The senior patrol leader is the top leader of the troop. He is responsible for the troop’s overall operation. With guidance from the Scoutmaster, he takes charge of troop meetings, of the patrol leaders’ council, and of all troop activities, and he does everything he can to help each patrol be successful. He is responsible for annual program planning conferences and assists the Scoutmaster in conducting troop leadership training. The senior patrol leader presides over the patrol leaders’ council and works closely with each patrol leader to plan troop meetings and make arrangements for troop activities. All members of a troop vote by secret ballot to choose their senior patrol leader. Rank and age requirements to be a senior patrol leader are determined by each troop, as is the schedule of elections. During a Scout’s time as senior patrol leader, he is not a member of any patrol but may participate with a Venture patrol in high-adventure activities. 

The assistant senior patrol leader works closely with the senior patrol leader to help the troop move forward and serves as acting senior patrol leader when the senior patrol leader is absent. Among his specific duties, the assistant senior patrol leader trains and provides direction to the troop quartermaster, scribe, historian, librarian, instructors, and Order of the Arrow representative. During his tenure as assistant senior patrol leader he is not a member of a patrol, but he may participate in the high-adventure activities of a Venture patrol. Large troops may have more than one assistant senior patrol leader,each appointed by the senior patrol leader. 

The patrol leader is the top leader of a patrol. He represents the patrol at all patrol leaders’ council meetings and the annual program planning conference and keeps patrol members informed of decisions made. He plays a key role in planning, leading,and evaluating patrol meetings and activities and prepares the patrol to participate in all troop activities. The patrol leader learns about the abilities of other patrol members and full involves them in patrol and troop activities by assigning them specific tasks and responsibilities. He encourages patrol members to complete advancement requirements and sets a good example by continuing to pursue his own advancement. 

The troop guide is both a leader and a mentor to the members of the new-Scout patrol.He should be an older Scout who holds at least the First Class rank and can work wellwith younger Scouts. He helps the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol in much thesame way that a Scoutmaster works with a senior patrol leader to provide direction,coaching, and support. The troop guide is not a member of another patrol but mayparticipate in the high-adventure activities of a Venture patrol.  

The quartermaster is the troop’s supply boss. He keeps an inventory of troop equipmentand sees that the gear is in good condition. He works with patrol quartermasters as theycheck out equipment and return it, and at meetings of the patrol leaders’ council hereports on the status of equipment in need of replacement or repair. In carrying out hisresponsibilities, he may have the guidance of a member of the troop committee. 

Each instructor is an older troop member proficient in a Scouting skill. He must alsohave the ability to teach that skill to others. An instructor typically teaches subjects thatScouts are eager to learn—especially those such as first aid, camping, andbackpacking—that are required for outdoor activities and rank advancement. A troopcan have more than one instructor.

The scribe is the troop’s secretary. Though not a voting member, he attends meetingsof the patrol leaders’ council and keeps a record of the discussions. He cooperates withthe patrol scribes to record attendance and dues payments at troop meetings and tomaintain troop advancement records. A member of the troop committee may assist himwith his work. 

A Scout at least 16 years of age who has shown outstanding leadership skills may beappointed by the senior patrol leader, with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster,to serve as a junior assistant Scoutmaster. These young men (a troop may have morethan one junior assistant Scoutmaster) follow the guidance of the Scoutmaster inproviding support and supervision to other boy leaders in the troop. Upon his 18thbirthday, a junior assistant Scoutmaster will be eligible to become an assistantScoutmaster.

The troop librarian oversees the care and use of troop books, pamphlets, magazines,audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor lists. He checks out these materials to Scoutsand leaders and maintains records to ensure that everything is returned. He may alsosuggest the acquisition of new literature and report the need to repair or replace anycurrent holdings. 

The historian collects and preserves troop photographs, news stories, trophies, flags,scrapbooks, awards, and other memorabilia and makes materials available for Scoutingactivities, the media, and troop history projects. 

The chaplain aide assists the troop chaplain (usually an adult from the troop committeeor the chartered organization) in serving the religious needs of the troop. He ensuresthat religious holidays are considered during the troop’s program planning process andpromotes the BSA’s religious emblems program. 

The den chief works with a den of Cub Scouts and with their adult leaders. He takespart in den meetings, encourages Cub Scout advancement, and is a role model foryounger boys. Serving as den chief can be a great first leadership experience for aScout. 

The bugler plays the bugle (or a similar interest) to mark key moments during the dayon troop outings, such as reveille and lights out. He must know the required bugle callsand should ideally have earned the Bugling merit badge.

The Order of the Arrow representative serves as a communication link between thetroop and the local Order of the Arrow lodge. By enhancing the image of the Order as aservice arm to the troop, he promotes the Order, encourages Scouts to take part in allsorts of camping opportunities, and helps pave the way for older Scouts to becomeinvolved in high-adventure programs. The OA troop representative assists withleadership skills training. He reports to the assistant senior patrol leader.