All troop officers are expected to set a good example, wear the proper uniform and live by the Scout Oath and Law.
The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) presides at all troop meetings, events, activities, and program planning conferences. He chairs the patrol leaders' council. The SPL appoints troop officers with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster. He assigns duties and responsibilities to other leaders. He works to train the other junior leaders.
The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) is responsible for training and giving direct leadership to the troop scribe, librarian, historian, instructors, quartermaster and chaplain aide. He helps lead meetings and activities as called upon by the senior patrol leader. The ASPL takes over troop leadership in the absence of the senior patrol leader. He functions as a member of the patrol leader's council.
Patrol Leaders (PL) plan and lead patrol meetings and activities. They keep the members of their patrols informed. The PL assigns each member of their patrol a job and helps them succeed. They represent their patrol at all patrol leaders' council meetings and at the annual program planning conference. The PL is responsible for preparing the patrol to take part in all troop activities. He develops patrol spirit.
The Assistant Patrol Leader (APL) assists the patrol leader in planning and leading patrol meetings and activities. In the absence of the patrol leader he performs all of the functions and duties of the patrol leader.
The Troop Guide (TG) helps Scouts meet advancement requirements through First Class. He advises the new patrol leaders on his duties and his responsibilities at patrol leaders' council meetings. He attends with the new patrol leader but does not participate. The guide prevents harassment of new Scouts by older Scouts.. He helps train the new patrol leaders when they are elected. Most importantly he guides new Scouts through early troop experiences to help them become comfortable in the troop and the outdoors.
Troop Scribe (TS) attends and keeps a log of patrol leaders' council meetings; records attendance and dues' payments; records advancement in troop records. He works with the appropriate troop committee members responsible for finance, records, and advancement.
Troop Librarian (TL) maintains the troop library. He keeps records on literature owned by the troop; adds new or replacement items needed. He keeps the a system to check literature in and out, and follows up on late returns.
Troop Historian (TH) gathers pictures and facts about past activities of the troop and keeps them in scrapbooks, wall displays, or information files. He takes care of troop trophies and keepsakes. He keeps information about troop alumni.
Instructors (TI) instruct Scouting skills as needed within the troop or patrols. They should prepare well in advance for each teaching assignment.
Troop Quartermaster (TQ) keeps records of patrol and troop equipment; ensures that all equipment is in good repair and identifies equipment that needs repair, replacement, or upgrades to meet current BSA standards. He works with the troop committee member responsible for equipment.
The Chaplain Aide (TCA) keeps troop leaders apprised of religious holidays when planning activities; assists the chaplain or religious coordinator in meeting the religious needs of troop members while on activities; encourages saying grace at meals while camping or on activities; and he informs troop members about religious emblem program of their faith.
Den Chiefs (DC) serve as the activities assistant at den meetings. They meet regularly with the den leader to review the den and pack meeting plans; project a positive image of Boy Scouting. Webelos den chiefs prepare boys to join Boy Scouting.
The Junior Assistant Scoutmaster (JASM) functions as an assistant Scoutmaster. His responsibilities are limited only where BSA or legal requirements call for a person of legal age.
This is the primary decision making forum for the troop. It is chaired by the Senior Patrol Leader and consists of the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, the Patrol Leaders, and the Troop Guide. Other individuals may be invited by the SPL, but decisions are made by the elected junior leaders.
Twice a year a planning PLC meeting is held to plan all troop activities. A short PLC meeting is usually held after each troop meeting to review the meeting and prepare for upcoming activities. Other PLC meetings can be called by the SPL or Scoutmaster to respond to events that may arise.
The patrol is the basic unit of Scouting. The patrol works together as a team where everyone has a job to do to make sure all activities are successful and fun.
In addition to the Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leader there are several other jobs that can be appointed by the PL on a short or long term basis. Many patrols like to rotate these jobs each month, others may wish to have one or more jobs last until the next patrol election.
The Patrol Scribe keeps the patrol log to record all decisions and responsibilities within the patrol. He records the menu, and collects the money for buying food. He turns the money over to the Grubmaster, and collects a receipt for his records.
The Grubmaster is in charge of seeing that the patrol eats right. He does the shopping and makes sure that food and staples are safely conveyed to and from patrol activities.. He gets funds from the patrol scribe and delivers all receipts and excess funds back to the Scribe.
The Quartermaster keeps all the patrol gear in order and makes sure it is neat and clean when stored away. He works with the Troop Quartermaster to ensure all equipment is in good shape and to borrow any troop equipment that the patrol may need.
The Cheermaster is responsible for keeping the patrol moral high. He leads songs, stunts and campfire programs; and is responsible for the patrol flag and any honors that are attached to the flag.
The Chief Cook gathers the food from the chow box and organizes cooking the meal. He is responsible to see that the clean up crew properly cleans and stores all gear and food.
The patrol leader may appoint other jobs as the need arises. This is called shared leadership and is a big part of what Scouting is all about. It gives everyone in the patrol a chance to play an important role.
Troop 612 Handbook