Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable by a Scout in several national Scouting organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP). The term Eagle Scout is used to refer to a Scout who has achieved this honor.
Eagle Scout rank in the BSA
| Eagle Scout (BSA) |
| Medal |
Youth Patch |
Adult Square Knot |
|
|
|
|
The rank is awarded upon completion of a community service project designed and directed by the Scout, the acquisition of a certain number of merit badges (21, 12 specified from specific sets of lists from various categories, with flexibility to accommodate boys with physical disabilities, and 9 elective), and service in a leadership position in the Scout's Troop. The highly respected rank is considered to be a significant honor, and is looked upon as an achievement even much later in life. About four percent of Scouts attain the rank. More than 1 million Boy Scouts have earned the rank since 1911. The Eagle Scout Court of Honor is a special ceremony in honor of a new Eagle Scout.
In the BSA, after achieving the rank of Eagle, a scout may also earn Eagle palms. Eagle palms are awarded for earning a certain number of merit badges over and above those required for the rank of Eagle, and for continuing to serve actively in the troop for a specified period of time.
Eagle Scouts are expected to set an example for other Scouts. They are expected to become the leaders in life that they have demonstrated themselves to be in Scouting.
Once an Eagle Scout, one is always an Eagle Scout. Adult leaders in the BSA may wear a red, white, and blue square knot on their uniform to indicate that they are Eagle Scouts. The Eagle Scout badge is worn on the left side of the scout or venturing uniform on the pocket. The Eagle medal can be worn on the scout uniform, and a lapel pin is worn on civilian atire.
Eagle Scouts who join the US military may receive advanced rank upon enlistment in recognition of their achievements. The Eagle Scout medal, however, is not allowed to be worn on the active duty uniform and no ribbon bar has been authorized for Eagle Scouts to wear on the uniform.
Eagle Scout rank in the BSP
In the Boy Scouts of the Philippines a Scout must earn a total of 21 merit badges, consisting of 15 specified badges and 2 specialist ratings (a specialist rating involves 3 merit badges and a community project). After achieving the rank of Eagle, a Scout may earn an Anahaw award for earning 2 additional specialist ratings.
The BSP highest rank went through a number of name and requirement changes through the years.
- Eagle Scout (1936-1962)
-
José Rizal Scout (1962-1976)
- Scout Citizen Award (1976-1994)
- Eagle Scout (1994-Present)
A roughly equivalent award in the United Kingdom and several other countries is the Queen's Scout.
See also
External links
