Wearing the Uniform
Wearing the Scouting America uniform signals to others that you uphold the ideals of Scouting. It identifies you as someone who is prepared to help in certain emergencies, and that you have the back of your fellow Scouts, whether in your troop or not. Wearing it correctly demonstrates pride and excellence.
This is your guide to doing it right:
Field Uniform
The field uniform is what we used to call “Class A”. It consists of the iconic BSA biege shirt, green BSA shorts or pants, BSA socks, and belt. The field uniform comes in two variations: the field dress uniform (shown above) and the field activity uniform, which is everything you see above, minus the sash. These are its components:
Headwear
For formal occasions—including any occasion where a group of Scouts will be in contact with the public—all troop members must wear the same headwear. Currently we have a choice of three hats: the green official BSA logo ball cap, our own green ball cap with troop logo, and our troop beanie. For normal troop meetings you may wear any of these (or none at all)
Shirt & Neckwear
Wear the official BSA long- or short-sleeved uniform shirt, tucked in, with all appropriate patches including an up-to-date rank patch, and current position (“badge of office”). Once you complete your term in a position please remove the the patch. You may keep it as a memento of your service.
Neckwear consists of our official troop neckerchief, worn over the collar and secured with a neckerchief slide (no rubber bands, please). If you are an Eagle Scout or entitled to another ceremonial neckerchief you may wear it instead. It’s your choice.
The Field Dress Uniform (FDU) also includes your sash (worn over the epaulet). We wear the dress version for Courts of Honor and other special occasions.
Shoulder Loops
We wear red troop numbers and red shoulder loops. Officially, Scouts now wear green numbers and loops but we hold on to the the classic look.
Bottoms
You may wear the green BSA shorts or pants (no cuffs) with an official BSA belt.
Regardless of whether you wear pants or shorts, we wear official BSA socks. Our troop wears the traditional red-topped knee socks which are becoming harder to find.
Footwear
For meetings, where comfortable footwear. Sneakers are fine. Dark sneakers look better but it’s not a big deal. For special events, wear leather dress shoes if you have them.
Accessories
The uniform does not include sunglasses, sweatshirts, undershirts that are longer than your sleeves, beanies or other non-BSA hats, or other distracting accessories.
Tips & Tricks
Badge Magic — Sewing on all those patches can be a hassle. Badge Magic is a special glue designed to secure patches to your uniform. BSA sells a version sized specifically for uniforms. They also make one for merit badges.
Badge Magic leaves a stain. If you do use Badge Magic, remember that it is permanent. You can remove the patches, but it will leave a permanent stain on your uniform. Only use it for permanent patches.
Some badges are temporary. Your rank and position will change, for example. So might your patrol. Sew these badges on instead of using Badge Magic.
Totin’ Chit & Firem’n Chit. These patches are technically awards. Awards are centered on your right pocket. The Totin’ Chit and Firem’n Chit are sized and shaped like pocket flaps which is probably why so many Scouts place them there, but they’re wrong. Treat awards as temporary patches (sew them on) in case you want to replace them with cooler ones later.
Create a Routine. When you get home from a Scouting event, hang up your uniform to prevent if from getting wrinkled. Fold and store your pants or shorts. Wash your socks. Keep everything (neckerchief, slide, hat, etc.) in the same place every time so you never have to go looking for it.
How to iron your uniform. Do: have a parent teach you (and supervise if necessary). Don’t ask someone else to it for you. A Scout takes care of themself and others whenever possible. They don’t expect others to do their work for them.
