T618 Uniform Patch Placement Guide

These are the patches which are typically found on a Troop 618 Scout's uniform. There are many other patches which you may encounter in Scouting. There are some exceptions, but most patches not listed here are not be worn on the uniform. (If you have questions ask a Scoutmaster, or click here to visit the BSA website for official information on all patches and insignia.)

The right pocket (see note F) is the only location where a Scout may may put a patch of his choice. In particular, any patches on the bottom front, sides or back of the uniform should be removed.

Some Scouts buy or make a red felt vest which they can wear to show off other patches. Previously held Badges of Rank or Badges of Office should not be worn on this vest or anywhere else.

These pictures show a short sleeve Scout shirt. When sewing patches to a long sleeve shirt estimate where the cuffs would be on a short sleeve shirt and place the patches accordingly.

Notes:

Right Sleeve
A. The American Flag patch comes included with the uniform shirt.

B. Patrol emblems go on the middle position of the right sleeve. As of January 2010 none of our Patrols currently use emblems, but if they adopt them this is where they will go.

C. If our Troop earns a Quality Unit award the patch is worn at the bottom of the right sleeve.
Shirt Front
D. Shoulder Loops indicate the branch of Scouting a boy is in, so Troop 618 members wear Boy Scout loops. The new green Boys Scout loops are pictured here. The old red Boys Scout loops are also acceptable.

E. Scouts who join the Order of the Arrow may place their OA Lodge insignia on the right pocket flap. Scouts who are not in the OA should not have any patch on the right pocket flap.

F. The right pocket is known as the Temporary Patch location. This is the one place on his uniform where a Scout may wear any Scouting patch of his choice. Typical examples include Summer Camp, Camporee, Coastal Cleanup and Totin' Chip patches. Only one patch may be worn here at a time.

G. A Scout who has earned the Recruiter Patch, by bringing in a friend who then joins the Troop, may wear this patch below the right pocket.

H. The World Crest is worn by all members of Scouting to symbolize their membership in the World Scouting movement. It is worn above the left pocket.

I. Scout's current badge of rank is worn on his left pocket. The ranks are (in order of advancement) Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle.

J. If a Scout earned the Arrow of Light award in Cub Scouts he may wear it on his Boy Scout Uniform below the left pocket. This is the only Cub Scout award which may be worn on a Boy Scout uniform.
Left Sleeve
K. The Monterey Bay Area Council patch must be worn at the top of the left sleeve.

L. The unit number patch must be worn below the Council patch. Our unit number is 618. Shown is the older white number on red field style of patch. The new style has green numbers on a tan field. Either is acceptable.

M. Scouts who have assumed a leadership role in the Troop wear the appropriate Badge of Office on their left sleeve. Example Badges of Office include Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, Den Chief and Bugler.

N. Scouts who have earned a Trained patch by taking an official BSA training course (for example by taking Den Chief training at a Council Pow Wow) may wear the patch at the boottom of their left sleeve.
Merit Badge Sash
O. Merit badges are sewn on to the front of the Merit Badge sash in neat rows of three as they are earned.
Other patches may be sewn on to the back of the Merit Badge sash, but these may not include previously held Badges of Rank or Badges of Office.

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