Scout Uniform

Uniforms

One of the most recognizable symbols of Scouting is the Scout uniform. This uniform makes the Scout Troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Scouting is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Scout's commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the Scout identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals. The uniform is practical attire for Scout activities and provides a way for Scouts to wear the badges that show what they have accomplished. 

Scouts, Scoutmaster, and Assistant Scoutmasters are required to have a full Scout uniform. Uniforms are suggested but not required for Committee members. In addition, Scouts and adults are required to have a minimum of one Troop 628 shirt and one Troop 628 hat, and a Troop 628 wind jacket.

The uniform that a Scout wears should be a source of pride for the Scout. Wearing of the Scout uniform is a tangible demonstration of Scout Spirit. 

Uniform Class

For Scouting activities, we have two levels of uniform: Class A and Class B:

Class A Uniform

• • Boy Scout Uniform Shirt with patches sewn on correctly (Class A)

  • Troop 628 T-shirt (under Class A)

  • Troop 628 neckerchief and slide

  • Boy Scout (or olive green) shorts or long pants

  • Boy Scout socks

  • Boy Scout web or leather belt

  • Troop 628 hat

  • Merit Badge Sash (worn for Boards of Review, Scoutmaster Conferences, Courts of Honor, and special events only)

Class B Uniform

• • Troop 628 T-shirt (cotton or wicking)

  • Boy Scout (or olive green) shorts or long pants

  • Boy Scout socks

  • Boy Scout web or leather belt

  • Troop 628 Hat

As a rule, the Class A uniform is to be worn to Troop meetings, all Courts of Honor, ceremonies, and other special occasions. Summer Uniform Attire: Only the Class B uniform is to be worn at all Troop meetings between Memorial Day and Labor Day of each year. The Scout’s name should be placed on all parts of the uniform with an indelible marker. Rub-A-Dub laundry markers work best.

Appearance

In all cases, the Scouts must be neat in appearance. Shirttails must be tucked in. Footwear should consist of tennis shoes, dress shoes, or hiking boots. For safety reasons, open-toed shoes are not allowed in any case. Non-Scout hats should not be worn with the uniform.

A Scout who is not properly dressed in uniform may be excluded from a Troop activity (outing, meeting, Scoutmaster Conference, Board of Review) by any of the Troop’s leaders.

Uniform Etiquette

• • Scout and Leader uniforms MUST be clean: no stains, significant tears, or shredding.

  • Uniform patch placement should be accurate, and ALL current patches should be on the uniform. Class “A” dress shirt must have the following patches sewn on to the shirt: National Capital Area Council Patch, Purple World Crest Patch, American Flag, Patrol Patch, and the 628 Troop numbers. Patch placement is found on the inside cover front and back of The Boy Scout Handbook and here. Temporary patches can only be worn on the uniform for six months, please remove non-uniform patches that are greater than six months old. 

  • Uniforms should be free from major wrinkles. A pressed uniform is preferred, but not required, for Court of Honor or any formal gathering.

  • All parts of the uniform should be in place including: neckerchief, slide, epaulets (shoulder loops), socks, belt, and pants.

  • The Boy Scout Uniform represents the Boy Scouts of America and the ideals it upholds. Uniforms should be worn properly and with pride.

 What to Sew Where...

Your Boy Scout Handbook contains information on the placement of BSA insignia. You may also use this BSA Uniform Inspection Sheet as a guide.