Positions of Responsibility
“An invaluable step in character training is to put responsibility on the individual.”
- Robert Baden-Powell
Troop Positions of Responsibility
The below Positions of Responsibility count toward Boy Scout advancement. (For more information, see the Senior Patrol Leader Handbook (#32501) and Patrol Leader Handbook (#32502A) and the leadership chart below.)
Applications must be printed from this website below - none will be distributed at any Troop meeting - and provided to the Senior Patrol or Scoutmaster. No incomplete or late applications will be considered and no position or nomination takes effect unless the application is approved by the Scoutmaster, who has discretion to reject an application based on a Scout's prior performance or inability to fulfill the duties of the position. Absent pre-approval from the Scoutmaster, a Scout may have only one position per Scout year, but may apply for more than one. Unless the Scoutmaster grants an exception, the term for all-non Senior Patrol positions ends at the last Troop meeting. Positions do not automatically carry over from the prior year but require a new application.
SPL and ASPL applications are due the no later than the first April Troop meeting. All other applications are due no later than a week before the first September Troop meeting when Patrols will be formed. Patrol Leader positions will be addressed before any others, so Scouts should submit at least one alternate application in the event they do not get selected as Patrol Leader but still wish to serve in a Position of Responsibility. Positions from the prior year do not automatically carry over to the next.
Scouts in Positions of Responsibility are expected to be proactive and fulfill their duties as described without being prompted in order to receive credit for leadership service. Any Scout not performing his duties may be suspended from his position and not permitted to serve again for up to six months. (See Troop Policies & Procedures). Scouts will benefit from, and should be willing to participate in, formal Scout leadership training through the Theodore Roosevelt Council.
Senior Patrol LeaderThe Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) is the top Scout leader of the Troop. He reports to the Scoutmaster and is responsible for the Troop’s overall operation. The SPL has the following responsibilities:
Preside at Troop meetings, events, activities, and the annual Troop program planning conference
Chair the Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC or Green Bar)
Appoint Scout leaders with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster
Assign duties and responsibilities to other Scout leaders
Work with the Scoutmaster in training Scout leaders
Set and enforce the tone for good Scout behavior within the Troop
Set a good example
Wear the Scout uniform correctly
Live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law
Show and help develop Scout spirit
The Troop votes by secret ballot to elect its SPL. Rank and age requirements to be an SPL are determined by the Troop Committee, as is the schedule of elections. In Troop 71, an SPL must be Life rank or at least age 15 and Star rank at the time of service. The SPL is not a member of any patrol, but may participate with a Venture patrol in high-adventure activities.
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) works closely with the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and as follows:
Be responsible for training and giving direct leadership to the following appointed Scout leaders: Troop Historian, Order of the Arrow Troop Representative, Scribe, Librarian, Instructor, Quartermaster and Chaplain Aide
Help lead meetings and activities as called upon by the SPL
Guide the Troop in the SPL’s absence
Perform tasks assigned by the SPL
Function as a member of the Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC or Green Bar)
Help set and enforce the tone for good Scout behavior within the Troop
Set a good example
Wear the Scout uniform correctly
Live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law
Show and help develop Scout spirit
Rank and age requirements to be an ASPL are determined by the Troop Committee. In Troop 71, an ASPL must be at least age 14 and Star rank at the time of service. Troop 71 allows two ASPLs, each appointed by the SPL with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster. An ASPL is not a member of a patrol, but may participate in the high-adventure activities of a Venture patrol.
Patrol Leader
Elected by the members of his patrol, the Patrol Leader is the top leader of a patrol and has the following responsibilities:
Plan and lead patrol meetings and activities
Keep patrol members informed
Assign each patrol member needed tasks and help them succeed
Represent the patrol at all Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC or Green Bar) meetings and the annual program planning conference
Prepare the patrol to take part in all Troop activities
Show and help develop patrol spirit
Work with other Troop leaders to make the Troop run well
Know what patrol members and other leaders can do
Set a good example
Wear the Scout uniform correctly
Live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law
Troop Guide
The Troop Guide should be an experienced Scout of at least First Class rank who can work well with younger Scouts. To meet its needs, Troop 71 allows multiple Troop Guides who have the following responsibilities:
Introduce new Scouts to Troop operations
Present a New Scout Orientation program
Guide new Scouts through early Scouting activities
Help set and enforce the tone for good Scout behavior within the Troop
Ensure older Scouts never harass or bully new Scouts
Help new Scouts earn the First Class rank in their first year
Direct, coach and support the patrol leader of the New-Scout patrol on his duties
Work with the New-Scout patrol leader at Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC or Green Bar) meetings
Aid the assistant Scoutmaster with training
Direct, coach and support individual Scouts on Scouting challenges
Attend the annual October camping trip with Webelos II
Teach basic Scout skills
Set a good example
Wear the Scout uniform correctly
Live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law
Show and help develop Scout spirit
A Troop Guide is not a member of a patrol, but may participate in the high-adventure activities of a Venture patrol.
Quartermaster
The Quartermaster is the Troop’s supply boss and has the following responsibilities:
Keep an inventory of patrol and Troop equipment
Keep equipment in good repair
Keep equipment storage area and Troop trailer neat, clean and organized
Issue equipment and see that it is returned in good order
Suggest new or replacement items
Work with the Troop Committee member or Asst. Scoutmaster responsible for equipment
Set a good example
Wear the Scout uniform correctly
Live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law
Show and help develop Scout spirit
Scribe
The Scribe is the Troop’s secretary and has the following responsibilities:
Attend and keep minutes of Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC or Green Bar) meetings (not a voting member)
Record attendance and collect fees and permission slips for Troop activities
Record and announce advancements at Troop meetings and report them to the Advancement Chair
Work with the appropriate Troop Committee members responsible for records, and advancement
Handle correspondence appropriately
Set a good example
Wear the Scout uniform correctly
Live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law
Show and help develop Scout spirit
Troop Historian
The Troop Historian has the following responsibilities:
Gather pictures, stories and facts about past activities of the Troop and keep them in scrapbooks, wall displays, Facebook or information files
Take care of Troop trophies and keepsakes
Coordinate/update Troop's public history display
Learn and make presentations on the Troop History
Draft articles about Troop activities for publication
Working independently or with Librarian, solicit and coordinate articles and serve as co-editor-in-chief of the Troop's semiannual newsletter; publish the newsletter with the final draft approval of the Scoutmaster
Keep information about Troop alumni
Set a good example
Wear the Scout uniform correctly
Live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law
Show and help develop Scout spirit
Librarian
The Librarian has the following responsibilities:
Establish and maintain a Troop library
Working independently or with Troop Historian, solicit and coordinate articles and serve as co-editor-in-chief of the Troop's semiannual newsletter; publish the newsletter with the final draft approval of the Scoutmaster
Keep records on literature and written materials owned by the Troop
Add new or replacement items as needed
Research, maintain and update literature and other written materials available for use at Troop or Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC or Green Bar) meetings on various activities, games, projects, etc.
Maintain a system to check literature in and out
Follow up on late returns
Set a good example
Wear the Scout uniform correctly
Live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law
Show and help develop Scout spirit
Instructor
An Instructor is an older Troop member proficient in a Scouting skill with the ability to teach that skill to others, particularly skills like first aid, camping and backpacking that are required for outdoor activities and rank advancement. To meet its needs, Troop 71 allows multiple Instructors, who have the following responsibilities:
Instruct Scouting skills as needed within the Troop or patrols
Prepare well in advance for each teaching assignment and presentation
Attend the annual camping trip with Webelos II
Set a good example
Wear the Scout uniform correctly
Live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law
Show and help develop Scout spirit
Outdoor Ethics Guide
The Outdoor Ethics Guide (OEG) has the following responsibilities:
Explain to Scouts the relevant requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks
Demonstrate how to practice the Outdoor Code, and the Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly! principles to meet advancement requirements
Help the Troop plan and conduct an outdoor program that effectively practices outdoor ethics
Mentor Den Chiefs in the Outdoor Code and practicing Leave No Trace Principles for Kids
Help Life Scouts understand, plan, and carry out activities or projects meeting conservation service hour requirements
Encourage Scouts and leaders to complete the Outdoor Ethics Awareness and Action Award
Use tools to evaluate how well he carried out the responsibilities of OEG
Set a good example
Wear the Scout uniform correctly
Live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law
Show and help develop Scout spirit
Bugler
The Bugler ideally should have earned the Bugling Merit Badge and has the following responsibilities:
Play the bugle (or a similar interest) to mark key moments on Troop outings, such as Reveille, Taps and lights out, or other events
Be able to make appropriate bugle calls, as requested, at Troop activities
Set a good example
Wear the Scout uniform correctly
Live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law
Show and help develop Scout spirit
Chaplain Aide
The Chaplain Aide has the following responsibilities:
Keep Troop leaders apprised of religious holidays when planning activities
Assist the Troop chaplain or religious coordinator in meeting the religious needs of Troop members while on outings
Encourage saying grace at meals while camping or on outings
Lead worship services on campouts and be prepared with closing prayers for Troop meetings
Solicit, collect and prepare Patrol prayers, and coordinate music for Troop's Interfaith Worship Service
Inform Scouts members about the religious emblems program for their faith
Set a good example
Wear the Scout uniform correctly
Live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law
Show and help develop Scout spirit
Den Chief The Den Chief works with a Den of Cub Scouts and their adult leaders and has the following responsibilities:
Serve as the activities assistant at Den meetings
Meet regularly with the Den leader to review the Den and Pack meeting plans
Project a positive image of Boy Scouting
Set a good example
Wear the Scout uniform correctly
Live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law
Show and help develop Scout spirit
Serving as Den Chief can be a great first leadership experience for a Scout. In addition to the patch, a Den Chief Cord is worn over the left shoulder. Den Chiefs are expected to take formal Den Chief training and to connect with a local Cub Scout Den and make arrangements for their service.
Webelos Den Chief
A Webelos Den Chief, who must be at least First Class rank, works with a Den of Webelos and their adult leaders and has the following responsibilities:
Help plan and assist with the leadership of Webelos Den meetings and field activities
Meet regularly with the Webelos Den leader to review the Den and Pack meeting plans
Help prepare and encourage Webelos to join Boy Scouting
Project a positive image of Boy Scouting
Attend the annual October camping trip with Webelos II
Set a good example
Wear the Scout uniform correctly
Live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law
Show and help develop Scout spirit
In addition to the patch, a Webelos Den Chief Cord is worn over the left shoulder. Webelos Den Chiefs are expected to take formal Den Chief training and to connect with a local Webelos Den and make arrangements for their service.
Order of the Arrow Troop Representative
The Order of the Arrow (OA) Representative, who must have undergone the Ordeal, reports to the ASPL and has the following responsibilities:
Attend local lodge or Order of the Arrow meetings
Serve as a communication link between the lodge or OA chapter and the Troop
Encourage year-round and resident camping in the Troop
Encourage older-Scout participation in high-adventure programs
Encourage Scouts to actively participate in community service projects
Assist with leadership skills training in the Troop
Encourage Arrowmen to assume leadership positions in the Troop
Encourage Arrowmen in the Troop to be active participants in lodge and/or chapter activities and to seal their membership in the Order by becoming Brotherhood members
Set a good example
Wear the Scout uniform correctly
Live by the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and OA Obligation
Show and help develop Scout spirit
OA Troop Representative Application
Junior Assistant ScoutmasterA Scout at least 16 years of age who has shown outstanding leadership skills may be appointed by the SPL, with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster, to serve as a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster (JASM), who has the following responsibilities:
Function as an Assistant Scoutmaster (except for leadership responsibilities reserved for adults 18 and 21 years of age or older)
Accomplish duties assigned by the Scoutmaster
Set a good example
Wear the Scout uniform correctly
Live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law
Show and help develop Scout spirit
To meet its needs, Troop 71 allows multiple JASMs. Upon his 18th birthday, a JASM will be eligible to become an Assistant Scoutmaster.
