Uniforms are a very important part of Scouting. The standard, khaki uniform protects scouts from the elements and can be modified to treat wounds in an emergency situation. Additionally, wearing the same uniform as their peers gives scouts a sense of identity and comradery within their troop, and instills in them the values of Scouting.
In this lesson, you’ll learn about the two types of Scout uniforms and when / how to wear them. Well information about other Scouting gear in upcoming lessons.
Class A Uniform & Patches
Class A uniforms (also called the Field Uniform) are the button down shirts with all the patches that you typically associate with Scouting. It consists of the khaki button-down shirt, a neckerchief, neckerchief slide, merit badge sash, and patches identifying our Council, Troop and the ranks / awards your Scout has earned. The Class A uniform also includes optional pieces like a hat, belt, and pants.
The Class A uniform is the same for all Scouts BSA members and is defined by the BSA’s Guide to Awards and Insignia (Scouts BSA-specific Guide). The uniform includes:
- Shirt (available in long or short sleeves in a variety of fabrics)
- Scouts BSA Shoulder Loops
- World Crest Emblem
- Council Patch (Provided by Troop)
- Unit Number Patch (Provided by Troop)
- Troop Neckerchief – Brick (Provided by Troop)
- Neckerchief Slide (Provided by Troop)
- Patrol Patch (Provided by Troop)
- Green Khaki Pants and Shorts (do not need to be Scouts BSA branded)
- Scout Belt (optional)
- Scout Hat (optional)
- Scout Socks (optional)
- Merit Badge Sash
Uniform pieces can be purchased from the Scout Shop in Butler, Pittsburgh, or online. The Troop may also have a limited number of used uniform pieces available if needed.
The online Scout Shop has a helpful section for new Scouts BSA members. There you’ll find a shopping list of uniform pieces, a Uniform Builder, and a patch positioning guide.
Class B Uniform
The Class B uniform (also called the Activity Uniform) is a Scouting t-shirt/sweatshirt (shows the fleur de li) and activity appropriate pants or shorts, and an optional scouting cap. You can order your Class B uniform year round from Play 2 Wear in Cranberry Township using the following link: https://troop-457.spiritsale.com/products. Remember, any Scouting shirt can act as a Class B uniform.
Wearing the Uniform
Uniforms should be worn to every Troop meeting and event. Unless otherwise communicated, this includes:
- Class A uniforms for all indoor Troop meetings or service projects
- Class A uniforms when traveling as a Troop to or from a campout or other event
- Class A uniforms for any Scoutmaster Conference or Board of Review regardless of location
- Class B uniforms for all outdoor Troop meetings or service projects
Our Leaders will let you know what uniform to wear to each meeting (check TroopTrack for these instructions), but when it’s unclear what to wear assume you should wear your Class A uniform.
Remember, when our Scouts wear their uniforms, they are representing Scouts across the world. We encourage our Scouts to look as presentable as possible and having their shirts tucked in.