Patrol Positions of Responsibility

The following leadership positions with a patrol can make the patrol more effective and fun. For more information, see the Patrol Leader Handbook (#32502A).

Patrol Leader

The patrol leader is the top leader of a patrol. The duties of the patrol leader include:

• Represent the patrol at all patrol leaders’ council meetings and the annual program planning conference.
•  Keep patrol members informed of decisions made by the patrol leaders’ council.
• Play a key role in planning, leading, and evaluating patrol meetings and activities.
• Help the patrol prepare to participate in all troop activities.
• Learn about the abilities of other patrol members and fully involve them in patrol and troop activities by assigning them specific tasks and responsibilities.
• Attend troop leadership training and continue to work on advancement.
• Encourage patrol members to complete their own advancement requirements.
• Recruit new members to maintain a full patrol.
• Set a good example by having a positive attitude, wearing the Scout uniform, showing patrol spirit, and expecting the best from yourself and others.
• Devote the time necessary to be an effective leader.
• Work with others in the troop to make the troop go.
• Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
• Solicit ideas and concerns from patrol members so they have input to the planning and operation of the patrol.

• Assistant Patrol Leader

The assistant patrol leader takes charge of the patrol when ever the patrol leader is not available. The duties of the assistant patrol leader include:

• Assist the patrol leader in planning and chairing patrol meetings.
• Lend a hand in leading patrol activities and building patrol spirit.
• Help the patrol prepare for troop activities.
• Assist the scribe in keeping current the advancement records of patrol members.
• Monitor the advancement progress of patrol members.
• Represent the patrol at patrol leaders’ council meetings when the patrol leader cannot attend.
• Set a good example.
• Wear the uniform correctly.
• Live by the Scout Oath and Law.
• Show Scout spirit.

In addition, the assistant patrol leader may be given special assignments such as working on a patrol service project or assisting certain patrol members with their advancement.

Patrol Scribe

The scribe of a patrol keeps the log—are cord of what goes on at each patrol meeting. It provides an accurate account of decisions made, assignments of responsibilities, and patrol plans for upcoming events. To refresh everyone’s memory at the beginning of a patrol meeting, the scribe may read the most recent log entry. The scribe checks attendance, collects and records dues,and manages the budgets for outings. He may also be the patrol’s Internet webmaster, encouraging patrol members to use e-mail to communicate with one another between meetings. The task is best suited to someone who has good writing skills, is well organized, and is dependable.

Patrol Quartermaster

The patrol quartermaster is responsible for the patrol equipment. He maintains inventory of all of the patrol gear and makes sure it is clean and ready for the patrol to use. If an item is broken, he repairs it if he can; if he can’t, he brings it to the attention of the patrol leader. If the patrol has a chuck box for its front country camp kitchen, the quartermaster can monitor its contents and see that it is fully stocked with cook gear and staple items. He checks out the gear for camp outs and other patrol outings, and he makes sure everything is returned and properly stored afterward. The responsibilities of the quartermaster are suited for a Scout who is organized, dependable, and aware of details.

Patrol Grubmaster

The grubmaster of a patrol takes the lead in planning menus for hikes and camp outs. Of course, everyone in the patrol has asay in what he would like to eat. The grubmaster helps make those wishes into reality by writing out the menu, itemizing the ingredients, ensuring that purchases are made, and supervising food repackaging before a trip. Scouts who are completing advancement requirements for cooking can work closely with the grubmaster. The grubmaster should be a Scout who is familiar with the cooking chapter of The Boy Scout Handbook and is aware of the importance of good nutrition. It will help if he is also good at math and measurements.

Patrol Cheermaster

The cheermaster leads the patrol in yells, songs, and skits. His is a vital role when the patrol is taking part in campfire programs. Just as important can be his contributions to patrol spirit during long hikes, when the weather on a camping trip turns stormy, or when the patrol is challenged by adversity. He should be an upbeat, outgoing person who can get up in front of a group and lead a song or a cheer.