Ensuring your Boy Scouts of America (BSA) uniform looks its best involves more than just keeping it clean and pressed. Correct patch placement is crucial, reflecting a Scout’s achievements, affiliations, and role within the Scouting community. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of where each patch belongs on your BSA uniform, helping you present yourself with pride and accuracy.
Boy Scout Uniform Patch Placement Guide
Understanding Scout Uniform Patch Locations
Your Scout uniform is designed to display various patches, each with a designated location. From recognizing your current Scouting program to showcasing earned awards and troop affiliation, every patch tells a part of your Scouting story. Let’s explore each area of the uniform and the patches that belong there.
Official Boy Scout Uniform with Patches Display
Shoulder Loops: Program Identification
Scout Uniform Shoulder Loops Detail
Shoulder loops are essential for indicating your current branch within Scouting. These colored loops slide onto the shoulder straps and signify different BSA programs and positions. The colors are:
- Blue: Cub Scouts
- Olive Green: Scouts BSA
- Blaze Orange: Varsity Scouts
- Green: Venturing
- Silver: District and Council level
- Gold: Regional and National level
If you participate in multiple programs, wear the shoulder loops that correspond to your role for that particular Scouting activity.
Right Pocket Flap: Order of the Arrow Recognition
Order of the Arrow Right Pocket Flap Patch Example
The Order of the Arrow (OA) Lodge flap is worn on the right pocket flap. This patch identifies Scouts who are members of an OA Lodge. It’s the only patch authorized for this specific location.
Right Pocket: Temporary Patch Display
Scout Uniform Right Pocket with Activity Patch
The right pocket is designated for temporary patches. This is where Scouts can display patches from various Scouting events or activities. Only one temporary patch should be worn at a time. Patches with button loops are attached to the right pocket button, positioned behind the flap. Common examples include Camporee patches, Summer Camp patches, or custom troop patches. Explore options for Custom Troop Patches to personalize your uniform.
Beneath the Right Pocket: Recruiter Recognition
Recruiter BSA Patch Below Right Pocket on Uniform
The space directly below the right pocket is reserved for the Recruiter Patch. This patch is awarded to Scouts who recruit a new member into Scouting. It should be centered immediately below the right pocket.
Above the Left Pocket: World Scouting and Adult Awards
Patch Placement Above Left Pocket on Scout Uniform
The World Crest patch is positioned above the left pocket. All Scouts wear the World Crest to signify their participation in World Scouting. It should be centered between the left shoulder seam and the top of the left pocket. Adult leaders may also wear knots above this pocket to represent earned awards. Youth members can wear specific knots such as the Youth Religious Knot, OA Distinguished Service Award, Venturing Silver Award, and Explorer Achievement Award.
Left Pocket: Rank Advancement
Boy Scout Uniform Left Pocket with Rank Patch
Your current BSA rank badge is displayed on the left pocket. Center the badge on the pocket, ensuring it reflects your most recent rank advancement.
Right Sleeve: National and Troop Affiliation
Right Sleeve of Scout Troop Uniform
The right sleeve is dedicated to patches that represent national identity and troop level affiliations.
American Flag Patch: National Pride
American Flag Patch Placement on Scout Uniform Right Sleeve
The American Flag Patch is a standard part of the uniform and is pre-sewn on every BSA uniform. It is positioned directly below the shoulder seam and must be the official BSA-issued flag patch.
Patrol Patch: Troop Identity
Patrol Patch Placement on Troop Uniform Sleeve
Patrol Patches are placed right below the American Flag patch. Center this patch on the right sleeve, with the bottom edge approximately 4 inches from the shoulder seam. Standard Patrol Patches are 2-inch patches with three thread colors, featuring a khaki background and border. These patches represent your specific patrol within the troop. Explore Custom Patrol Patches for unique designs or browse Available Patrol Patches for standard options.
Quality Unit Patch: Troop Excellence
Quality Unit Patch Placement on Scout Uniform Sleeve
The Quality Unit Patch is awarded to troops that achieve the Quality Unit Award. This patch is placed directly below the Patrol Patch. Wear only the most recently earned Quality Unit Award patch.
Left Sleeve: Council and Troop Specifics
Left Sleeve of Troop Scout Uniform Detail
The left sleeve displays patches related to your local council and troop unit.
Council Shoulder Patch (CSP): Local Council Affiliation
The Council Shoulder Patch (CSP) is positioned at the very top of the left sleeve, right against the shoulder seam. This patch, obtained from your local council, represents your Scouting council and is consistent across all troops within that council.
Troop Unit Numeral Patch: Troop Number Identification
The Unit Numeral Patch, indicating your troop number, is placed directly below the Council Patch. Some Unit Numeral Patches include a Veteran Bar above the numerals, signifying the years of the troop’s operation. The Veteran Bar, if present, is positioned above the Unit Numeral Patch. You can obtain individual numerals from your local council or consider purchasing Custom Troop Unit Numeral Patches for convenience.
Position Badge: Leadership Role
The Badge of Office patch indicates your elected, assigned, or volunteered role within the troop, such as Senior Patrol Leader, Den Chief, or Patrol Leader. This patch is centered on the Left Sleeve Pocket. If the sleeve has a pocket, place the patch in the middle of it.
Trained Patch: Training Recognition
Scouts who complete an official BSA training course receive the Trained Patch. This patch is positioned centered below the Left Sleeve Pocket.
Merit Badge Sash: Displaying Achievements
Merit Badge Sash with Merit Badges
While not part of the standard uniform, the Merit Badge Sash is often worn over the uniform, particularly at Courts of Honor. Merit Badges should be sewn onto the front of the sash in neat, even rows of three as they are earned. Other non-rank or non-office patches can be placed on the back of the sash. Typically, Scouts accumulate merit badges gradually, resulting in a sash with a reasonable number of badges, unlike the heavily laden sash depicted.
By following this placement guide, you can ensure your BSA uniform accurately and proudly represents your Scouting journey and achievements.
