Recently Scouting magazine had a Facebook spot from their September 1998 issue of the magazine about Proper Placement of Patches on a Uniform. I agree that insignia should be worn properly, but my problem is more with excess insignia. BSA’s current Insignia Guide states: “With the exception of the Cub Scout badges of rank and Arrow Points, members wear only the insignia that show their present status in the movement. Members should make every effort to keep their uniforms neat and uncluttered.”
Scouter’s who insist in wearing every knot that they have earned, filling up a salad bar until it over flows, just looks bad, especially if they have included spoofs or backed them with Velcro. It used to be that only 12 knots could be worn at a time; this is no longer the case. Many Scouters now have earned more, and on men’s uniforms they fit, but women’s have the pocket sewn higher or something because they is not room for more than a couple of rows.
Are all those knots necessary? I understand wearing a few, it shows that you have experience and gains you respect, but more just over does it. It intimidates a lot of new Scouters that would benefit from your knowledge but are afraid to ask. After you have earn a dozen or more, try wearing only those that were bestowed, like the District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver, or a Scoutmaster of Merit, those that someone else put you in for. Those who have tenure in the program know them for what they are, and the newbies are not so intimidated as to be stand offish to you. I know this works, I’ve just tried it and it works.
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