Amateur Radio Operator Rating Strip Introduced

The National Radio Scouting Committee is pleased to announce that the BSA Awards and Insignia Committee has approved the Amateur Radio Operator rating strip for wear on youth and adult uniforms. This rating strip recognizes the member’s availability as an amateur radio operator for communication services for events and activities, as well as for emergencies.

All registered youth members and adult leaders who also hold a valid amateur radio license, of any class, issued by the Federal Communications Commission are eligible to wear the rating strip. The Supply order number is 617431.

The rating strip is worn on the right sleeve, in position 3 or 4, under the U.S. flag (position 1), patrol emblem or den emblem (position 2). If a unit award is present in position 3, the rating strip is worn in position 4.

It is hoped that the new strips will help encourage more people to join amateur radio clubs so the useful skill is taken up by a greater number. If clubs see an increase in members then they may have to look at a HAM or a Two Way Radio Review to find the best ones to buy for the club to accommodate the new members.

This rating strip is similar to the Amateur Radio Operator Badge offered as a proficiency badge by Scouts Australia, as well as the recently introduced badge by Scouting Netherlands. It follows in the footsteps of the Scout Radioman personal interest badge for Senior Scouts and Explorer Scouts that was offered by the BSA in the 1940s.

(Read more in Scouting magazine’s Bryan on Scouting blog.)