New BSA Rank Advancement requirements

Post date: Mar 16, 2016 2:17:58 AM

Scouts and Parents,

I wanted to introduce new BSA Scouting (Rank Advancement) requirements going forward starting in 2016. It is important that everyone is aware of the new requirements, so please read entire message.

2016 brings new Scout rank advancement requirements. There are some changes to every rank, some are minor, some are considerable.

Links to the new requirements are at the bottom of this note.

Below is the schedule for how/when boys will need to transition to the new requirements, from the “Boy Scout Requirements FAQs” second link below.

Q. Do all youth have to switch to the new requirements on January 1?

A. No. Boys registered in a troop, team, crew, or ship on or prior to Dec. 31, 2015, may choose to switch on Jan. 1, 2016. For those who choose not to switch right away, here are the rules:

• Boys registered in a troop on or before Dec. 31, 2015, who are working on Tenderfoot through First Class ranks, may continue to use the old requirements through 2016, but they must convert to the new requirements upon attaining the First Class rank.

• Boys registered in a troop, team, crew, or ship on or before Dec. 31, 2015, who have completed the First Class rank may complete the rank they are currently working on with the old requirements through 2016, but then must convert to the new requirements for subsequent ranks.

• Any boy registering in a troop for the first time on or after Jan. 1, 2016, must use the new requirements. Beginning Jan. 1, 2017, new requirements must be used for all ranks earned.

Note that there is also a new Scout Handbook, available online or at Scout store for $13. It is recommended, yet not required, that Scouts use the new book once you have started using the new requirements.

The first link below “Boy Scout Requirements – effective Jan. 1, 2016 Comparison to Current Requirements” details the changes in comparison to current requirements.

Please do take the time to read through the links below to familiarize yourself with the new requirements. They will obviously effect the your ability to “properly” advance in rank.

Requirements change and comparison to old -

http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/2016BoyScoutRequirements_8.14.2015.pdf

FAQ-

http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/2016BoyScoutrequirementsFAQs.pdf