Scouting America use uniforms and insignia to give a Scout visibility and create a level of identity within both the unit and the community. The uniform is used to promote equality while showing individual achievement. While all uniforms are similar in basic design, they do vary in color and detail to identify the different membership divisions of Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Sea Scouts, and Venturing. Many people collect BSA insignia such as camporee and jamboree emblems, council shoulder strips and historical badges. The uniform is one of eight methods of Scouting used to deliver on Scouting America's mission and fulfill the aims of Scouting.

History

Boy Scouts

Green uniforms

thumb|200px|Scouts in uniform during the [[First National Jamboree in Washington, D.C. in 1937]]

Early Boy Scout uniforms were copies of the U.S. Army uniforms of the time. Scouts generally wore knickers with leggings, a button-down choke-collar coat and the campaign hat. Adults wore a Norfolk jacket with knickers or trousers. In 1916, Congress banned civilians from wearing uniforms that were similar in appearance to those of the U.S. armed forces with the exception of the BSA. The uniform was redesigned in 1923—the coat and leggings were dropped and the neckerchief standardized. In the 1930s, shorts replaced knickers and their wear was encouraged by the BSA. The garrison (flat) cap was introduced in 1943. In 1965, the uniform's material was changed from wool and cotton to permanent press cloth, although the older material uniforms continued to be sold and used through the late 1960s. The Improved Scouting Program in 1972 included a major overhaul of badges and other insignia, replacing many two-color patches with multicolor versions. Also introduced was a red beret and a dark green shirt for "Leadership Corps" members (ages 14–15) in a Scout troop. This was done to relate those older Boy Scouts to Explorers, which wore the same uniform shirt, but by the early 1980s, the red beret and the Leadership Corps concept had been discarded.

thumb|200px|Scouts and Scouters wearing the red beret at the 1973 Boy Scout Jamboree

The Boy Scout uniform during the 1950s–1970s continued to have a monochrome light green (khaki-green) color for both shirts and shorts or trousers.

Tan uniforms

In 1980, a major change was made when a two-color uniform having a tan shirt with olive green shorts or trousers was introduced. Designed by Oscar de la Renta, it continued to be the uniform until August 2008, when the "Centennial Scout Uniform" was unveiled. The Oscar de la Renta-designed tan buttoned-front uniform shirt had shoulder epaulets and buttoned-down pocket flaps, worn with an olive green webbed belt with a brass buckle or a tan or brown-leather belt. The olive green cap had a bright red front panel and gold fleur-de-lis. In 2006, olive-green "Switchback" zip-off trousers were introduced in place of the traditional trousers, having an integral belt assembly with provisions for either the olive green webbed or brown-leather belt. Socks were olive green with a red band at the top and came in crew or ankle lengths, or knee length for wear with shorts. Female leaders were provided a choice of slacks, shorts, culottes, or a skirt.

Explorers

Explorers in the 1950s–1970s had a uniform of spruce green shirt and trousers, but by the 1970s many posts were developing their own uniform. Eventually only the shirt was available, leading many to wear the shirt with olive green Boy Scout pants or shorts. When Exploring was moved to Learning for Life in 1998, the new Venturing division used the spruce green shirt with charcoal gray pants.

Sea Scouts

For most of their history, Sea Scouts wore modified US Navy uniforms. Youth wore the enlisted "crackerjack" uniforms, and adults wore officer's uniforms, both of which were usually for more formal occasions. The standard work uniforms during this time were dungarees for youth and officer's khakis for adults. Sea Scouts who had reached the rank of Quartermaster wore adult uniforms, roughly analogous to a chief petty officer wearing an officer's uniform instead of an enlisted man's. To avoid confusion for active duty personnel, modifications were made such as wearing square knot insignia instead of ribbons, strips that read "SEA SCOUTS B.S.A.," silver brass instead of gold, and standard BSA insignia such as the WOSM crest, council shoulder patches, US Flag patches, etc. Notably absent from the uniform during this time were Order of the Arrow flaps. Following 9/11, The Navy tightened security making it extremely difficult for units to get on base to purchase Navy uniforms. It was replaced by the New Century uniform.

The uniform had, for some years, been referred to as the "field uniform", but the BSA now uses the terms "official Boy Scout uniform", "official Venturing uniform" and the like. With the introduction of the Switchbacks zip-off pants, the trend is towards a uniform emphasizing comfort and utility.

Discontinued uniforms and insignia

The official policy of the BSA is that any uniform or insignia that has ever been approved for use is still acceptable. However, the condition of the insignia must not distract from the overall appearance of the uniform. In addition, exact reproductions or "private issue" are not allowed to be worn.

Current uniform

thumb|200px|1950 3¢ US stamps showing the hats of the era

thumb|BSA uniform in the mid-1970s; shirt and shorts of the same color, with an optional [[Baseball cap|baseball-style cap]]

The uniform and insignia are variously protected by copyright, trademark, and congressional charter. The BSA does allow usage for movies, television shows and other events, but this is done on a case-by-case basis. The BSA has rebuked instances where it was felt that the uniform was used inappropriately and without permission. BSA rules and regulations also forbid the use of Scouting emblems for commercial or political purposes.<!--- comment out until verified /// The wear of camouflage or military style apparel as part at the uniform is also prohibited.---> Wear of the uniform and insignia is described in the various handbooks, the Guide to Awards and Insignia and inspection sheets.

Scout BSA and Varsity Scout uniform

Shirt

thumb|upright|140px|A Boy Scout in the 1980–2008 uniform designed by Oscar de la Renta

With the inclusion of girls in the Boy Scout (renamed to Scouts BSA) program, starting February 1, 2019 a new tan uniform shirt has been approved and is available for purchase. The new tan shirt features a red Fleur de lis symbol and red 'BSA' text in place of the 'Boy Scouts of America' text. Also available as an option for boys and girls are new olive green capris uniform pants.

The previous official Boy Scout uniform, known as the Centennial Scout Uniform, was named in tribute to the organization's 100th anniversary in 2010.

Accessories

Socks, worn with the uniform, are olive green and have a black "B.S.A." monogrammed at the top and are available in crew and ankle lengths. The new official belt is a forest green rigger style belt with a black metal mechanical claw buckle&nbsp;– other belt styles, mostly in tan or brown leather, are also worn.

  • Tiger, Wolf and Bear: A navy blue buttoned down shirt, navy blue pants, shorts, skorts or roll up pants and a navy blue web belt with brass buckle with Cub Scout logo. The neckerchief, hat and slide change every year and have a different logo and color for each level. Orange for Tiger, Red for Wolf and light blue for Bear. Navy blue socks with matching color tops for Cub Scouts are sometimes worn.
  • Webelos and Arrow of Light: The basic uniform is identical to the Scouts: A tan shirt, green shorts, long pants or skorts and a green belt. The neckerchief, slide and hat have the Webelos logo on the Webelos plaid (Tartan). Unlike the Scouts who wear green loops, they wear blue shoulder loops.

A male Venturer who earned rank as a Boy Scout may wear the rank emblem centered on the left pocket. Venturers who earned rank as a Venturer wear this rank emblem centered on the left pocket.

Sea Scout uniform

thumb|200px|Sea Scout uniform

The official Sea Scout uniform is designed to make it easy for members to outfit themselves in a Sea Scout uniform. This universal uniform is worn by all youth and adult Ship members and serves as both a dress uniform and a work uniform.

Sea Scout uniform components:

  • Navy Blue ball cap, No. 618623; with SEA SCOUTS and the Sea Scout logo embroidered in white.
  • Dark Navy Blue shirt; similar to Dickies Nos. 1574DN (male) and FS574DN (female), color DN, dark navy.
  • Dark Navy Blue T-shirt.
  • Dark Navy Blue pants; similar to Dickies Nos. 874DN (male) and 774DN (female), color DN, dark navy.
  • Black web belt and buckle with Sea Scout logo, No. 618624.
  • Black plain-toe shoes and black socks. Or, activity footwear such as boat shoes, hiking boots, or athletic shoes.
  • Optional Neckerchiefs (unit option)

Youth and adults may wear No.618625; black triangular design (unit option). The "tar flap" design, No. 618626, is reserved for youth only (unit option).

Scouter dress uniform

thumb|100px|Dress uniform

The Scouter dress uniform is appropriate for professional Scouters and all Scouting leaders on formal occasions. The current version 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 Cub Scout, Boy Scout or Venturing emblem is worn on the left pocket or lapel. A 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 and black socks or stockings are worn with the dress uniform.

Order of the Arrow

Members of the Order of the Arrow (Scouting's National Honor Society, known commonly as the OA) are generally distinguished by the pocket flap patches worn on the right pocket flap of the field uniform. Only dues-paying members of the featured lodge may wear that lodge's flap. At OA events and when serving as a representative of the OA, members wear a sash that communicates their honor level. An ordeal member wears a white sash with a red arrow on it. Brotherhood members wear a white sash with a red arrow as well, but also have a horizontal red bar above and below the arrow. Vigil Honor members wear the same sash as Brotherhood members, but additionally have a vigil triangle in the center of the arrow. In all cases, the sash is worn over the right shoulder (through the epaulet) with the arrow pointing up, and is never worn either on the belt or at the same time as the merit badge sash.

Insignia

Various insignia are worn by Scouts and Scouters representing unit membership, activities, accomplishments, honors and training. Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts each have their own specific insignia but all follow similar patterns. The below examples on the right show Boy Scouts and Venturing. The Boy Scouts of America have published a Guide to Awards and Insignia (publication number 33066) which details the specifics of all the awards and insignia. Below are some of the rules set in this guide. These local patches can celebrate an event, a local landmark, a local scout camp, scouting historical figures, special funding events, etc. They are sometimes issued as sets that are collectible. They can be worn according to local council governance and policies.

Below the flag, Cub Scouts (including Webelos) may wear a gold and blue den number and Boy Scouts and Webelos Scouts (as an option) may wear a patrol emblem. In the next position, Scouts and Scouters may wear the most recent Quality Unit emblem earned by their unit. District or council level Scouters may wear the most recently earned Quality District or Quality Council patch. Venturers may wear the official Venturing emblem or an approved specialty emblem below the flag. Scouts and Scouters at the area or regional level may wear a region emblem below the flag.

Webelos Scouts wear the oval rank badge when earned. Scouts who have earned the Arrow of Light badge wear it centered below the pocket. Boy Scouts wear their current rank badge centered on the left pocket. Male Venturers may also wear their current Boy Scout rank cloth badge on the official Venturing uniform shirt to age 18.

Scouts and Scouters may wear up to five pin-on medals that they have earned or have been awarded centered just above the pocket seam; medals are usually only worn on formal occasions. Many medals may also be represented by a square knot insignia.

Scouters that have completed the Powder Horn course wear their silver metallic emblem suspended from the left pocket button.

Service stars may be worn above the pocket or top row of square knots. These are star shaped pins with an enameled number representing tenure in each Scouting division. Circular plastic backings represent each membership division: gold is used for Cub Scouting, green is used for Boy Scouting, brown used is for Varsity Scouting, red is used for Venturing and blue indicates adult service. Scouts and leaders with tenure as Tiger Cubs prior to 2000 may wear a service star with an orange backing. Those who served in Exploring prior to 1998 may wear a service star with red backing.

Right pocket

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The space on the right pocket is reserved for one temporary insignia, such as patches from summer camps or other activities, which should be centered on the pocket. Only one such item is worn centered on the pocket. Members of the Order of the Arrow may wear lodge insignia on the flap of the right pocket.

Official uniforms have a BSA strip immediately above the right pocket, with the adult uniforms and youth male uniforms displaying the text "Boy Scouts of America", and the youth female uniforms displaying a fleur-de-lis logo and the text "BSA" in larger typeface. There are several insignia that can be placed above the BSA strip, including interpreter strips indicating foreign languages spoken. Boy Scouts over the age of 14 in a troop's Venture patrol may wear the corresponding strip above the interpreter strip. If worn, a name tag may be placed just above the BSA program strip, interpreter and Venture strips (if worn) or on the flap of the right pocket if no lodge insignia is used. Scouts or Scouters that have participated or have been selected to attend a National or World Jamboree may wear the corresponding patch centered between the right pocket and the shoulder seam. Order of the Arrow members selected to attend the Centennial Order of the Arrow National Conference in 2015 may wear the official Conference emblem in this location as an exception.

Visitors to all such events may wear patches for those events as a temporary insignia, centered on the right pocket.

Female Cub Scout leaders may wear the temporary insignia centered between the BSA strip and the shoulder seam.

Merit badge sash

thumb|140px|Merit badge sash

Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts may wear the merit badge sash, generally on formal occasions. Merit badges may be worn on the front of the sash and the Varsity Letter with earned pins and bars may be worn on the bottom front corner. Additional merit badges and temporary insignia may be worn on the back of the sash. The sash is worn over the right shoulder and should never be worn folded through the belt, and should not be worn at the same time as the Order of the Arrow sash.

  • Varsity Scouts and leaders wear blaze (orange) loops
  • Venturers and leaders wear emerald green loops.
  • Adults or youth who hold a district, council, or section position wear silver loops
  • Adults or youth who hold area, regional, or national positions wear gold loops.

Blue, red, forest green or blaze loops may not be worn on the green Venturing shirt and emerald green loops may not be worn on the tan shirt. Custom loops are not authorized.

The Religious Emblem (purple patch with a silver knot) can be earned as a Cub Scout and transferred to the Scout uniform when it crosses over and can be worn by adults who received it as a child.

No more than nine knots can be worn at any given time in three rows of three and they must not be flipped upside down. However, this is not enforced. Sea Scouts have different rules such as no more than six knots at the time.

Palms

Eagle Scouts can earn palms that can be worn on the Eagle Scout knot. Various requirements can earn an Eagle Scout Palms and the program is evolving. Eagle Scouts can earn Palms if they go beyond the required Merit Badges at the time of the award (21 in 2023). Palms are available in Bronze, Silver and Gold for the number patches earned beyond the required number:

  • Bronze Palm: 5 extra Merit Badges
  • Gold Palm: 10 extra Merit Badges
  • Silver Palm: 15 extra Merit Badges

Palms are combined to represent the number earned beyond the required number.

Palms are also available on some other knots such as the Honor Medal With Crossed Palms which recognizes a Scout's heroic actions that involve extreme risk to self

Other "knots"

Although they do not use a square knot insignia, there are three other awards that are considered "Square Knots".

  • District Award of Merit: an overhand knot
  • Silver World Award: white and red strips with a circle in the middle with three white stars on blue
  • Seabadge: Blue trident on a grey background

Wood Badge

thumb|150px|Wood Badge training hat and neckerchief

thumb|150px|Wood Badge beads, neckerchief and woggle

During the Wood Badge course Scouters, both staff and participants, wear the uniform of their unit and membership division; this is a change from the older custom where the uniform was worn without insignia other than the council shoulder patch and the Troop 1 numeral. The uniform is worn with the Wood Badge training hat, the neckerchief and with a woggle made during the opening sessions of the course. The hat and neckerchief use the Troop 1 numeral to represent the first troop to use the Wood Badge program. The axe-in-log is the emblem of Gilwell Park where the first Wood Badge course was held and the Maclaren tartan honors William de Bois Maclaren, who donated the funding to purchase Gilwell Park in 1919. After completing Wood Badge, the beads, neckerchief and woggle are presented and worn.

Non-uniform insignia

A number of emblems are awarded that are not intended for wear on the uniform. The emblems for aquatics qualifications are intended for wear on the left side of swimwear for:

  • Boardsailing BSA
  • Kayaking BSA
  • Mile Swim BSA
  • Scuba BSA
  • Snorkeling BSA

Certification such as BSA Lifeguard and BSA Aquatics Instructor are worn on the right side of the swimwear.

thumb|150px|BSA 50 Miler Award

Other awards are intended as equipment decoration such as a backpack or on a blanket. These include:

  • the 50-Miler Award
  • Historic Trails Award
  • Paul Bunyan Woodsman
  • the Totin' Chip
  • Firem'n Chit

Spoof insignia

Non-official patches, badges, emblems, shoulder loops and other insignia are readily available from third-party suppliers. These spoofs are parodies of existing emblems. For example, spoof versions of the "Trained" emblem include Over Trained, Potty Trained and Untrainable. Common spoof interpreter strips include English, Klingon, Brooklyneese and Southern Drawl, and spoof epaulets include a red, white and blue one for Eagle Scouts and a tiger paw for Tiger Cubs. Though not truly spoofs, another very common variant of actual BSA insignia are square knot emblems with spruce green, navy blue, or black backgrounds to match the Venturing and Sea Scout uniforms as opposed to the tan twill used by BSA National, which only matches the Scouts BSA uniform.

Flags

thumb|150px|Transatlantic Council Troop 303 holding their American flag and troop flag at Intercamp 2016 in the Czech Republic.

thumb|150px|Cub Scouts in Hawaii during a Christmas parade in 2012

While not technically part of the uniform, the Unit flag plays an important part in the Boy Scouts of America. Along with the American flag and the state flag, it is used at every flag ceremony.

The unit is specific to each unit but follows a specific standard. Flags are split with a top half in one color and the bottom in another and the program emblem in the center. The upper half has lettering for the unit type and number and the chartering organization; the bottom has lettering for the community and council.

  • Cub Scout: gold top half with blue lettering and blue bottom half with gold lettering
  • Scout: red with white lettering over white with red lettering
  • Varsity: orange over white with yellow lettering on both halves
  • Venturing: white over gold with green lettering
  • Sea Scout: red over blue with white lettering.

Within the Cub Scout pack:

  • Den flag: gold on dark blue background. Den numbers are sold in pairs (0 to 9) and combined to be added to the flag.
  • Webelos den flag: Light blue and gold on dark blue background. Den numbers are sold as for the den flags.
  • Tiger flag: orange flag with the Tiger emblem

See also

  • Ranks in Scouts BSA
  • Cub Scouting (Boy Scouts of America)
  • Venturing
  • Sea Scouts (Boy Scouts of America)
  • History of the Boy Scouts of America

References