaster, instructor, librarian, historian, chaplain aide, and grubmaster Serves chairman for the board of review for Scouts of Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks when requested by the SPL. Serves as a member of the patrol leaders' council Sets a good example

	Patrol Leader
Age:	None
Rank	First Class
Chosen by:	Elected by members of the patrol
Term:	6 or 12 months
Reports to:	Senior Patrol Leader
Experience:	None
Description:	The Patrol Leader represents his Patrol at all Patrol Leaders' Council meetings and the Bi-Annual Program Planning Conference. He solicits ideas and concerns from members of his Patrol and keeps members of his Patrol informed of decisions made by the Patrol Leaders' Council. He plays a key role in planning, leading, and evaluating Patrol meetings and activities. He helps the patrol prepare to participate in all Troop activities. He learns about the abilities of other Patrol members and fully involves them in Patrol and Troop activities by assigning them specific tasks and responsibilities.
Training:	You must attend the troop Junior Leader Training even if you have attended in the past.
Responsibilities:	Represents the patrol at Patrol Leader's Council Prepares a written meeting plan for the Patrol Corners. Leads Patrol Functions Helps and encourages Scouts to advance Acts as the chief recruiter of new Scouts Keeps patrol members informed on the events and Program of the Troop. Understands the needs and characteristics of the group Plans the Games for the Month that is based on the monthly theme.

	Assistant Patrol Leader
Age:	None
Rank	None
Chosen by:	Elected by members of the patrol
Term:	6 to 12 months
Reports to:	Patrol Leader
Experience:	None
Description:	Each Patrol Leader appoints an Assistant Patrol Leader (APL) to serve concurrently with the Patrol Leader's six month term of office. The APL helps in leading the Patrol and substitutes for the Patrol Leader whenever the Patrol Leader is absent. The Assistant Patrol Leader should attend Troop Junior Leader Training and Patrol Leader's Council meeting whenever possible.
Training:	You must attend the troop Junior Leader Training even if you have attended in the past.
Responsibilities:	Helps the Patrol Leader in planning patrol meetings Aids the Patrol Leader in keeping patrol members informed. Represents the Patrol members at PLC in the Patrol Leader’s absence Helps the Patrol to get ready for all troop activities Helps build Patrol spirit

	Troop Guide
Age:	13
Rank	First Class or higher
Chosen by:	Appointed by the Scoutmaster
Term:	1 year
Reports to:	Assistant Scoutmaster for New Scout Patrol and Senior Patrol Leader
Experience:	None
Description:	Each new-Scout patrol-in a troop should have its own troop guide. A troop guide is an older Scout who holds the rank of First Class or higher, has strong teaching skills, and possesses the patience to work with new Scouts. As a mentor to the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol, he provides direction for the patrol leader and helps him with his patrol leader responsibilities. The troop guide accompanies the new-Scout patrol on troop campouts and makes himself available to assist the new Scouts as they learn fundamental Scouting skills. He usually is not a member of another patrol, but he may participate in the high-adventure activities of a Venture patrol. Along with the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol, he is a member of the patrol leaders' council.
Training:	You must attend the troop Junior Leader Training even if you have attended in the past.
Responsibilities:	Introduces the New Scouts to Troop functions Advises the New Scout Patrol Big brother to new Scouts, shields them from harassment from older Scouts Teaches New Scouts basic scout skills Befriend the new scouts Works with the Assistant Scoutmaster for New Scouts and Instructors to plan program for the New Scouts Attends the Patrol Leaders Council with the New Scout Patrol Leader Assists Scoutmaster with training Counsels individual Scouts on Scouting challenges

	Instructor
Age:	14 or older
Rank	Star or higher
Chosen by:	Appointed by Senior Patrol Leader and Scoutmaster
Term:	12 months
Reports to:	Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
Experience:	None
Description:	Each instructor is an older troop member who is proficient in Scouting skills and has the ability to teach those skills to others. The subjects that instructors may wish to teach include any of the areas that Scouts want to master, especially those such as first aid, camping, backpacking, orienteering, and others required for outdoor activities and rank advancement. A troop may have more than one instructor.
Training:	You must attend the troop Junior Leader Training even if you have attended in the past.
Comments:	Camping Instructor Tenderfoot Requirements #1, #2, #11 Second Class Requirements #2b, #2c, #2d, #2e, #2f Cooking Instructor Tenderfoot Requirement #3 Second Class Requirement #2g First Class Requirements #4a, #4b, #4c, #4d, #4e First Aid Instructor Tenderfoot Requirements #12a, #12b Second Class Requirements #6a, #6b, #6c First Class Requirements #8b, #8c, #8d Hiking & Orienteering Instructor Tenderfoot Requirements #5, #9, #11 Second Class Requirements #1a, #1b, #5 First Class Requirements #1, #2, #6 Knots & Lashings Instructor Tenderfoot Requirements #4a, #4b First Class Requirements #7a, #7b, #7c, #8a Swimming and Lifesaving Instructor Tenderfoot Requirement #9 Second Class Requirements #7a, #7c First Class Requirements #9a, #9c
Responsibilities:	Work with the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader to make meeting plans for the skills instruction time. Make a list of needed supplies for the experienced scouts. Arrange Merit Badge Counselors to come in and teach merit badges as well as assist the Merit Badge counselor if needed. When there is no merit badge being offered teach a skill that coincides with the monthly theme

	Den Chief
Age:	13 or older
Rank	Star or higher
Chosen by:	Appointed by the Scoutmaster
Term:	1 year
Reports to:	Scoutmaster and Den Leader
Experience:	None
Description:	A Den Chief works with a den of Cub Scouts and with their adult leader. He assists with den meetings, encourages Cub Scout advancement, and serves as a role model for younger boys. Being a den chief can be a great first leadership experience for a Scout. Depending on the number of dens in the Cub Scout packs of its community, a troop may have several members serving as den chiefs. Den chiefs can be a great asset to den leaders and are deeply appreciated and admired by Cub Scouts and Cub Scout leaders alike. A Webelos den chief meets each week with a Webelos den and helps its adult leader guide the Webelos Scouts to make the most of their program. He can assist with den meetings and activities, lead songs and games, and encourage Webelos Scouts to look forward to the adventure of Boy Scouting that awaits them when they are old enough to join the troop.
Training:	You must attend the troop Junior Leader Training even if you have attended in the past.
Responsibilities:	Understands the cub program and its importance Helps the Den Leader run Den Meetings Be a friend to the Cub Scouts Encourages the Cub Scouts to join a Troop after they graduate Meets with the Pack and Troop Committee when needed

	Chaplin Aide
Age:	None
Rank	None
Chosen by:	Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader and Scoutmaster
Term:	6 - 12 months
Reports to:	Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
Experience:	None
Description:	The chaplain Aide assists the Troop Chaplain (an adult from the troop committee or the chartered organization) in conducting the Troop's religious observances. He sees that religious holidays are considered during program planning, and he promotes the religious emblems program. He encourages Troop members to strengthen their own relationship with God through personal prayer and devotions and participation in religious activities. He serves as the youth coordinator for the observance of the annual Scout Sunday each February. He is sensitive to the various theological and religious positions embraced by the faiths represented in the Troop, and acts accordingly.
Training:	You must attend the troop Junior Leader Training even if you have attended in the past.
Responsibilities:	Leads or assists the Troop Chaplain in leading a Troop Religious services Tells Scouts about the religious emblem program for their faith Makes sure religious holidays are considered during troop activities
Resources	Manual for Chaplain Aides and Chaplains

	Troop Historian
Age:	None
Rank	None
Chosen by:	Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader and Scoutmaster
Term:	6 to 12 months
Reports to:	Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
Experience:	None, but interest in photography is helpful
Description:	The troop historian collects and preserves troop photographs, news stories, trophies, flags, scrapbooks, awards, and other memorabilia. He may also gather and organize information about the troop's former members and leaders, and make those materials available for Scouting activities, media contacts, and troop history projects. Troop displays prepared by the historian can be used during courts of honor, troop open houses, and other special Scouting occasions.
Training:	You must attend the troop Junior Leader Training even if you have attended in the past.
Responsibilities:	Takes pictures on troop activities and puts them into a scrapbook. Takes care of troop trophies, ribbons, and souvenirs of troop activities. Keeps information about former members of the troop

	Troop Librarian
Age:	None
Rank	None
Chosen by:	Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader
Term:	12 months
Reports to:	Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
Experience:	None
Description:	The troop librarian oversees the care and use of troop books, merit badge pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, diskettes, and lists of merit badge counselors. He checks out these materials to Scouts and leaders and maintains records to ensure that all items are returned. He may also suggest the purchase of new literature and report the need to repair or replace any current items.
Training:	You must attend the troop Junior Leader Training even if you have attended in the past.
Responsibilities:	Sets up and takes care of a troop library Keeps records of books and pamphlets owned by the troop. Adds new or replacement items as needed. Keeps books and pamphlets available for borrowing. Keeps a system for checking books and pamphlets in and out. Follows up on late returns. Issues vouchers for purchase of used merit badge books.

	Troop Scribe
Age:	None
Rank	None
Chosen by:	Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader
Term:	6- 12 months
Reports to:	Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
Experience:	None
Description:	The scribe is the Troop's secretary. He keeps the minutes of the patrol leaders' council meetings but is not a voting member of the council. The scribe may also keep attendance records of other troop activities, such as campouts and service projects. During troop meetings, he works with patrol scribes to ensure the accurate recording of attendance and payment of dues, and to keep advancement records up-to-date. The scribe may also be responsible for maintaining a troop Web site with information that is current and correct. An adult who is a member of the troop committee may be assigned to help the troop scribe carry out his responsibilities.
Training:	You must attend the troop Junior Leader Training even if you have attended in the past.
Responsibilities:	Attends and keeps a log of minutes for Patrol Leaders' Council meetings

	Troop Quartermaster
Age:	None
Rank	None
Chosen by:	Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader
Term:	6 - 12 months
Reports to:	Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
Experience:	None
Description:	The Troop 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 Leader's Council reports on the status of equipment in need of replacement and repair. In carrying out his responsibilities he may have the guidance of the Troop Committee's Equipment Chair.
Training:	You must attend the troop Junior Leader Training even if you have attended in the past.
Responsibilities:	Keeps records on patrol and troop equipment Makes sure equipment is in good working condition Issues equipment and makes sure it is returned in good condition Makes suggestions for new or replacement items Works with the Troop Committee member responsible for equipment Gets the US, troop, and patrol flags for meetings and ceremonies and puts them away afterwards.

	Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Age:	A Scout at least 16 years of age who has shown outstanding leadership skills
Rank	Eagle
Chosen by:	May be appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader, with the consent of the Scoutmaster, to serve as a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster.
Term:	Indefinitely
Reports to:	Scoutmaster
Experience:	Previous leadership positions
Description:	A Junior Assistant Scoutmaster follows the guidance of the Scoutmaster in providing support and supervision to the troop's other boy leaders. He can be a valuable resource for teaching Scouting skills to younger Scouts and in providing leadership to the troop. Upon turning 18, a junior assistant Scoutmaster is eligible to become an assistant Scoutmaster. A troop may have more than one Junior Assistant Scoutmaster.
Training:	You must attend the troop Junior Leader Training even if you have attended in the past.
Responsibilities:	Functions as an Assistant Scoutmaster Performs duties as assigned by the Scoutmaster Sets a good example

Bugler
Bugler

Age:
None

Rank None

Chosen by: Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader

Term: 6 - 12 months

Reports to: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Experience: None

Description: The Bugler sounds bugle calls as required.

Training: You must attend the troop Junior Leader Training even if you have attended in the past.

Comments: The Bugler should be able to play a bugle or trumpet

Responsibilities:

Sound the following bugle calls as required:
First Call, Reveille, Mess, To the Colors, Officers, Drill, Assembly, Recall, Fatigue, Church, Fire, Swimming, Retreat, Call to Quarters, Taps

OA Representative

Age:

None

Rank

None

Chosen by:

Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader

Term:

6 - 12 months

Reports to:

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Experience:

None

Description:

An Order of the Arrow representative can be appointed by the senior patrol leader to be a 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, the representative promotes the OA, urges troop members to take part in resident camping, and encourages older Scouts to seek out opportunities for high adventure. The OA representative assists with leadership skills training in the troop and supports fellow Arrowmen undertaking unit leadership roles: He reports to the assistant senior patrol leader. more…

Training:

You must attend the troop Junior Leader Training even if you have attended in the past.

Responsibilities:

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.
Sets a good example.

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