Scouting Uniforming The uniforms of the Boy Scouts of America have changed many times since the first uniforms were introduced in the early 20s. Before that time, military uniforms were used as the first uniforms for Boy Scouts and Scoutmasters. Today, the BSA's uniforms are among the most recognizable uniforms within the United States. There's different styles and options, which has caused some minor concern among some Scouters that feel that the ONLY uniform is the CURRENT one. This page, along with the graphics and diagrams, answers most of the common questions dealing with the wear and usage of the uniforms of the Boy Scouts of America. Uniforms There are currently SIX CURRENT official uniforms of the BSA: the orange and black teeshirt used by Tiger Cub Scouts the blue and gold uniform used by most Cub Scouts and WEBELOS Cub Scouts the "khakitan" uniform (khaki tan shirt, green pants) worn by some Cub Scouts, WEBELOS Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Explorers and volunteer and professional Scouters; this uniform is the "default" BSA field uniform the kelly green uniform worn by Explorers the blue blazer, red/silver/blue tie, and grey slacks worn by some volunteers and professional Scouters and I am reminded that the gold blouses and blue slacks or skirts may STILL be worn by female Cub Scouters! (Thanks, Marsha Adelson!!!) Pictures of all of these current uniforms are found here. There are other options, such as the Sea Exploring whites or blues, the Aviation Exploring sky blue jumper or shirts as well as camp uniforming and activity uniforming options available to Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts and Explorers and their adult leaders. Additionally, members of Exploring units may develop their own uniforming items, called a "Distinctive Dress Identity" for their youth and/or adult members in their Post or Ship. These can include the uniforms listed above, other items which can be worn or attached to the unit's uniform, and informal or activity uniforming. Each unit can decide their uniforming standards in accordance with the BSA's uniforming policies. For instance, two Packs in the same town can have two separate "standards of dress" for their youth members: One pack can have ALL youth and adult members wear the khakitan uniform with the approviate dark blue shoulder loops which indicates Cub Scouting and Cub Scouters. The other pack can allow WEBELOS Cub Scouts (those in the last two years of the Cub Scouting program and whom are transitioning to Boy Scouting) to wear the khakitan uniforms while all other Cub Scouts wear the traditional blue and gold (yellow) uniforms. Likewise, two separate Troops can decide on which uniform options are to be worn. Which brings up the following important points about wearing older uniforms: The question was whether or not older uniform parts (hats specifically, but in general uniform parts) can still be worn by Scouts and Scouters today. The answers are: *if you have a COMPLETE older uniform, that you have purchased in parts or in whole, you may continue to wear that uniform as it is considered an official uniform of the BSA. Same goes for units whose members cannot afford the current uniform and have purchased/was given/found older uniforms. As long as the uniform is COMPLETE AND SERVICABLE, the BSA considers that uniform to be the same as the current uniform sold for retail *EVERYONE should be striving to wear the CURRENT COMPLETE UNIFORM. Yeah, the older uniforms were more confortable and fit better; but we're living in the 90s and not in the 60 or 40s, and our image to our public should in the current uniform style. However, there are plenty of older uniforms out there to be worn, and lots of Scouts and Scouters to wear them. The lack of a current uniform should NEVER deter a Scout or Scouter from becoming a part of the fun and action of Scouting today. *Hats and socks change with the times. However, those items are still allowed to be worn with the current uniform as long as there's some uniformity within those choices and as long as the items can still be obtained. There's some uniform houses that still have the red beret or the older khaki "earmuff hats" around...you'll have to find them and purchase them, since the BSA no longer markets those items. Same with the older socks and other uniform items. *BSA uniform policies does NOT allow for "mixing and matching" of new and previous versions of uniform parts, except for hats, neckerchiefs and socks. Old pants cannot be worn with the current khakitan uniform shirts; the older shirts cannot be worn with the current olive pants or shorts. We all do it....but it's not correct. The reference to all of this is found in several places, to start out, the BSA's Administration Manaul that your Council's Scout Executive and every District Executive has. It's also found in three different editions of _Scouting_ magazine, published in 1976, again in 1987 and once again in 1993 in the "News Briefs" column. It's also found in the BSA publications dealing with the Improved Scouting program; and finally, the Supply Division Director has sent five memos to the field in the past seventeen years reminding Scout Executives of the BSA's current policy dealing with uniforms and uniformity among its youth and adult members. Bottom line: what you wear reflects the BSA. Wear whatever you have with pride in the program and yourself. If you choose to wear the older uniforms, wear them complete and with a high degree of pride as if it was a brand new uniform. Don't mix and match. If you find older hats or other items, look for the BSA's Official Seal to insure authenticiity. Finally, if the stuff's raggety, go out and earn some money and purchase a new uniform!! Every Scout and Scouter deserves to wear the official uniforms of our movement, complete and servicable. Every Scout and Scouter should also insure that the uniform is complete and when worn, shows the world that he or she is proud of the organization they belong to and proud of themselves for being a part of it. Settummanque! Insignia mainpage Back to The Tree