Patches Beyond BSA Policy
Sometimes You have more Awards and Patches than Shown in the Book
First off, the BSA is NOT the US Military. Former and current military personnel will be the first to notice issues with patch placement on a uniform. In the Military, proper placement of rank and other patches/awards on a uniform is dogma. In the BSA, it's important, but the folks doing the sewing are generally Scouts or more so - parents not familiar with BSA Policy. The goal is to strive to set up your uniform as properly as is reasonable. Nobody likes a uniform Nazi.
Sometimes, Scouts will earn awards or patches that go beyond what is written in BSA Policy. When this happens, do your best to make things look good.
Right Sleeve
If a Scout is in more than one patrol, it is possible to stack Patrol Patches. This example shows membership in a World Jamboree, National Jamboree and Troop 60 Patrol.
A National Honor Patrol Award is worn under and around the patrol patch (NOT shown)
Left Sleeve
The top patch is generally a Council Patch
Under the Council Patch is the Unit Number. Unit numbers can custom made.
Some Scouts are in multiple Troops/Units and it is possible to stack Unit Numbers
Above the Unit Number, you can add the Veteran Unit Bar Emblem, which is number showing how long your unit has been charted. Troop 60 was charted in 1959. (NOT Shown)
Below the Unit Number, a Founder's Patch can be worn if you were a founder of this Troop. (NOT Shown)
ATAS Patch is worn below the unit patch. It was meant to be worn more towards the front, but looks better centered. Few Scouts are familiar with ATAS and it is rare to see this patch on a BSA uniform.
Scout Troop Badges of Office is worn below the Unit Number(s) (and ATAS Patch if present). OA Unit Representative patch is shown. Note how arrow is intentionally placed at an angle. This is a great place to use Velcro, since you will likely change office multiple times.
Below the Scout Troop Badges of Office patch is either a "Trained" or "NYLT" patch. Some adults were spoof patches like "Wood Badge Trained" or "Agitator".
Right Pocket
Scout Jamboree Patch is placed above the BSA embroidery. This should be the most recent National or World Jamboree patch the Scout has attended.
Name Tags and Interpreter Patches are often worn above the BSA Patch. With the Example shown, a name tag is worn between the BSA embroidery and OA Lodge patch due to tight fit of Jamboree patch.
The Right Pocket flap is reserved for an OA Lodge Patch. This is a good place for Velcro, as the OA likes to redesign their patches on a frequent basis. You don't have to update your patch, but you might want to. A Firem'n Chit and Totin' Chit are obviously designed to fit here, but per BSA policy, they go should be placed below the right pocket flap.
The right pocket is reserved what whatever Scout Patch you want. Shown is a World Scout Jamboree Patch. This is another good place for Velcro, unless you want to hang a patch from the pocket flap. Many Scouts and Scouters will also hang an additional patch over the patch on their pocket. This is technically incorrect per BSA policy, but you shouldn't sweat this.
Below the right pocket is reserved for the Recruiter Patch. It is uncommon for Scouts to place a patch other than a Recruiter Patch under their right pocket, but is happens and sometimes looks tacky.
Left Pocket
The left pocket is closest to your heart, so more "important" patches go there.
Centered between the top hem and top of left pocket is where you sew your World Crest Patch. There are several optional rings that can be placed around it. Shown is a Messengers of Peace Award. The World Crest is often place too close to the pocket flap. This is OK, but looks tacky to some.
The area above the right pocket is usually empty. "Knot" awards are placed here. Adults will often wear multiple knots. Scout may have a Religious Award or in rare circumstances, other prestigious Knots.
The Left Pocket Flap is reserved for Medals. The most common Medal is the Each Scout Award. Religious awards are also sometimes worn.
The Left Pocket is reserved for your Scout Rank. This a great area for Velcro, since you will hopefully be changing your rank often.
Below the Left Pocket is reserved for the Arrow of Light Award.
Epaulets
Epaulets have traditionally been used for rank by military units. In the modern BSA, these are used to hold a colored BSA Shoulder Loop. Green is the preferred color for a BSA Troop, but Red was used in the past and some old timers will still wear red. Other colors are worn for other membership:
Green - BSA Troop
Blue - Cub Scouts
Silver - Council and District
Gold - National and Regional
Sometimes special programs or events will make custom loops, such as the National Jamboree Shoulder Looks shown here.
A Scout or Adult may get a special award to wear on their Epaulet, such as the Shotgun shell shown here.
Example Adult Uniform - Beyond BSA Policy
Shown on the Left Pocket Flap are Eagle Scout Pins. These are often worn here, as it is close to your heart.
A Medical Patch is shown under the Left Pocket. Per BSA policy, this should be worn on the right side. It was worn this way to better identify the Scouter as part of the Medical Team, which allowed for access to various places at the Jamboree site, and most importantly - allows the wearer to go to the front of the Dining Tent Line.
A Special White Epaulet is worn for World Scout Jamboree.