Rank Advancement

Rank Advancement is in two phases. The first phase of Scout to First Class is designed to teach Scoutcraft, how to participate in a group, and self-reliance. Scout is the starting rank and is awarded when the Scout demonstrates a rudimentary knowledge of the Scouting Ideals. He will then start to live with the Scout Oath and Law. He will learn the symbolism inherent in the Scout badge; he will learn there are three points of the trefoil which stand for the three parts of the Scout Oath: Duty to God and country, duty to other people, and duty to yourself.

Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class have progressively harder requirements in the areas of physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth and Scout Spirit. Throughout this first phase, the Scout also learns Scoutcraft, enabling him to camp, hike, swim, cook, tie knots, administer first aid, and perform other tasks in the outdoors. With each of these Advancements, the Scout begins to build himself physically, mentally, and morally.

With the Advancement from First Class through Eagle in the second phase, the Scout will be demonstrating Leadership, performing service projects, earning merit badges and using the skills learned while achieving the rank of First Class. The next ranks he will earn are Star and Life. These ranks are harder to obtain than the earlier ranks, but are also more interesting for the older Scouts. Upon completion of all the requirements for Star and Life the Scout will be eligible to work for Eagle. The original principals, the Scout Oath and Law now have fuller meaning for the Scout and their understanding of them is much greater. The final steps towards Eagle are filled with Leadership experiences.

Requirements for each rank are outlined in The Boy Scout Handbook. Scouts can work on Advancement requirements with their parents or other family members, with other Scouts and with Adult Leaders. They can do this on their own, in Patrol and Troop Meetings, and during other Troop activities such as campouts.

Scouts must earn the ranks in order, but they may complete any requirement for Tenderfoot through First Class at any time. (For example, you may complete a First Class requirement before finishing your Tenderfoot requirements, but you must earn Tenderfoot rank before you are awarded Second Class and First Class ranks.)

But remember, ranks are simply a means to an end, not an end in themselves. Everything boys do to advance and earn these ranks, from the day they join until they leave the program, should be designed to help boys have an exciting and meaningful experience.

See Also

• The Boy Scout Handbook
• The Scout Method
• Scouting Ideals
• Scoutcraft
• Advancement Program
• Merit Badges
• Service Projects
• Scoutmaster Conference
• Board of Review
• Court of Honor
• Recordkeeping
• Trail to Eagle
• Scout Responsibilities
• Youth Leadership