Patrol Leader
In Fred’s words
The patrol leader is the patrol’s key leader, representing the patrol at all patrol leaders’ council meetings and the annual program planning conference, and keeping patrol members informed of decisions made. Patrol leaders carry out planning, leading, and evaluating patrol meetings and activities, and assure patrols are prepared to participate in all troop activities. They keep their patrol intact so they can work together and share responsibilities to get things done. It is incumbent upon them to be a good example for the members of their patrol and the rest of the troop.
- plans and leads patrol meetings and activities
- keeps patrol members informed
- assigns each patrol member a specific duty
- represents his patrol at all patrol leaders’ council meetings and the annual program planning conference
- prepares the patrol to participate in all troop activities
- works with other troop leaders to make the troop run well
- knows the abilities of each patrol member
- sets a good example
- wears the Scout uniform correctly
- lives by the Scout Oath and Law
- shows and develops patrol spirit
Patrol emblems
Scouting America’s position card for this job
Does it count for rank?
Positions that count for Star and Life: patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader, troop guide, OA troop representative, den chief, scribe, librarian, historian, quartermaster, bugler, junior assistant Scoutmaster, chaplain aide, instructor, webmaster and outdoor ethics guide.
Scouts BSA Rank Requirements (Scouting America, December 2025) · Scout troop positions, Star and LifeCollected and written by Fred W. Kimball, Troop 7 Scoutmaster from 1987 to 2003, who kept the troop's website for many years. Brought here with his blessing, in his words. Rank, advancement and position-of-responsibility rules are named here in our own short words; the wording is Scouting America’s, and each one links to where it says it.