Posted 5 years ago
fortapache
(3415 items)
This is a group of Boy Scout of America rank and position patches. Every scout has a rank but not all have a position, position being their job in the troop or patrol. Patrols being a subset of the troop. These were introduced in 1972 (47 years ago) and used through 1989. These replaced the square patches that had been used for decades. They are much more colorful than the original patches.These have plastic backings as they can be used as iron-ons. Many of these were never used and are like new despite being at least 30 years old.
First up is Bugler, Scoutmaster, Scribe and Librarian. Bugler of course plays the bugle, very showy for the troop to have a bugler. Scribe takes notes at meetings and Librarian takes care of the books, manuals, pamphlets and so on. There is a pamphlet for every merit badge for example so there can be a fair amount of work. These positions aid in advancing in rank. Scoutmaster I think everyone knows.
Next we have Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. Sounds a bit confusing. The Assistant Patrol Leader and Patrol Leader are the most common position. A Senior Assistant Patrol Leader is the 2nd highest rank in a troop. A Junior Assistant Scoutmaster is a Boy Scout of 16-17 years old and assists the scoutmasters.
Next is ranks in photo #3. In order of rank is Scout, Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, 1st Class, Star (in photo 4 as I put it on a uniform), Life and Eagle. Eagle of course being the highest.
In Photo 4 I have the Star Scout rank patch along with the 1st class patch from post 1989. After 1989 they went to the blended theme so the background is tan same as the uniform. The blended look is not universally liked. I myself care less for it. One would think a scout would want their rank and position to be noticed.
I agree, these are more attractive than the square ones of my era. I was assistant Patrol Leader and quartermaster of the P-51 Mustang Patrol(the patrol leader's father flew a Mustang in WW II) of Troop 222(Best by Test). They tried to make me the scribe but nobody, including me, could read my handwriting. Love this Scout stuff, brings back fond memories.
Thank you very much Toyrebel.
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/251613-saturday-evening-scout-post-patches-rank?in=1553-activity
Scribe patch I photo #2 the old square one, don't have a quartermaster patch yet. I think I have the scribe patch on a shirt now. Thanks for sharing your scout memories.
Thank you
elanski
fattytail
vetraio50
Toyrebel
bobby725
TheGateKeeper
Brunswick
Newfld
Thank you SEAN68.
Thank you jscott0363.
Great post fort! You gave a lot of good info here!
Thank you very much shareurpassion. Now everyone knows what an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader is.