UNIFORMS

While all the uniforms ever made, decorated with all the badges do not necessarily make the wearer a Scout, uniforms are important to Scouting.  They help to unify our Troop, display our achievements, and define us as a part of a deeply respected organization.  Unless specifically stated, Scouts are expected to wear some form of uniform any time they gather, just as they would be expected to wear the uniform of any other team to which they belong.  Troop 396 has modified the traditional uniform requirements to allow the boys some latitude in choosing how to dress, to maintain a better level of comfort, and to prevent a financial burden while still meeting the requirements of the official policy.  We hold a monthly uniform inspection to make sure everyone has all the pieces and is keeping up with the application of badges.  

Where to Get Them

     Sunny’s Surplus carries a good supply of uniforms, patches and accessories.  They can also be had from JC Penney, the official Boy Scout mail order catalog (1-800-323-0732, www.scoutstuff.org). and from the shop in the Baltimore Area Council headquarters on Wyman Park Drive in Baltimore (410-338-1700 x119).  There is another scout shop in the headquarters of the National Capital Area Council on Rockville Pike in Bethesda (301-564-1091).  For those who have a hard time finding a fit “off the rack,” custom made to measure uniforms, which can include a cotton alternative to the standard polyester, are available from the mail order catalog.

     New uniforms are expensive.  Some possibilities for used uniforms at substantial savings are Goodwill Industries on West Street; Lutheran Thrift Store on West Street; The Clothes Box at Anne Arundel General Hospital; New To You on Forest Drive; Second Look in Edgewater; and the Penny Saver classifieds.  The Troop has some used uniforms, free to anyone who needs them.  Just ask one of the Assistant Scoutmasters.  To support this program we also accept clean uniforms that Scouts have outgrown.

Badges

   Awards the boys earn will be provided by the Troop.  Badges should be properly displayed and applied in a timely manner, soon after they are earned.  If a badge of rank is lost and needs to be replaced, don’t look around locally.  They can only be bought at the scout store.  Most other badges can be had through the resources listed above.

     The badges have iron-on adhesive on the backs but people have mixed success using it.  The scout catalog has a fabric glue called badge bond (catalog number W50712) that might work and, of course, any tailor shop or dry cleaner will sew on the patches for a variety of fees.  There’s no reason why the Scouts themselves can’t attack the job with a needle and thread, especially when applying merit badges.

     Locations of badges may be found inside the covers of the handbook or in the attachments to this manual.  There are specific rules about what may be sewn onto the uniform and where.  In general, only official badges may be placed on the shirt and all merit badges go on the sash, three across, in any order.

Shoes

    We do not allow sandals or other types of open shoes at any time.  Our activities offer many opportunities for significant foot injuries from such sources as axes, sharp stones and sticks, fire, and falling objects.  The potential for injury exists even at regular Troop meetings where we often play lively games.

Uniform Types

   There are three basic uniforms, each commonly worn for certain functions or at the discretion of the Senior Patrol Leader or Scoutmaster.  Scouts are usually informed in advance of the expected uniform for an event.  Remember that no alterations of, or additions to, the official uniform may be made.  The basic uniforms are:

Dress Class A Uniform

     This is the complete uniform, mandatory for all Courts of Honor, Boards of Review, inspection, and other important functions.   It consists of the official Boy Scout:

   ·   Shirt, with appropriate badges

·   Red Shoulder Tabs (epaulets)

·   Hat

·   Belt

·   Neckerchief (or Troop neckerchief)

·   Neckerchief Slide (or handmade slide)

·   Sash, with appropriate badges

·   Socks

·   Pants or Shorts

·   Brown or Black Shoes (or your best shoes)

·   Handbook (yes, it’s part of the uniform)

Reduced Class A Uniform

     This is a more relaxed version of the dress class A uniform.  It is worn to most Troop functions during fall, winter, and spring-typically we begin wearing the reduced class A when public school begins, and stop when it ends.  It is also worn during fundraisers and whenever we travel, regardless of the time of year.  Even when it is not required to be worn, Scouts are expected to pack a reduced class A for all overnight outings as it may be required for meals, social functions, ceremonies, and so forth.  The reduced class A uniform consists of the official Boy Scout: 

·   Shirt, with appropriate badges

·   Red Shoulder Tabs (epaulets)

·   Belt

·   Socks

·   Pants or Shorts

·   Handbook (yes, it’s part of the uniform)

Class B Uniform

     Also referred to as the “summer uniform,” the class B is the uniform of choice for Troop meetings during the summer months.  Normally we start wearing it when public school ends and stop wearing it when school starts again in the fall.  Although we usually travel in class A’s, the class B is appropriate after arriving for most camping trips, at any time of year.  The class B uniform consists of:

   ·   Any Shirt with Any Type of Scout Logo or Graphic

·   Boy Scout Belt

·   Boy Scout Socks

·   Boy Scout Pants or Shorts (or khaki pants or shorts)

·   Handbook (yes, it’s part of the uniform)

Non-Official Clothing

   Clothing that is not a part of the official Boy Scout collection, such as pants worn with class B uniforms, sweatshirts, jackets, and so forth must be in good repair and good taste.

When Not To Wear the Uniform

   Do not wear the uniform while selling a commercial product or service not associated with an approved Scout fundraiser.

     Do not wear the uniform in situations that might mistakenly imply an endorsement by the BSA of a product, service, political candidate, or philosophy.  Scouts are encouraged to take part in political matters as private individuals but not while wearing the uniform.

     Do not wear the uniform while engaged in any activity that could dishonor or discredit the Boy Scouts of America, the uniform, or the person wearing it.

How Many?

   Most people think one class A shirt is sufficient, especially since they are adorned with so many badges, which would have to be duplicated on additional uniforms.  It is the same tan shirt that many Webelos Cub Scouts wear and it is not unusual for boys to strip the Cub Scout accessories from their old shirt and refit it for use as a Boy Scout.  One hat, neckerchief, neckerchief slide, and sash also are normally enough.  An extra pair of pants and shorts may be a good idea.  The things to have plenty of are class B shirts and official uniform socks.  At cost we sell a Troop class B shirt that is popular with the boys, but remember that any shirt with any scout logo is also considered a class B.