Origins of Rank

[SM1154]

I am trying to incorporate some more Scouting History into our Courts of Honor. One of things I'd love to do is mention how the BSA ranks got their names - what is the history and thinking behind them. Most are obvious (Tenderfoot, 2nd, 1st Class & Eagle), but where did "Star" and "Life" come into it?

[Skywalker]

I am not sure to the origins, but I do know that originally STAR was senior to LIFE. I believe it changed in the 40's???

[Rooster7]

This has nothing to do with rank advancement, but there is some really neat stuff at this site:

 

http://www2.chsscout.net/rescenter/video/index.shtml#section4

 

It has a lot of good info on Baden Powell. It even has some recordings of him speaking about Boy Scouts.

[OldGreyEagle]

I've listened to those recordings. B-P himself says Boy Scouts are non-military.... Didnt we have a discussion on this?

[SM1154]

OK - my query was answered under a separate channel by Mike Walton. Here is a cut & paste of his reply:

 

Thank Seton for the Tenderfoot rank; it was a gentle nod to his Sons of the Pioneers program.

The Second and First Class Scout is more of a reference to the ability level than to military ranks.

 

Star and Life (actually, the rank order originally was Life and then Star Scout; it stayed that way until the middle 40s in which the BSA reversed the names) represented the additional accomphisment. The heart shaped badge of the Life Badge came from the personal fitness and character merit badges required to earn that rank. The Star Badge represents the outdoors and the badge design emphasizes the outdoor and campcraft merit badges required to earn that rank.

 

The Eagle Scout Badge was taken from the British Queen Scout Badge. Since we do not a monarchy here in the States, it was decided that the top badge be emblematic of our heritage. The Eagle Scout Badge was originally the "Turkey" Scout Badge...it was suggested that the Turkey instead of the Eagle be used as the symbol of the highest rank; that was finally *good thing!* resolved in favor of the Eagle.

 

The Eagle Palms are taken from the feathers of the Eagle.

 

When the Life and Star badges were reversed, there were additional symbolism associated with those two ranks:

 

To earn Star, a Scout must earn five merit badges (the five points of the star). To earn Life, a Scout must earn ten merit badges (two halves to the heart, two times five).

 

Thanks to Mike!

 

Scout On!