Positions of Responsibility

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Positions of Responsibility (PoR) are leadership roles that Scouts perform. Some of them are appropriate for advancing to Star, Life, and Eagle Scout ranks.

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In order to advance to the rank of Star, Life, and Eagle Scout, you must hold one of the following leadership positions for a certain amount of time. For Star, you must hold one of these positions for 4 months or more and for Life and Eagle you must hold them for 6 months or more.

Position of Responsibility qualifies advancement for:

image:Eagle_icon19.jpg = Star, Life, and Eagle ranks
image:Life_icon19.jpg = Star and Life ranks only
image:Life_icon19.jpg/image: Eagle_icon19.jpg = Star/Life when PoR is in a Venturing crew, and Eagle only when held in a Scout troop (such as Historian)
= Venturing Pathfinder and Summit Awards
image:Seascout20.png = Sea Scout Ordinary, Able, and Quartermaster ranks

Contents

Cub Scout/Webelos den

Denner
A Denner is a Cub Scout or Webelos Scout who is elected to be the temporary youth leader of his den. All Tiger, Wolf, Bear, as well as Webelos Dens should elect a Denner.
Assistant Denner
The Assistant Denner helps the Denner at den meetings and fills in for the Denner when the Denner is not available. The Den Leader may establish a practice of the Assistant Denner becoming the Denner in the next term.

Boy Scout troop

“ [The senior patrol leader (SPL) is] elected by the entire troop. Each patrol elects its patrol leader from among the members of the patrol.

None of the other youth leaders is elected to his position with the exception of the junior assistant Scoutmaster (who is appointed by the Scoutmaster). It is up to [the SPL] to fill the other troop leadership positions by selecting and appointing the right people to serve in those positions. If [the SPL] thoughtfully select[s] and appoint[s] the right people, the troop can have solid guidance and enthusiastic leadership for months to come.

”
— Senior Patrol Leader Handbook © 2017, § 7. The Troop Leadership Team

Patrol Leader's Council

image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Senior Patrol Leader
The senior patrol leader (SPL) is elected by the Scouts to represent them as the top youth leader in the troop. He runs all troop meetings, events, activities, the annual program planning conference, and the patrol leaders' council meeting. He appoints other troop youth leaders (except for junior assistant Scoutmaster) with the advice and counsel of the Scoutmaster.
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
The assistant senior patrol leader (ASPL) is the second highest-ranking youth leader in the troop. He is appointed by the senior patrol leader with the approval of the Scoutmaster. The assistant senior patrol leader acts as the senior patrol leader in the absence of the senior patrol leader or when called upon. He also provides leadership to other youth leaders in the troop.
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Patrol Leader
The patrol leader is the elected leader of his patrol. He represents his patrol on the patrol leaders’ council and appoints the assistant patrol leader.
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Venture Patrol Leader
The patrol leader is the elected leader of his Venture patrol. He represents his patrol on the patrol leaders’ council and appoints the assistant patrol leader. He is led by the Assistant Scoutmaster - Venture under the direction of the Scoutmaster.
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Troop Guide
The troop guide works with new Scouts in a troop. He helps them feel comfortable and earn their First Class rank within 12 to 18 months. He teaches basic Scout skills and works with the patrol leader at patrol leaders’ council meetings.

Other troop leadership positions

Assistant Patrol Leader
The assistant patrol leader is appointed by the patrol leader and leads the patrol in his absence. He represents his patrol at patrol leaders’ council meetings when the patrol leader cannot attend. The assistant patrol leader position does not count towards leadership requirements for Star, Life, or Eagle Scout.
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Quartermaster
The quartermaster keeps track of troop equipment and sees that it is in good working order. He keeps records on patrol and troop equipment, makes sure equipment is in good working condition, and issues equipment and makes sure it is returned in good condition. (Appointed by the SPL)
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Scribe
The scribe keeps the troop records. He records the activities of the patrol leaders’ council and keeps a record of dues, advancement, and Scout attendance at troop meetings. (Appointed by the SPL)
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Historian
The historian preserves troop photographs, news stories, trophies, flags, scrapbooks, awards, and other memorabilia. (Appointed by the SPL)
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Librarian
The librarian oversees the care and use of troop books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor lists. (Appointed by the SPL)
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Instructor
The instructor teaches Scouting skills. (Appointed by the SPL)
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Chaplain Aide
The chaplain aide works with the troop chaplain to meet the religious needs of Scouts in the troop. He also works to promote the religious emblems program. (Appointed by the SPL)
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Den Chief
The den chief works with the Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and den leaders in the Cub Scout pack. Helps Cub Scouts advance through Cub Scout ranks and encourages Cub Scouts to join a Boy Scout troop upon graduation. (Appointed by the SPL)
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
The junior assistant Scoutmaster (JASM) serves in the capacity of an Assistant Scoutmaster except where legal age and maturity are required. He must be at least 16 years old and not yet 18. He is appointed by the Scoutmaster because of his leadership ability.
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Order of the Arrow Representative
The Order of the Arrow Representative is a youth liaison serving between the local Order of the Arrow (OA) lodge or chapter and his troop. In his unit, he helps meet the needs of the unit and will serve as a communication and programmatic link to and from Arrowmen, adult leaders and Scouts who are not presently members of the Order. (Appointed by the SPL)
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Webmaster
Effective January 1, 2010 (Appointed by the SPL)
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Leave No Trace Trainer
Effective prior to 2016, when it was discontinued
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Outdoor Ethics Guide
Effective January 1, 2016 (Appointed by the SPL)
image: Life_icon19.jpg Bugler
The Bugler should be able to make appropriate bugle calls, as requested, at troop activities. Serving as Bugler can apply towards Positions of Responsibility requirements for Star and Life but not Eagle Scout. (Appointed by the SPL)
Musician
Boy Scouts or Venturers who are members of bands, drill teams, or drum and bugle corps affiliated with a unit or a local council may also wear the musician badge special insignia.
Boy Scout Ranks requiring a Positions of Responsibility
  • Star Rank #5 "While a First Class Scout, serve actively in your troop for four months in one or more of the following positions of responsibility (or carry out a Scoutmaster approved leadership project to help the troop)"
  • Life Rank #5 "While a Star Scout, serve actively in your troop for six months in one or more of the positions of responsibility (or carry out a Scoutmaster approved leadership project to help the troop)"
  • Eagle Scout Rank #4 "While a Life Scout, serve actively in your troop for a period of six months in one or more of the following positions of responsibility..."
  • See also: National Youth Leadership Training‎ (NYLT) - a fun, six-day outdoor learning course.

Varsity Scout team

While Varsity Scouting has been discontinued,[Note 1] a former Varsity Scout who served in a position of responsibility in a Varsity Scout team could have applied that previous service towards Boy Scout rank advancement requirements as a member of a troop, crew, or ship until January 1, 2018, at which point those positions were removed from eligibility (as reflected in 2018 Boy Scout Requirements). That pre-2018 service is still valid for Star, Life, or Eagle (where applicable).

Team Leadership

image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Team Captain
The Varsity Team Captain is elected by the Varsity Scouts to represent them as the top youth leader in the team. He presides over all team meetings, events, activities, the annual program planning clinic, and the team leadership meeting. He coordinates activities of the program managers and sets requirements and awards all Varsity Scout Activity Pins. With the exception of Cocaptains and Squad Leaders, he appoints all youth leaders with the approval of the Team Coach.
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Team Cocaptain
The Varsity Team Cocaptain is the second highest-ranking youth leader in the team. At the discretion of the Team Coach, one or more cocaptains are either appointed by the coach or elected by the youth team members. He stands in place of the captain during the absence or when called upon, and can function as a Program Manager for any field of emphasis.
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Team Secretary
The Team Secretary keeps the team records. He records the activities of the team leadership meeting and keeps a record of dues, advancement, religious award progress, and Varsity Scout attendance at team meetings. He conducts all boards of review for team members' advancement except Eagle. (Appointed by the Varsity Team Captain)
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Squad Leader
The squad leader is the elected leader of his squad. He represents the squad and is a voting member of the Team Leadership council meetings. At team leadership meetings, he presents potential activities of the program managers in his squad; conducts practice sessions planned by program managers within his squad.
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Quartermaster also called Equipment Manager
The quartermaster keeps track of team equipment and sees that it is in good working order. He keeps records on squad and team equipment, makes sure equipment is in good working condition, and issues equipment and makes sure it is returned in good condition. (Appointed by the Varsity Team Captain)
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Chaplain Aide
The Chaplain Aide works with the team chaplain to meet the religious needs of Scouts. He also works to promote the religious emblems program. (Appointed by the Varsity Team Captain)
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Historian
The Historian preserves team photographs, news stories, trophies, flags, scrapbooks, awards, and other memorabilia. (Appointed by the Varsity Team Captain). Serving as Historian can apply towards positions of responsibility requirements for Eagle effective January 1, 2010.
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Librarian
The librarian oversees the care and use of team books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor lists. (Appointed by the Varsity Team Captain)
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Instructor
The instructor teaches Scouting skills. (Appointed by the Varsity Team Captain)
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Den Chief
The den chief works with the Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and den leaders in the Cub Scout pack. Helps Cub Scouts advance through Cub Scout ranks and encourages Cub Scouts to join a Boy Scout troop upon graduation.
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Order of the Arrow Team Representative
The Order of the Arrow Representative is a youth liaison serving between the local Order of the Arrow (OA) lodge or chapter and his troop. In his unit, he helps meet the needs of the unit and will serve as a communication and programmatic link to and from Arrowmen, adult leaders and Scouts who are not presently members of the Order. (Appointed by the Varsity Team Captain)

Other team leadership positions

image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Program Manager
A Program Manager is an appointed leader of program activities in his team. He works with an adult Program Adviser to plan and perform primary leadership for team practice sessions and events in one of the five fields of emphasis:
(Appointed by the Varsity Team Captain)
image: Life_icon19.jpg Bugler
The Team Bugler should be able to make appropriate bugle calls, as requested, at team activities. (Appointed by the Varsity Team Captain). Serving as Bugler can apply towards positions of responsibility requirements for Star and Life but not Eagle Scout.
image: Life_icon19.jpg Webmaster
Effective January 1, 2010. Serving as Webmaster can apply towards positions of responsibility requirements for Star and Life but not Eagle Scout.
Effective January 1, 2016, if using the new requirements for a rank, this is a valid position of responsibility for Eagle.
image: Life_icon19.jpg Leave No Trace Trainer
Effective January 1, 2010. Serving as Leave No Trace Trainer can apply towards positions of responsibility requirements for Star and Life but not Eagle Scout.
Effective January 1, 2016, if using the new requirements for a rank, this is a valid position of responsibility for Eagle.
Effective January 1, 2016, this position will be renamed Outdoor Ethics Guide.

Notes:

  1. There are no leadership positions of Troop Guide or Assistant "Squad" Leader or Junior Assistant "Team Coach" in a Varsity team.

Venturing crew

Crew Officers

image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Crew President
The Crew President serves as the youth leader of the crew, he or she is elected by the youth members.
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Vice President - Administration
The administrative vice president is elected by the youth members and is the administrative officer of the crew. He or she leads the recruiting efforts and manages the recognition of the crew.
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Vice President - Program
The program vice president is elected by the youth members and is the administrative officer of the crew and manages the development of a good program, based on meeting the needs of the members.
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Crew Secretary
The Crew Secretary serves as the record-keeping youth leader of the crew, he or she is elected by the youth members, and is responsible for attendance records, written correspondence, records, and minutes showing decisions, plans and publicity.
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Crew Treasurer
The Crew Treasurer serves as the youth financial officer of the crew, he or she is elected by the youth members, and is responsible for keeping accurate records of the income and expenditures of the crew's funds.

Special crew officers

image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Crew Guide
The Crew Guide serves as an individual mentor for new Venturers, assisting in their understanding of the Venturing program and participation in crew activities. (Appointed by the Crew President)
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Crew Quartermaster
The Crew Quartermaster keeps track of crew equipment and sees that it is in good working order. He or she issues equipment and makes sure it is returned in good condition. (Appointed by the Crew President)
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Crew Historian
The Crew Historian collects and preserves memorabilia, press releases, photo, and and other data of historical significance to the crew. (Appointed by the Crew President)
Musician
Boy Scouts or Venturers who are members of bands, drill teams, or drum and bugle corps affiliated with a unit or a local council may also wear the musician badge special insignia.
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Den Chief
To qualify as a Crew Den Chief, the Venturer must have achieved at least First Class rank as a Boy Scout or Varsity Scout. The den chief works with the Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and den leaders in the Cub Scout pack. Helps Cub Scouts advance through Cub Scout ranks and encourages Cub Scouts to join a Boy Scout troop upon graduation.
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Webmaster
Effective January 1, 2016, if using the new requirements for a rank, this is a valid position of responsibility for Eagle.

Sea Scout ship

Quarterdeck Petty Officers

image: Eagle_icon19.jpg image: Seascout20.png Boatswain
The boatswain is the youth head of the Sea Scout ship. He or she runs all meetings and activities. The boatswain should share the responsibilities of leadership with the other elected ship members and be aware of the needs interests of ship members. The boatswain also appoints an activity chair for each activity and directs the development of the ship's operational plan.
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg image: Seascout20.png Boatswain's Mate - Administration
The boatswain's mate for administration is the second highest-ranking youth leader of the Sea Scout ship. He or she should take over for the boatswain when necessary. The boatswain is in charge of recruiting new members into the ship by attracting and admitting new members. The mate for administration conducts opening and closing ceremonies and recognizes youth for awards and advancement.
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg image: Seascout20.png Boatswain's Mate - Program
The boatswain's mate for program is the third highest-ranking youth leader of the Sea Scout ship. This leader should collect ideas for ship activities and maintain a file of all activities and trips. The boatswain's mate for program should also assist the activity chair in running a successful activity.
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg image: Seascout20.png Crew Leader
When a ship is large enough to necessitate multiple crews, the crew leader helps lead and maintain the crew. Crew leaders act as the liason between the quarterdeck officers and the crews.

Other Petty Officers

Assistant Crew Leader
The assistant crew leader is an assistant of the crew leader and takes over for the crew leader when necessary.
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg image: Seascout20.png Yeoman
The yeoman is the record-keeping leader of the Sea Scout ship, who keeps minutes for every meeting, issues reminders, handles publicity, and tracks attendance and membership.
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg image: Seascout20.png Purser
The purser is the youth financial officer of the ship. With guidance from the adult committee treasurer, the purser tracks and manages income and outcome using a yearly budget.
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg image: Seascout20.png Storekeeper
The storekeeper is the youth equipment manager of the Sea Scout ship. He or she keeps track of all ship equipment and maintains an inventory list.
image: Seascout20.png Activity Chair
The activity chair is a temporary leader assigned for each ship activity. The chair of the activity should, with the input of the ship and the aid of the boatswain's mate for program, plan to ensure that the activity is successful. This may include creating an agenda, tracking a signup list, and/or appointing a committee. This position must be held once for Ordinary, twice for Able, and thrice for Quartermaster.
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Webmaster
Effective January 1, 2016, if using the new requirements for a rank, this is a valid position of responsibility for Eagle.
image: Eagle_icon19.jpg Chaplain Aide (Sea Scouting)
The Chaplain Aide (Sea Scouting) works with the unit chaplain to meet the religious needs of Scouts in the ship. He also works to promote the religious emblems program.

Exploring post

Post Officers

Post President
The Post President is the youth head of the Exploring post. He or she delegates specific responsibilities to other officers and participants, and encourages and follows up to be sure that their jobs have been carried out.
Administrative Vice President
The Administrative Vice is a second highest-ranking youth leader of the post along with the Program Vice President.
Program Vice President
The Program Vice is a second highest-ranking youth leader of the post along with the Administrative Vice President.
Post Secretary
The Program Vice is the youth record-keeping leader of the post.
Post Treasurer
The Treasurer is the youth financial officer of the post.

Other post leadership positions

Activity Chair
Activity Chairs are youth participants suited to the activity need and leadership experience. They are appointed by the Post President.

Learning for Life group

Leadership units teach personal skills, cultural diversity, character attributes, and planning, and are designed to be presented by a teacher, post advisor, or other qualified trainers.

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Editor's note: effective December 31, 2017, the Boy Scouts of America ended the Varsity Scouting program.

See also

Leadership training

Youth (including Venturers and Sea Scouts under 21 years old)

References

Troop Positions of Responsibility
(Youth Positions)
 Senior Patrol Leader  Asst.(s)  Quartermaster  Junior Asst. Scoutmaster(s)  Order of the Arrow Rep.
 Patrol Leader(s),  Venture Patrol Leader,  Asst.(s)  Historian  Instructor(s) & Troop Guide(s) & Outdoor Ethics Guide  Chaplain Aide
 Scribe & Webmaster  Librarian  Den Chief(s)  Bugler & Musician
 Adult Leaders: Scoutmaster • Troop Committee Chair • Assistant Scoutmaster(s) • Troop Committee Members

Crew Positions of Responsibility and Adult Advisers

Crew Officers: President • Vice President - Administration • Vice President - Program • Secretary • Treasurer
Special crew officers: Crew Guide • Quartermaster • Historian
Other crew officers: Musician • Den Chief
Advisers: Advisor • Associate Advisor(s) • Crew Committee Secretary • Crew Committee Treasurer
Ship Petty Officers and Officers
Youth and Adult Positions of Responsibility
Petty Officers: Boatswain • Boatswain's Mate • Crew Leader • Assistant Crew Leader
Administrative petty officers: Yeoman • Purser • Storekeeper
Other petty officers: Specialist • Media Specialist • Activity Chairs • Bugler
Officers: Skipper • Mate • Ship Committee Secretary • Ship Committee Treasurer
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