Milestone
5. Four months in a position of responsibility
Required Often forgotten
While a First Class Scout, in one or more approved positions, or a Scoutmaster-approved leadership project instead. Assistant patrol leader does not count for this rank.
Notes and warnings
Warning. Assistant patrol leader is NOT an approved position of responsibility for the Star rank. It is in a footnote on the sheet, and finding it out after four months is the most expensive mistake available on this page.
Note. Guide to Advancement 4.2.3.4 adds two things the sheet does not: any number of positions may be held as long as the total service time adds up to the months required, and holding two positions at the same time does not shorten those months. There may be gaps between positions.
Note. The approved positions differ by unit. The sheet lists one set for a Scout troop, another for a Venturing crew or Sea Scout ship, and for a Lone Scout allows leadership responsibility in a school, religious organisation, club or elsewhere in the community. A Scoutmaster-approved leadership project may be carried out instead of holding a position at all.
Where this step comes from
- Scouts BSA Rank Requirements (Requirements sheets dated 2025-12), Requirement 5 · Sets the four months, lists the approved positions for a troop, a crew or ship and a Lone Scout, allows a Scoutmaster-approved leadership project instead, and excludes assistant patrol leader in a footnote.