TROOP POSITIONS

Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)
The senior patrol leader is the top leader of the troop. He is responsible for the troop’s overall operation. With guidance from the Scoutmaster, he takes charge of troop meetings, of the patrol leaders’ council (PLC), and of all troop activities, and he does everything he can to help each patrol be successful. He is responsible for annual program planning meetings and assists the Scoutmaster in conducting troop leadership training. The SPL presides over the PLC and works closely with each patrol leader to plan troop meetings and make arrangements for troop activities. This scout must be First Class or above. It is recommended that he take Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) training and National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT).

Patrol Leader
The patrol leader is the top leader of a patrol. He represents the patrol at all PLC meetings and the annual program planning meeting and keeps patrol members informed of decisions made. He plays a key role in planning, leading, and evaluating patrol meetings and activities and prepares the patrol to participate in all troop activities. The patrol leader learns about the abilities of other patrol members and fully involves them in patrol and troop activities by assigning them specific tasks and responsibilities. He encourages patrol members to complete advancement requirements and sets a good example by continuing to pursue his own advancement.

Troop Guide
The troop guide is both a leader and a mentor to the younger Scouts. He should be an older Scout who holds at least the First Class rank and can work well with younger Scouts. He provides direction, coaching, and support.  

Quartermaster
The quartermaster is the troop’s supply boss. He keeps an inventory of troop equipment and sees that the gear is in good condition. He keeps the trailer organized. He reports to the PLC on the status of equipment and requests for replacements.

Scribe
The scribe is the troop’s secretary. Though not a voting member, he attends PLC meetings and keeps a record of the discussions. He records attendance at troop meetings and activities to maintain troop advancement records. 

Historian
The historian collects and preserves troop photographs, stories, trophies, flags, scrapbooks, awards, and other memorabilia and makes materials available for Scouting activities, the media, and troop history projects. 

Librarian
The librarian oversees the care and use of troop books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor lists. He checks out these materials to Scouts and leaders and maintains records to ensure that everything is returned. He may also suggest the acquisition of new literature and report the need to repair or replace any current holdings.

Instructor
Each instructor is an older troop member proficient in a Scouting skill. He must also have the ability to teach that skill to others. An instructor typically teaches subjects that Scouts are eager to learn—especially those such as first aid, camping, and backpacking—that are required for outdoor activities and rank advancement. A troop can have more than one instructor.  

Outdoor Ethics Trainer
The Outdoor Ethics Trainer specializes in teaching Outdoor ethics principles and ensuring that the troop follows these principles on outings. He can also help Scouts earn the Outdoor Ethics award. He should have a thorough understanding of and commitment to Leave No Trace. Ideally, he should have completed Outdoor Ethics training and earned the Camping and/or Environmental Science merit badges. 

Chaplain Aide
The chaplain aide assists the troop chaplain (usually an adult from the troop committee or the chartered organization) in serving the religious needs of the troop. He ensures that religious holidays are considered during the troop’s program planning process and promotes the BSA’s religious emblems program. 

Bugler
The bugler plays the bugle (or a similar instrument) to mark key moments during the day on troop outings, such as reveille and lights out. He must know the required bugle calls and should ideally have earned the Bugling merit badge. 

Den Chief
The den chief works with a den of Cub Scouts and with their adult leaders. He takes part in den meetings, encourages Cub Scout advancement, and is a role model for younger boys. Serving as den chief can be a great first leadership experience for a Scout. This scout must be of Tenderfoot or above.

Webmaster
The webmaster is responsible for maintaining the troop’s website. He should make sure that information posted on the website is correct and up to date and that members’ and leaders’ privacy is protected.