Significance of the Eagle Scout Rank

The fact that a scout is an Eagle Scout has always carried with it a special significance, not only in Scouting but also as he enters higher education, business or industry, and community service. The award is a performance-based achievement whose standards have been well-maintained over the years. Not every youth who joins a Scout troop earns the Eagle Scout rank; only about 5 percent of all Scouts do so. This represents more than 2 million Boy Scouts who have earned the rank since 1912. Nevertheless, the goals of Scouting—citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness—remain important for all Scouts, whether or not they attain the Eagle Scout rank.

 

Progression

To earn the Eagle Scout rank, the highest advancement rank in Scouting, a Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service, and outdoor skills. Although many options are available to demonstrate proficiency in these areas, a number of specific skills are required to advance through the ranks—Scout rank, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. To advance, a Boy Scout must pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges.

 

Merit Badges

Merit badges signify the mastery of certain outdoor skills, as well as helping boys increase their skill in an area of personal interest. Of the 130+ merit badges available, 21 must be earned to qualify for Eagle Scout. Of this group, 13 badges are required, including First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communications, Cooking, Environmental Science, Personal Fitness, Personal Management, Camping, and Family Life. In addition, a Scout has a choice between Emergency Preparedness and Lifesaving and a choice among Cycling, Hiking, and Swimming.

 

Scoutmaster Conferences

At each of his rank advancements, a Scout takes part in a Scoutmaster conference. These conferences help the Scout to set goals for are in line with his/her individual talents and abilities. At each conference, the Scoutmaster helps him evaluate how well he accomplished his present goal and then works with him/her in setting new goals.

 

Service and Responsibility

Beginning with the Star rank, and continuing through Life and Eagle, a Scout must demonstrate participation in increasingly more responsible service projects. At these levels, he also must demonstrate leadership skills by holding one or more specific youth positions of responsibility in their patrol and/or troop.

 

Steps in Advancement

Advancement, one of the eight methods by which the aims of Scouting are achieved, has four steps through each award level.

 

First, the Scout learns. Much of his learning comes from other boys in his patrol or troop and by active participation in troop program. His patrol activities are directed toward the skills he needs. Every troop hike, camping trip, or other activity offers potential learning experiences. A Scout learns to pitch a tent by pitching one, to use a compass by finding directions, and to cook a meal by having to prepare and eat it.

 

Second, the Scout is tested. The specific requirements determine the kind of testing. Verbal testing is sufficient in some instances. In other instances, a Scout must demonstrate his skills by doing.

 

Third, the Scout is reviewed. The purpose of the review is to ensure that all requirements for advancement have been met. This includes a check of the Scout's attitude and practice of the ideals of Scouting, in addition to his Scoutcraft skills. The decision regarding whether a Scout has met the required standards to qualify for rank advancement begins with the troop and, for the Eagle Scout rank, is approved by the district, local council, and finally, the National Council.

 

Fourth, the Scout is recognized. The final step in advancement involves presentation of the badge, usually at a ceremony before the entire troop.

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Eagle Scout Statistics

 

• In 2014, 6.01 percent of eligible Scouts earned the Eagle Scout award.  That number is a tick down from 2013’s record-high 6.02 percent.

• Lifetime Eagle Scout percentage-Since the inception of the Eagle Scout award in 1912, 2.01 percent of eligible Scouts have earned Scouting’s highest honor.

• So even though the percentage has been trending upward over the years, the award is still incredibly rare.

 

Scouting Heritage

 

Were you aware that Boy Scout Alumni include:

• 63% of Air Force Academy graduates

• 68% of West Point graduates

• 70% of Annapolis graduates

• 72% of Rhodes Scholars

• 85% of FBI agents

• 65% of college graduates

• 65% of US Congress

• 85% of airline pilots

• 85% of student council presidents

• 89% of senior class presidents

• 71% of football captains

• 65% of basketball captains

• 88% of school newspaper editors

• 77% of editors of school annuals

• 75% of business managers of school publications

• 80% of junior class presidents

 

26 of the first 29 astronauts were Scouts.

11 of the 12 who walked on the moon were Scouts.

108 of 172 astronauts were Scouts.

Over half of the 108 Scout Astronauts attained Star, Life or Eagle ranks. 

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Famous Eagle Scouts

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• Neil Armstrong, first man on the moon

• Stephen G. Breyer, associate justice, United States Supreme Court

• Steve Fossett, world record holder, first person to circumnavigate Earth solo in a hot air balloon

• Bill Gates, Sr., CEO of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, father of Microsoft founder Bill Gates

• James A. Lovell, Jr., retired U.S. Navy officer, former astronaut

• The Honorable Richard G. Lugar, United States senator, Indiana

• J. Willard Marriott Jr., chairman and CEO, Marriott International

• H. Ross Perot, founder of Perot Systems Corp., former presidential candidate

• Mike Rowe, host of “Dirty Jobs” on the Discovery Channel

• William S. Sessions, former federal judge, former director of the FBI

• Steven Spielberg, Academy Award-winning film director

• John Tesh, recording artist and performer

• Togo D. West Jr., former U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs

• Dr. Robert M. Gates, former U.S. Secretary of Defense and the BSA’s 35th National President

• Dan Reynolds, Lead Singer - Imagine Dragons