Qualifications and Duties December 1947 until July 1959

The office of Senior Patrol Leader is one of the most important positions of leadership in the Troop. It is open to a First Class Scout or Explorer with equivalent rank or higher who has a strong character, is proficient in Scouting, and has marked ability as a leader. Since the Senior Patrol Leader is expected to work with the Patrol Leaders and assist them in their jobs, he should know what it means to run a Patrol. Generally speaking, a Boy Scout or Explorer with an outstanding record as a Patrol Leader makes the best Senior Patrol Leader.

The Senior Patrol Leader is elected by the Troop Leaders’ Council. His appointment is authorized by the Troop Committee on the recommendation of the Scoutmaster.

His main duty is to be responsible for the Troop program. He is the chairman of the Troop Leader’s Council which does the planning.

He is in charge of Troop meetings, keeping the program moving. He is also responsible for the activities of Troop hikes and camps.

He encourages and helps the Patrol Leaders with their Patrol meetings and hikes, and knows pretty well what goes on in every Patrol.

Qualifications and Duties July 1959 until August 1970

The office of senior patrol leader is one of the most important positions of leadership in the troop. It is open to a First Class Scout who has a strong character, is proficient in Scouting, and has marked ability as a leader. Since the patrol leader is expected to work with the patrol leaders and assist them in their jobs, he should know what it means to run a patrol. Generally speaking, a Boy Scout with an outstanding record as a patrol leader makes the best senior patrol leader.

The senior patrol leader is elected by the patrol leaders’ council. His appointment is authorized by the troop committee on the Scoutmaster’s recommendation.

His main duty is to be responsible for the troop program. He is the chairman of the patrol leaders’ council which does the planning. Because he is a boy himself, you can depend on him to see that the program is planned the way the boys want it.

He is in charge of troop meetings, keeping the program moving. He is also responsible for the activities of troop hikes and camps.

The senior patrol leader position is the highest elective office in the troop. Since this is true, the SPL ranks above the junior assistant Scoutmasters in the troop chain of command. He is the executive officer of the troop.

A good Senior Patrol Leader

• Is proficient in Scouting.
• Has marked ability as a leader.
• Has served as a successful patrol leader.
• Serves as chairman of the Patrol leader’s council.
• Looks to his Scoutmaster for advice and training.
• Takes charge of troop meetings.
• Gives leadership to the program on troop hikes, camps, and special activities.
• Works with the patrol leaders directly or through the assistant senior patrol leaders.
• Sets a good example in wearing his uniform.