Veteran Service Award

Volunteers are the backbone of the Boy Scouts of America, and the BSA Veteran Award honors individuals for their dedicated tenure in Scouting. Recipients of this award receive a certificate, a letter, and a lapel pin signifying their years of service. The lapel pin is worn on civilian clothing and not on the Scout uniform.

Eligibility:

• The Veteran Award is for adult recognition only, though years served as a youth can be included in the total tenure.
• Adults with five or more years of registered service in the BSA are eligible to apply for the award. Pins are available in increments from 5 years to 90 years.
• Recipients must agree to:
  • Uphold Scouting obligations.
  • Keep local Scouting authorities informed of their availability for service.
  • Promote Scouting as circumstances allow.

How to Apply:

• The award is available to currently registered BSA members who have maintained an active registered relationship with the organization, paying the annual registration fee.
• Starting August 2023, Merit Badge Counselors are included as a paid registration, which can count toward Veteran status.
• Veterans can purchase their pins at the local Scout Shop after confirmation of eligibility from national records. Pins are also available on scoutshop.org.

Important Notes:

• Service in other Scouting organizations does not count toward this award.
• Tenure does not need to be continuous, and the records of the national office and local council will determine eligibility.

Honor your years of commitment to Scouting with the BSA Veteran Award!

• Download Veteran Application

• Submit Veteran Application for Approval

(Please include any additional information to verify service - i.e. service in another council, service before 1990 if applying for Veteran status for the first time.)