Boy/Varsity Scout Uniform Policy Uniform Classes

Stu asked me:

Got a question.
What EXACTLY is a BSA "Class A", "B", etc. Uniform??

Let me back up a little. The "classes" originated with the military, in which there was a certain "combination" of clothing that was required to be worn at certain times. This combination became the "dress", "utility", "business dress", and "other".... somewhere along the way, someone associated letters to the classes to make it easier for the new soldiers to understand what "class" specifically we're talking about.

The BSA picked this up, probably through a bunch of military guys like me and others that go back and forth between wearning military stuff and Scouting stuff....and the categories eventually stuck.

Today, many (NOT ALL) local Councils use some sort of variation on the following classifications. NOTE PLEASE THAT THE BSA OFFICIALLY DOES NOT APPROVE OF THIS; it states so in the current BSA Scoutmaster's Handbook in the section on uniforming (page 235).

However, it makes sense to make a distinction between your "BEST stuff" and "the stuff you play games in", and this is what a lot of Councils informally go with....

This is the most commonly used "breakdown" of what constitutes good uniforming in each "catagory" or "class":

Class A uniform

The long or short-sleeved field shirt, with all insignia placed in the appropriate locations, with merit badge sash and medals for youth; with no more than five pin-on medals and no more than five necklace-type awards for adults (excluding the Wood Badge). Neckerchief is worn according to Troop or unit standard; long or short pants, with matching socks and appropriate shoes for occasion. Hat is worn as Troop or unit standard.

This is the uniform one would wear to a Court of Honor or Blue and Gold Banquet or Bridge of Honor; to a special event, or when posing for an official photograph. It shows you in your best Scouting attire, and displays your most recent honors, accomphishments and honors.

Class B uniform

The long or short-sleeved field shirt, with all insignia placed in the appropriate locations, WITHOUT merit badge sash and medals for youth; and WITHOUT medals nor necklace-type awards less the Wood Badge for adults. Neckerchief is worn according to Troop or unit standard; long or short pants, with matching socks and appropriate shoes for occasion. Hat is worn as Troop or unit standard.

This is the uniform for all other formal Scouting occassions: meetings, activities, ceremonies in camp or home. This is the "travel uniform" of the BSA, which means that medals and other items are to be left OFF and replaced with appropriate square knots and other insignia for youth and adults. This is the uniform which the public knows us as, which we should wear as if we were wearing EVERYTHING with it.

Class C uniform

The official or unit activity shirts, along with their matching pants; if the official BSA activity shirts are worn, the unit option is to wear a small rank pin attached to the collar or to the left breast below the words "Boy Scout", "Varsity" or "Venture". Adults DO NOT wear the Wood Badge with this uniform, but some Wood Badgers have chosen to wear a small Wood Badge lapel pin attached to the collar or above the BSA, Venturing, or Varsity logo on the left breast of the shirt.

Shoes and socks are at the option of the wearer and dependant upon the activity. Neckerchiefs and hats are NOT normally worn with this uniform.

The activity uniform was originally designed for Scouting units that chose to wear it over the traditional uniforming options. Today, it is worn by Scouts and Scouters travelling or participating in an vigorous outdoor or indoor activity or game. The uniform pieces are NOT to be worn with the traditional field uniform.

Class D uniform

This consists of any form of camp or activity uniform (camp teeshirts, activity teeshirts, troop or team teeshirts, etc.) along with bluejeans or other pants/shorts of the wearer's choice. Shoes and socks are worn at the option of the wearer and dependant upon the activity. Neckerchiefs and hats are NOT normally worn with this uniform.

This is the "get grubby and wet and nasty" uniform, or the uniform in which camp or program activities are to be conducted wearing to identify all participants and staff.

Hope that all of this helps out with your answer, Stu...and thanks for asking!!

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