What Uniform Changes would the Youth Like To See?

[Guneukitschik]

If you were around when they had the collarless shirts you would appreciate them more than what we have now! Neckerchief or not...they were I think a lot nicer uniform shirt.

But the neckerchief I highly doubt will be eliminated from the uniform so you better get used to both the neckerchief and bolo being around.

[BM_Crawford]

I dont know if I've ever seen those ones...

[Guneukitschik]

They are olive green in color and were around in the 1970's and before...

[jfmod]

I realize I am new, but why do so many worry about scouts looking like military of one type or another?

There must be a reason

One of my former partners sons both were Eagle Scouts who went to service academies. They were both told their Scouting backgropund was a strong plus in their admissions.

The military apparently appreciates Scouting. Am I reading too much into the comments of a few, or is their a wide concern within Scouting about "looking like the military"?

Or are these few just showing their anti-military bias?

PLease help me understand. I am getting reinvolved in Scouting after a long separation and want to know the lay of the land, lest I step on toes needlessly!

[BM_Crawford]

Um a reason why scouting and military shouldnt look alike is because they are both under national law permitted to wear a uniform. They are the only two organizations with that priviledge so they'd have to look different.

Another reason why is if you read in the policies it is often stressed that Boy Scouts is not a para military organization (I know you know this I'm just spillin out facts I've read ) and other stuff like that.

My uncle is an Eagle Scout and it helped him in the military. I believe the reason why it helps you is because scouting talks alot about citizenship to your nation and alot of scouting values fit the constitiution. An example of that is that the Eagle and Sheild on the Scout Symble stands for Freedom and a scouts willingness to defend that Freedom.

[optimist]

Am I reading too much into the comments of a few, or is their a wide concern within Scouting about "looking like the military"?

Or are these few just showing their anti-military bias?

Actually, you're very close to the bullseye but shooting from the wrong side of the target. The fact is that anti-military bias exists, much more so outside Scouting than within it. We are not the military and it is in our best interest to make sure that those who would identify us in that way have as little fuel for the fire as possible.

[Guneukitschik]

I think many of the Anti-Military comments come from the camoflauge issue... there is really no need for the boy scout uniform to contain or be made of camoflauge material...

The uniform in general is meant for everyone to feel a part of a team/unit.

plus the uniform helps to eliminate the whole "namebrand" rich/poor issue...

[wagionvigil]

There is a link in Troop Issues Troop Rules That explains the Camo in detail.

[Lynda J]

I agree with the expense of the pants. We have boys in out Troop that simply can not afford 40-50 for a pair of pants. Sorry I resent having to pay that for mine. Our troop decided that dark blue jeans were ok. No camo, no wind jamers. Nice jeans or jean shorts.

[Guneukitschik]

Most troops don't force their scouts to buy/wear the full uniform.
Most only require the shirt. Usually after they have been in scouts for a few years they buy the pants/shorts, etc. However I feel that for an Eagle BOR they must wear the Full Uniform.

Our troop has a uniform exchange program...when a kid grows out of a uniform they turn it in... that way we can help out the kids that aren't as fortunate as some! That way more kids have the full uniform.

[BM_Crawford]

I dont feel you should need to where a full uniform untill the prices are lowered.

[wagionvigil]

Never goin to happen get over it.

[BM_Crawford]

I know its not going to happen I'm just saying its quite a bit overpriced!

[don]

If a troop can decide what a uniform is or is not. (It is spelled out in the Boy Scout Handbook)
Where do you draw the line?
Can troop also change the following methods also?
Ideals
Patrols
Outdoor Programs
Advancement
Personal Growth
Leadership Development

According to the SM handbook a scout does not have to have a uniform to be a scout. BUT leaders should be in uniform.
If a person cannot afford the uniform, that is one thing. But I have given up stuff for scouting, time and monies, because I think it is worth it, if the program is followed.

[wagionvigil]

I realize I am an adult(sometimes) and have quit growing(except my stomach) but I have had the same 2 uniform Shirt sand 1 pair of Pants for 12 years. I have gone through several pair of shorts but my stuff gets hard use. ANd three Jamborees are in the mix and one Philmont Expedition and 4 Wood Badge Courses. The thing is the stuff is really durable. AS the Old Timex Commercial goes " It takes a Lickin and keeps on Tickin"

[BM_Crawford]

OH I believe they should have the shirt. I had to buy a new one but after my pants and socks and shorts out grew me my parents dont want to buy me new ones they say go buy green pants from khols its cheaper lol. I guess its because I grew sooo much soo quick lol. I went from 4 foot to 6 foot in about a year hehe. Anyway I do feel you should have a shirt, bolo, patches ect. But I think pants should be optional.

Thats just my opinion please don't take it to heart.

[don]

Brian
If a troop can pick there own uniform, what other parts of the aims of scouting can they change also?

Ideals
Patrols
Outdoor Programs
Advancement
Personal Growth
Leadership Development

can they say, this patrol thing is not what we expected, we are not going to have patrols?
Or what if a troop decides that getting Life is to easy, (Advancement) can they add requirements for that rank?
In short where does not madness end

[don]

Brian
Another thought! I am full of them tonight!
You are in the band, right, most bands that perform and prades and halftimes at football games, they are all in uniform. How would they look if they all wore different cuts, colors of pants?
Why doesn't the football team allow different pants or the baseball team?

[BM_Crawford]

Alright buddy you need to calm down a bit. Don't go master of spas on me.

There's a difference between Marching Band and Scouting. If you think scouting is about the uniform your waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay off.

[cballman]

don

I think you are right because when is the last time you seen a football, baseball, basketball, soccer player or band member play without all the parts of the uniform. in our troop we have told the kids and adults to have green pants but not the OFFICAL uniform pants because of the cost. but then I have a child in scouts and in band and another on playing basketball and I understand the cost of uniforms but I will have my kids in uniform because we buy all kinds of junk for birthdays so why not throw in a pair of uniform pants instead of another gamecube. then Christmas comes along wow another time to slip something scouting in instead of a bunch of games for the new xbox game they couldnt live without. wow we have just saved money because when we give scouting gifts at these times they seem to last longer than the toys we buy. after the first year most boys will havean Offical class A uniform because he most of the time has chosen scouting and is happy being a scout. now to tell a child or a family that cant afford a complete uniform that they cannot be a scout is the worst thing we as adult leaders can do. I will have someone go find this child a uniform shirt as long as he stays in scouts we will find uniform parts for this family. Now tell someone to try that with sports or band and find out how many will be around? Just a little bit of my wisdom of scouting.