Inspection Guide for a Boy Scout Uniform
Boy Scout uniform inspections are a way of encouraging Scouts to take pride in their uniforms and to follow the protocol for the wearing of Scout insignia. Scoutmasters have the responsibility of conducting uniform inspections. Points can be awarded for general appearance, headgear, shirt, pants, belt, socks and shoes. When properly worn, the Scout uniform can build team unity and attract new members.
General Appearance
The requirement for general appearance includes neatly combed hair, proper posture and cleanliness of face and hands, including fingernails.
Headgear
All scouts are required to wear designated level headgear.
Shirt and Neckwear
Scouts are required to wear long or short-sleeve uniform shirts with green or blaze orange shoulder loops on epaulets. Shirt collars should be unbuttoned and a neckerchief or bolo tie must be worm.
Pants
Long uniform pants or shorts must be worn at all times. Uniform pants and/or shorts can’t be cuffed.
Belt
An official web belt with the group’s insignia on the buckle is the required inspection belt. A leather belt with an international style buckle can be worn if approved by the troop leader.
Socks
Long official Boy Scout socks must be worn with long Scout pants. Official long socks are optional when wearing scout shorts.
Shoes
Neat and clean leather or canvas shoes are allowed.
Sash
Merit badges must be neatly attached to the front of the sash. The sash should be worn over the right shoulder.
Epaulets
Blake orange loops identify Varsity Scouts and green shoulder loops are worn by all Boy Scouts.
Right Sleeve
The U.S. flag emblem should be placed directly below the shoulder seam.
Left Sleeve
The Den Chief cord is worn over the left shoulder and under the epaulet. The unit number, council shoulder emblem and veteran unit bar should also be worn on the left sleeve.
Right Pocket
The right pocket features the Jamboree insignia. The right pocket flap should have the Order of the Arrow lodge insignia and the temporary insignia should be worn on the pocket or hung from the button. If the troop doesn’t have an Order of Arrow lodge, then the boy’s nametag is centered on the right pocket flap.
Left Pocket
Service stars should be centered above the pocket and embroidered square knots are worn centered above the left pocket in rows of three. The World Crest emblem should be worn centered horizontally over the left pocket and vertically between the left shoulder seam and the top of the pocket.