The senior patrol leader is the top leader of the troop. They are responsible for the troop’s overall operation. With guidance from the Scoutmaster, they take charge of troop meetings, of the patrol leaders’ council, and of all troop activities, and they do everything they can to help each patrol be successful. They are responsible for annual program planning conferences and assists the Scoutmaster in conducting troop leadership training. The senior patrol leader presides over the patrol leaders’ council and works closely with each patrol leader to plan troop meetings and make arrangements for troop activities. All members of a troop vote by secret ballot to choose their senior patrol leader. Rank and age requirements to be a senior patrol leader are determined by each troop, as is the schedule of elections. During a Scout’s time as senior patrol leader, They are not a member of any patrol but may participate with a Venture patrol in high-adventure activities. If any Scout in the Troop has a problem with activities or wants to suggest an activity for the troop to do they should speak directly to the Senior Patrol Leader.

The assistant senior patrol leader works closely with the senior patrol leader to help the troop move forward and serves as the acting senior patrol leader when the senior patrol leader is absent. Among their specific duties, the assistant senior patrol leader trains and provides direction to the troop quartermaster, scribe, historian, librarian, instructors, and Order of the Arrow representative. During their tenure as assistant senior patrol leader, they are not a member of a patrol but may participate in the high-adventure activities of a Venture patrol. Large troops may have more than one assistant senior patrol leader, each appointed by the senior patrol leader. 

A Scout at least 16 years of age who has shown outstanding leadership skills may be appointed by the Scoutmaster to serve as a junior assistant Scoutmaster (JASM). The junior assistant Scoutmaster functions just like an assistant Scoutmaster (except for leadership responsibilities reserved for adults 18 years of age or older). In this capacity, junior assistant Scoutmasters (a troop may have more than one) follow the guidance of the Scoutmaster in providing support and supervision to other youth leaders in the troop. Upon their 18th birthday, a junior assistant Scoutmaster will be eligible to become an assistant Scoutmaster.

The patrol leader is the top leader of a patrol. They represent the patrol at all patrol leaders’ council meetings and the annual program planning conference and keep patrol members informed of decisions made. They play a key role in planning, leading, and evaluating patrol meetings and activities and prepares the patrol to participate in all troop activities. The patrol leader learns about the abilities of other patrol members and fully involves them in patrol and troop activities by assigning them specific tasks and responsibilities. They encourage patrol members to complete advancement requirements and sets a good example by continuing to pursue their own advancement.

Troop guides serve as both a leader and a mentor to the members of the new-Scout patrol. They should be an older Scout who holds at least the First Class rank and can TroopGuidework well with younger Scouts. The troop guide helps the patrol leader of the new-Scout patrol lead their patrol, so they can develop into a well-functioning group, working together harmoniously and productively.

The quartermaster is the troop’s supply boss. They keep an inventory of troop equipment and see that the gear is in good condition. They work with patrol quartermasters as they check out equipment and return it, and at meetings of the patrol leaders’ council, they report on the status of equipment in need of replacement or repair. In carrying out his responsibilities, they may have the guidance of a member of the troop committee.

The scribe is the troop’s secretary. Though not a voting member of the patrol leaders council they attend the council's meetings and keeps a record of the discussions. They cooperate with the patrol scribes to record attendance and dues payments at troop meetings and to maintain troop advancement records. A member of the troop committee may assist them with their work.

Den chiefs are Scouts who assist a Cub Scout den leader or Webelos den leader. They are selected by the senior patrol leader and Scoutmaster, and approved by the cubmaster and the pack committee for recommendation to the den leader. Den chiefs help Cub Scouts advance through Cub Scout ranks and encourage Cub Scouts to join a troop upon graduation.

Chaplain aides assist the troop chaplain (usually an adult from the troop committee or the chartered organization) in serving the religious needs of the troop. They lead the troop in opening or closing prayer and mealtime blessings. Chaplain aides ensure that religious holidays are considered during the troop’s program planning process and promotes the BSA’s religious emblems program. 

The historian collects, assembles, and preserves troop photographs, news stories, trophies, flags, scrapbooks, awards, and other memorabilia, and makes materials available for Scouting activities, courts of honor, the media, and troop history projects.

Each instructor is an older troop member proficient in a Scouting skill who must also have the ability to teach that skill to others. An instructor typically teaches subjects that Scouts are eager to learn—especially those such as first aid, camping, and backpacking—that are required for outdoor activities and rank advancement. A troop can have more than one instructor.

Troop librarians oversee the care and use of troop books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor lists. They check out these materials to Scouts and leaders and maintain records to ensure that everything is returned. They may also suggest the acquisition of new literature and report the need to repair or replace any current holdings.

Troop webmasters are responsible for maintaining the troop’s website. They make sure that information posted on the website is correct and up to date and that the privacy of youth and adult troop members is protected. A member of the troop committee may assist them with their work.

Order of the Arrow representatives serve as a communication link between the troop and the local Order of the Arrow lodge. By enhancing the image of the Order as a service arm to the troop, they promote the OA, encourage Scouts to take part in all sorts of camping opportunities, and helps pave the way for older Scouts to become involved in high-adventure programs.

As the outdoor ethics guide, you serve as a member of the patrol leaders’ council representing outdoor ethics. To be successful, you need to understand the needs of your troop as well as the needs of the Scouts.

The person chosen as outdoor ethics guide must be willing to take on the additional time and responsibility of being an outdoor ethics guide. They will be the primary role model on how to behave in the outdoors. They must agree and willingly execute their roles and responsibilities. If questions or problems come up, they must be willing to go to the appropriate leadership for guidance and resolution.

A troop can choose to have several outdoor ethics guides and assign portions of the responsibilities to each. As an example, a troop might choose to have an older Scout attend the Leave No Trace trainer course and focus on high-adventure planning.