The Patrol Leader

The Patrol Leader is the most important job in the Troop. He is the closest to the Scouts in his Patrol and it is his responsibility to lead guide and lead them. For example, the Patrol Leader assigns who sets up the Patrol's tent, who prepares the fire, who cooks and who cleans.

The Patrol Leaders – along with the Assistant Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader – are the primary members of the Patrol Leader's Council. A Patrol Leader is an active Scout who sets an example by wearing his uniform properly. He lives the Scout Oath and Law in his everyday life. The Patrol Leader reports directly to the Senior Patrol Leader and may look to him or his assistant for help.

When a Scout accepts the position of Patrol Leader, he agrees to provide service and leadership to his Patrol and Troop. Although he is expected to take this responsibility seriously, he will also find it fun and rewarding.

Patrol Leader Leaders are expected to do the following:

• Plan and lead Patrol Meetings and activities.
• Keep Patrol Members informed.
• Assign each Patrol Member a specific duty.
• Represent his Patrol at all Patrol Leaders Council Meetings.
• Prepare his Patrol to participate in all Troop activities.
• Work with other Troop Leaders to make the Troop run well.
• Know the abilities of each Patrol Member and help them advance in rank.
• Be responsible for safety and discipline inside his Patrol.
• Keep his Patrol informed about Troop plans and activities.
• Show and develop Patrol Spirit.
• Set a good example.
• Wear the Scout uniform correctly.
• Live by the Scout Oath and Law.

Seven Habits of Success Patrol Leaders

1. Listening: They listen to their Patrol’s ideas and use their ideas to help get new ideas.
2. Questioning: They ask questions of their Patrol to help them figure out what to do.
3. Persuading: They exchanged ideas, defend their ideas, and try to explain their thinking to their Patrol.
4. Respecting: They respect their Patrol’s opinions. They offer encouragement and support for new ideas and efforts.
5. Helping: They help their Patrol by offering their assistance.
6. Sharing: They share with their Patrol. They make sure they share their ideas and thinking. They share their jobs.
7. Participating: They contribute to the Patrol assignment. They are actively involved with the work.

See Also

• Youth Leadership
• The Patrol Method
• Patrol Positions
• Patrol Meetings
• Patrol Leaders Council
• Patrol Advisor