Section VIII

Uniform Rules

VIII.1 Why the Uniform

Scouts in uniform are conscious of their rank and make a greater effort to advance. Only the uniform provides a place for display of badges - important symbols of achievement. Scouts have more fun, stay longer in our program, and feel greater pride in the achievement of advancement.

The uniform can help a boy: It is not the purpose of the Scout uniform to hide the differences between the boys or make them feel that they are all the same. But there is one way in which all Scouts are alike; whenever a Scout sees another person in a Scout uniform he knows he is like that person because both have committed themselves to the principles of the Scout Oath and Law. The Scout Oath and Law bind all Scouts of the world together in a common purpose. By wearing the uniform, Scouts give each other strength and support. Beyond accenting the common bond between Scouts, by wearing the uniform Scouts are declaring their faith and commitment to some important beliefs that bind them to all people. It is a way of making visible their belief in God, their loyalty to our country, and their commitment to helping other people who need them.
The uniform can help the Troop: When smartly worn, the uniform can help build good Troop spirit. And by investing in a uniform, a Scout and his parents are making a commitment to take Scouting seriously. The uniform also makes the Troop visible as a force for good in the community and when properly worn on the correct occasions, it can attract new members. Scouts in uniform create a strong, positive, youth image in the neighborhood.

VIII.2 Uniform Rules

Troop uniform policy is outlined in the Troop Constitution (Article IV, UNIFORM.) Proper placement of insignia is found on the inside front and back cover of the Scout Handbook (a Scout's Handbook is part of his uniform and it should be brought to every meeting, activity, and camp-out in the event a Scout is ready to demonstrate his knowledge of a requirement or readiness to advance in rank).

We wear the uniform to separate us from everyone else and to bind us as one unit. The Troop always travels in uniform (khaki shirt, green pant / shorts, etc.) to and from outings. Whether it is to a weekend camp-out, hiking, Scouting-for-Food, or other official Scouting activity. If in doubt, wear the uniform. If a Scout arrives to a camp-out without his uniform, he will be sent home to retrieve it. If he does not wear the uniform he will not attend the trip.

The uniform is also to be worn at all Troop and Patrol meetings. If a Scout is ready for a Board of Review or Court of Honor the Class A uniform must be worn—no exceptions.

On occasion, the Scoutmaster may render exceptions to this policy. The Scout will be notified if he does not need to wear a uniform or if he should wear the activity uniform. The Troop t-shirt can be worn under the khaki shirt anytime.

VIII. Uniform Inspection Checklist

Uniform Item and Conditions of Proper Wear
	Uniform Item	Location and Condition of Proper Wear
	Scout Handbook
	Scout Hat	Troop 4673, Red and Olive Green, or Olive Green BSA.
	BSA Khaki Shirt	Clean. Pressed. Tucked in to pants. No missing buttons.
	Red or Olive Green Shoulder Tabs	Worn on each shoulder epaulet.
	Neckerchiefs	Troop 4673 or Blue BSA. Worn folded and under the collar. No more than six inches may show (measured from the top of the collar to the end of the neckerchief).
	National Capital Council Emblem	Worn directly below the shoulder seam of the left shirt sleeve.
	Troop Numerals "4673"	Worn directly below the National Capital Area Council Emblem on the shirt left sleeve.
	Badge of Office	Worn centered on the left sleeve just below the Troop numerals.
	Shoulder Cord	Worn suspended from the top, left shoulder and strung beneath the arm. Worn only while serving in the respective office.
	U.S. Flag	Worn directly below the shoulder seam of the right shirt sleeve.
	Patrol Patch	Worn centered on the right shirt sleeve between the U.S. Flag and the Quality Unit Award (if earned).
	Religious Emblem	A Knot Award, if earned, worn centered above the left shirt pocket flush with the top of the pocket flap seam.
	Badges of Rank	Rank is worn centered on the left shirt pocket, directly below the pocket flap. The WEBELOS Arrow of Light Badge is worn centered on the pocket, just beneath the lower seam of the pocket.
	Recruiter Strip	Worn, if earned, centered on the right pocket, just beneath the lower seam of the pocket.
	Boy Scouts of America Strip	Worn above the right shirt pocket, flush with the top of the pocket flap seam.
	Order of the Arrow Lodge Flap	Worn, if awarded, over the right shirt pocket flap by members in good standing in the lodge.
	Quality Unit Award (Optional)	Worn centered on the right shirt sleeve, 4" below the shoulder seam (measured from the top of the patch).
	World Crest (Optional)	Worn centered above the left pocket and shoulder seam and above any Service Stars.
	Service Stars (Optional)	Gold with numeral in center indicating years of service in scouting. Stars are worn 3/8" above the left shirt pocket seam or 3/8" above any Knot Award. An orange backing indicates service in Tiger Cubs, yellow indicates service in Cub Scouts, red indicates service in Boy Scouts.
	BSA Pants or Shorts	Olive Green.
	BSA Socks	Olive Green with red stripe or Olive Green.
	Belt	Olive Green with Gold Boy Scout belt buckle.
	Temporary Insignia (Optional)	Worn centered on the right shirt pocket.