Willistown Troop 78

The rank is awarded upon completion of a community service project designed and directed by the Scout, the acquisition of a certain number of merit badges (21, 12 specified from specific sets of lists from various categories, with flexibility to accommodate boys with physical disabilities, and 9 elective), and service in a leadership position in the Scout's Troop. The Scout must also be approved through a series of Boards of Review. The highly respected rank is considered to be a significant honor, and is looked upon as an achievement even much later in life. Out of 100 boy scouts, four will make Eagle. More than 1 million Boy Scouts have earned the rank since 1911. The Eagle Scout Court of Honor is a special ceremony in honor of a new Eagle Scout. In the BSA, after achieving the rank of Eagle, a scout may also earn Eagle palms. Eagle palms are awarded for earning five merit badges over and above those required for the rank of Eagle for each palm, and for continuing to serve actively in the troop for a specified period of time (which is usually three months). Eagle Scouts are expected to set an example for other Scouts. They are expected to become the leaders in life that they have demonstrated themselves to be in Scouting. "Once an Eagle, always an Eagle". Adult leaders in the BSA may wear a red, white, and blue square knot on their uniform to indicate that they are Eagle Scouts. The Eagle Scout badge is worn on the left side of the scout or venturing uniform on the pocket. The Eagle medal can be worn on the scout uniform, and a lapel pin is worn on civilian atire. Members can join the National Eagle Scout Association, an organization that serves as a fellowship and communications board for all living Eagle Scouts. Eagle Scouts who join the U.S. military may receive advanced rank upon enlistment in recognition of their achievements. The Eagle Scout medal, however, is not allowed to be worn on the active duty uniform and no ribbon bar has been authorized for Eagle Scouts to wear on the uniform.