From: Donald S. Roberts (don@hummellawfirm.com)
Date: Mon Sep 23 2002 - 17:44:17 CDT
> Behalf Of Allen Corzine
> If any one would call
> me on it, I just say that I am showing an example of what not to do.
>
At the risk of taking Allen totally out of context ...
1) the rules are pretty much in the insignia guide. Small patches are
temporaries that can only be displayed on the right hand pocket (other than
those that have specific spots elsewhere like Jambo patches, etc.) Certain
big patches (a very limited set) are only to be worn by themselves on the
back of the jacket. Etc. etc.
2) The BSA is rule happy, and, at times, appropriately so.
3) Uniforming rules make sense, otherwise everybody would wear something
different and the distinctiveness that is boy scouts would be lost on the
non-scouting public, which can have a detrimental effect on the organization
as a whole.
4) therefore, to a degree, uniforming rules should be enforced.
That said, National, Council, District all have NO FORMAL ENFORCEMENT
MECHANISM. IF a unit wanted to deviate from the uniforming, all that the
other organizations could do is refuse to allow participation in their
events. I would be *very* surprised if National would ever tell a scout or
scouter s/he cannot participate in a national event because of uniforming.
I would be even more surprised if anyone denied participation because of
what is on a jacket. When was the last time you saw a scout prevented from
participating in an event because his troop number had too large a gap below
his CSP?
Unless/until there is a real enforcement mechanism, this is pretty much an
academic argument. I wear a ton of patches on my jacket. The uniform nazis
have occasionally commented on it, but, so far as I know, nothing adverse
has happened as a result (of course, when I informed the particular uniform
nazi that *he* had something wrong, it was different).
So, bottom line, unless/until you either (a) face adverse consequences or
(b) want to set an example for the boys/girls, wear it any way you want.
That said, we, as adults, as part of the adult interaction method of
scouting, really should try to wear the uniform correctly. I happen to
think the jacket rules are asinine, so I refuse to follow them. My uniform
shirt, I can assure you, is correct in every way. So, can we leave it that
the official position is bull or loon (one not both) on the shoulder, and
only one large backpatch on the back, everything else goes on the brag rag.
Now, let's get back to Philmont.
Regards
Don Roberts
ASM T1201
Fullerton, CA
Eagle class of 73
Ptc 02
Philtrek 809-J 03
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