BobwhiteSR518

I'd like to thank everyone who replied to my question. I still think the military patch is a bad idea and the Scoutmaster agrees with me. (I am a committee member.) However, the Committee Chair now says that the patches are okay because they do not have identifying numbers or lettering on them. His son (a Patrol leader)and the ASPL both are sporting these patches--not so much as Patrol emblems, but to indicate that they are members with the longest service. They want newer members to wear a different military emblem and members with service in between to wear a different patch--even though they may be in the same patrol. My son, the SPL, has been in the troop a full year longer than any of the other boys and hasn't agreed to wear the military patch--mainly because of pressure from me--but he wants to fit in with the rest of the guys. I know that badges of rank indicate experience and I see no need for these military "patrol emblems". Besides, members of the troop leadership--SPL, ASPL, etc.--are not supposed to wear patrol emblems anyway, right?

I have come here seeking clarification on what is and is not considered a proper patrol emblem. One boy in our troop has decided that military patches look "cool" and has convinced all the boys to adopt different military patches for their patrols. He is the son of the committee chair and he and his wife (another committee member) see nothing wrong with this. I have read that camo clothing is not allowed, nor are military medals. Doesn't this apply to military shoulder patches, too? I don't want our boys showing up at district or council events with inappropriate patches. I could really use some input. Thanks.

Hi! I'm Advancement Chair for my son's troop as well as Scoutmaster for a group of boy's in a children's home for abused youth. I am also Roundtable Chair for my District. My youngest son has been in Scouting since he was a Tiger in 1996 and I joined as Webelo Leader in 1999. I found this site while looking for information on proper and improper patrol emblems. I'm looking forward to gleaning a lot of information from the more experienced Scouters!