What does the rank of Eagle Scout mean to the military?

James Adair — Tue, 09 May 2017 22:52:55 -0400

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2017 10:53 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 May 2017 22:53:54 -0400

Seriously?

Response by TSgt Joe C. made May 9 at 2017 10:56 PM

TSgt Joe C. — Tue, 09 May 2017 22:56:38 -0400

https://forums.goarmy.com/thread/260550?tstart=0

Eagle Scout Rank | Ask a Soldier

I was wondering what rank does a eagle scout go in as. At first I was told a E-3 now im being told E-2.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made May 9 at 2017 10:57 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Tue, 09 May 2017 22:57:28 -0400

It doesn't mean anything to the military in an official capacity.

Updated: per MSG Brad Sand, it is a promotion on enlistment. Other than this, I would not bring it up to people once you are in.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 9 at 2017 11:15 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Tue, 09 May 2017 23:15:19 -0400

It will get you promoted in the Army, unless there have been changes to AR 601-210 Chapter 2 since I got out. Can't speak for the other services.

AR 601-210 2-18 (12) and (13)

(12) Has been awarded the Boy Scout Eagle certificate as a member of the Boy Scouts of America (Form 58–708) or the Sea Scout Quartermaster Award Certificate or the Venturing Scout Silver Award may enlist at any time at pay grade PV2, a combination of these awards to enlist at the pay grade of E–3 is not authorized.
(13) Has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award Certificate as a member of the Girl Scouts of America may enlist at any time at pay grade PV2.

Your recruiter will know this...if he or she doesn't...tell the SC you want to work with another recruiter.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2017 11:33 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 May 2017 23:33:06 -0400

Eagle Scout will get you PFC when you enlist. That is all.

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 9 at 2017 11:39 PM

PO1 John Miller — Tue, 09 May 2017 23:39:57 -0400

I've heard of the Navy enlisting personnel as E-3 for being an Eagle Scout.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made May 10 at 2017 1:56 AM

SPC Erich Guenther — Wed, 10 May 2017 01:56:54 -0400

It means you can enter the Army as a E-2 instead of E-1.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made May 10 at 2017 8:40 AM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Wed, 10 May 2017 08:40:12 -0400

Regardless of the pay grade or entry it allows you, its the raising of a young man giving him all the tools for future success in the military. The successes and challenges to gain Eagle only enhance one's ability to assimilate, succeed and conquer the basics in the military. The community social aspect where the honor code to help others is basic to all things required while treating others with dignity and respect really go a long way. Eagles have a solid foundation/base that allows them to exceed the performance of their peers regardless of rank (PVT-PFC, WO1, 2LT). .02

*I am not an Eagle Scout due to my father thinking it cost to much $$$ to go to BSA.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made May 10 at 2017 9:40 AM

SGT Matthew S. — Wed, 10 May 2017 09:40:44 -0400

As others have said, the rank gives you an immediate promotion (at least in the Army). While that promotion comes with essentially no practical authority, it is a nice bump in pay and puts you further on your way up the ranks. The military itself doesn't care past that.

The experience behind it (and Scouting in general), though, gives you an immense personal benefit, though. I'm an Eagle Scout, and much that I had learned in those years (first aid, land nav, etc) gave me a good foundation to build off of in Basic and later on. Not having to learn those skills from scratch made life much easier, and I was also better prepared for some of the living & working conditions I encountered in the military compared to my some of my peers.

Most people, other than fellow Scouters, won't care. Having that skill and leadership foundation, though, can set you on a good path when you build on that as you go along.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made May 10 at 2017 9:43 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Wed, 10 May 2017 09:43:02 -0400

My experience was that it gave you credibility with the chain of command. Also in general the info gained through earning merit badges opened a lot of doors for conversation with folks of different backgrounds as you knew a little about a lot of things.
As a civilian in the work force it has also been helpful in gaining folks trust quickly, but it can be embarrassing when your over 50 and your boss intros you as "Rick is a retired CSM and Eagle Scout"

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2017 9:56 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 May 2017 09:56:21 -0400

Unless things have changed since my younger days, all it means is that you walk into the Army with PFC rank. Other than that, it doesn't mean anything to the Army in an official capacity. I'm certainly not diminishing the hard work it takes to become an Eagle Scout, just that being one won't matter when the bullets start flying.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made May 10 at 2017 11:55 AM

SFC J Fullerton — Wed, 10 May 2017 11:55:48 -0400

To the Army, it means you get your first promotion before you even go to BCT. Besides that, nobody cares. However, the character and determination that you possessed to earn Eagle will serve you greatly if you apply it to your military career.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2017 7:39 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 May 2017 19:39:38 -0400

James Adair if enlisting it means you get to sign-up at a higher rank for most, if not all services.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 12 at 2017 12:37 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 12 May 2017 12:37:19 -0400

During the enlistment process it will allow you to come in at an advanced Grade. If you're already serving, probably a weird look from people trying to figure out why an adult is still in the Boy Scouts =)

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made May 20 at 2017 11:50 PM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Sat, 20 May 2017 23:50:53 -0400

4.5% to 7% make it to Eagle Scout depending on the year.

Short term: it will get the recipient a stripe or two.

Long term: Strong foundation of service, citizenship & leadership. From that point on, its what he does with what he has learned and his experiences.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2017 6:28 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 May 2017 18:28:03 -0400

That's a rank?

Response by PO1 Michael Havner made May 26 at 2017 7:03 PM

PO1 Michael Havner — Fri, 26 May 2017 19:03:30 -0400

In the grand scheme of things, not much. It will get you E-2 on enlistment in the Army. The greater benefit comes later in a military career. The skills learned certainly equip a young man to excel in a military career.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2017 7:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 May 2017 19:07:26 -0400

I heard that if you have your eagle scout and going into the Air Force you can skip basic training because you have exceeded their standards already.... Just kidding all you Air Force Folks...lol

Response by PO1 Michael G. made May 26 at 2017 7:47 PM

PO1 Michael G. — Fri, 26 May 2017 19:47:02 -0400

So, I'm an Eagle Scout, and I'm a life member of NESA. I carry my Eagle Scout ID card with me in my wallet. I am absolutely unashamed of being an Eagle Scout and everyone in my division knows that I am. It was also automatic E-3 when I enlisted, which if you look at the pay charts is a $400/month pay difference tight off the bat.

Last year, I applied to the Navy's Seaman To Admiral program. Part of the process is to interview with a board of three O-3s and my Commanding Officer, followed by an board of three O-3s and the C.O. from another command. My second board was with officers and the captain of the USE NIMITZ (CVN 68). The interview lasted about an hour and a half total. Halfway through, Capt. Ring asked me what sorts of extra-curricular activities I had done in high school, and I told him that I'm an Eagle Scout, we spent the rest of the interview talking about my Scouting experience and what things I learned as a Boy Scout that applied to being a leader in the Navy. Bear in mind, this was now eight years after I earned Eagle Scout and aged out of the program, and I spent 45 minutes of an interview for a commissioning program talking with a senior O-6 about what it means to be an Eagle Scout.

Earning the rank of Eagle Scout as a teenager was the defining achievements of my life at the time; truly, there was little else I could have done to demonstrate personal initiative, leadership, and sticktoitiveness at that level. It is a lifelong achievement, which why it is recognized by the military for immediate meritorious advacement, and numerous other organizations as an honor of immense value. The former supply officer on my ship is also an Eagle Scout and he credits that achievement as the reason why he was accepted to the Naval Academy.

My advice to every Eagle Scout I meet in the military: don't hide it. You earned that title, and it is an immensely important part of who you are as a person. I would be willing to bet that everyone here who is advising to not talk about it probably isn't an Eagle Scout.

Hope this helps

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made May 27 at 2017 12:01 AM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Sat, 27 May 2017 00:01:21 -0400

Eh... I was a venturing scout and it really did nothing for me at all seeing as how I was an AFJROTC cadet for four years. And back then those four years allowed you to enlist as an E3. So basically it was nice to not have fuzz on my chest at OSUT but otherwise who cares.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2017 12:31 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 May 2017 00:31:14 -0400

As an Eagle Scout, I can say it got me to E2 in the Army. Along with what another gentlemen said about it helping with land navigation and first aid, it came in helpful in my last interview for a tech position in the Guard. During the interview, the LTC saw it on my resume and we talked Scouts stuff for a bit because his son just got his Eagle. Never know when it comes in handy, but I know I hope my future sons do Boyscouts!

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2017 12:56 AM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 May 2017 00:56:08 -0400

Dude it's a promotion that saves you three months. When you're a private you still don't know anything anyways so who cares

Response by SPC Ruben Marin made May 27 at 2017 8:02 AM

SPC Ruben Marin — Sat, 27 May 2017 08:02:50 -0400

I've never been a boy scout, but my 14 year is a scout. I cant even begin to tell you the difficult tasks he faces as a young man to work toward each rank he has earned. He is only a star now, which means he has two more ranks to go. Up to now he has had to learn land navigation skills, fire building, rent camping, swimming, leadership, wildlife survival, volunteer in the community, attend boards, winter camping, and so much more. It's been a difficult journey, especially for a young man whom suffers from mental health issues. He has enjoyed it for the most part, and at times hated it bc of all the super hard work he has to put in to this. When he finally earns the rank of Eagle Scout, this young man can say i "earned this!" I as a former soldier would never tell a soldier whom has the honor of wearing the Eagle Scout rank that it means nothing, bc that rank means much more than anyone could know. If you ask me, it is the hardest rank to earn of all. You have to not only demonstrate life skills, but some military skills as well. It's definitely worth all the hard work effort. Soldiers that come in with this rank are definitely more prepared, fit, respectful for the military culture, and willing and able to be leaders at a moment's notice.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made May 27 at 2017 10:19 AM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Sat, 27 May 2017 10:19:56 -0400

It doesn't mean anything to the military. It is, however, an indicator of an individuals dedication to authority, ability to see a project through to the end and general responsibility to an organization, all of which are traits valuable for success in the military.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 27 at 2017 11:04 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sat, 27 May 2017 11:04:36 -0400

As several people have noted, the achievement of Eagle Scout will entitle a new recruit to an immediate promotion to E-2 in the Army.

But it's more than that in my opinion. I volunteered as a Scout Leader for many years and sat on several Eagle Boards and attended subsequent Courts of Honor. Every Eagle Candidate clearly demonstrated the willingness to do real work to achieve this highest rank in Scouting. They all completed the lower Scout ranks, and earned many (21?) merit badges. Each merit badge required they spend time learning about a particular field of interest or work--everything from Aviation to Zoology. Every boy who met the board had spent many days and nights in the "woods" camping with his Scouting friends and leaders. He had learned leadership first hand in his Troop. Most had served in successive elected Scout leadership positions. They were all better prepared to enter military service than the average "kid on the block". The knowledge, skills, and abilities built in Scouting last a lifetime and provide a good foundation for success.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2017 1:53 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 01:53:27 -0400

It means you have potential.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2017 12:30 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Oct 2017 00:30:10 -0400

It signifies the likely motivation to succeed in a military organization. It may be wrong but probably isn't.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2017 10:54 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 22:54:01 -0500

I earned the rank of Eagle Scout and it gave me a foundation of discipline and responsibility as a young man. I was given an automatic advancement to E3 when I enlisted in the Navy. Obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout is not an easy task. It requires leadership and organizational skills that most young men don’t get a chance to learn. I am very proud of my Eagle Scout achievement.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 7 at 2017 9:24 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 09:24:31 -0500

Absolutely nothing, same as having a genius IQ, or a PVT having an MBA or higher. What it does do is allow you to enter the military as an E2 or E3 instead of E1. Which if you spent time in ROTC would allow the same thing.

Response by SPC Gary Welch made May 23 at 2018 1:42 PM

SPC Gary Welch — Wed, 23 May 2018 13:42:09 -0400

Capt kletzing why not bring it up this is what's wrong with your generation.Earning your eagle scout is a huge honor. It takes 4-5 years of hard work including areas of citizenship (includes community,national,and international) first aid,physical fitness, and some more that are to many to name the qualities that scouts teaches are the same qualities that the military wants. I was in the army for 19 yrs and i met many eagle scouts and first things I would tell them was i was jealous even newbies out of basic and if you don't think that having these qualities is important I wonder what values the military is teaching today

Response by MSG Mark Stinson made Oct 16 at 2018 6:32 PM

MSG Mark Stinson — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 18:32:22 -0400

As an Army Brat I couldn’t wait to be a Cub Scout and then progress into the Boy Scouts. All of our leaders were active duty NCO’s with an O-6 as the Scout Master. All of our equipment had a US stamp and not BSA. From Ft Sam Houston to Ft Bliss I worked my way up to Life Scout with 23 Merit Badges. Then we were assigned to Frankfurt, Germany. I had to make a choice sports or scouting. To this day I regret the choice. But what I learned in Scouting served me well in the Army. I spent 11 months in the Special Forces Training Group (now called the Q-Course) graduating August 1969. Then 5th Group RVN Sep 69-Sep 70. I was really comfortable in the outdoors, maxed every Land Nav Course, even weapon qualification. In our Scout Troop we were taught about shot grouping using .22’s. The Scout Laws which I can still recite verbatim, gave me a moral compass. I believe very young man should join Scouting. After graduating from the University of Texas and into my career the church I attended had at one time the very first Troop in San Antonio, TX. I volunteered to start the Troop once again. I started with one scout and after a year we had 46 Scouts. I guess having been a Green Beret helped with recruitment. I taught Land Nav, Survival, Map Reading and much more CPR etc. we were allowed to have the 75 Years tab on our uniforms. The wife of the first Scout Master gave us a Scout Handbook from 1917 signed by Lord Baden Powell, much to my chagrin the District Councel took the book for safe keeping in their headquarters. Photo of me as a Cub Scout in the 5th Grade.

Response by PO3 David Davis made Oct 16 at 2018 8:40 PM

PO3 David Davis — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 20:40:46 -0400

Nothing, it means something to the boy scouts.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2018 8:55 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 20:55:53 -0400

Army CPL your fellow specialists laugh at the lateral promotion cause now you can pull NCO duties.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2018 7:18 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Oct 2018 07:18:07 -0400

If youre lower enlisted, keep that shit to yourself. Most Eagle Scouts come off as smartasses. The ones we had kept getting us in trouble for their inability to just keep their mouths shut. I know this is going to piss off a lot of people, but its still true. The program it self does give you a strong base of service and duty, but besides that, it does not prepare you for military service, specially in combat arms.

Response by LTC Ken Connolly made Oct 17 at 2018 10:21 PM

LTC Ken Connolly — Wed, 17 Oct 2018 22:21:41 -0400

It maybe the slight edge needed be in the zone for consideration with all else being equal.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2018 10:25 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Oct 2018 22:25:19 -0400

You start as specialist.

Response by SSG Eric Leedom made Oct 18 at 2018 5:33 PM

SSG Eric Leedom — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 17:33:36 -0400

I was a Eagle Scout before I went into the military a lot of my training helped me out,mountaineering,first aid,and especially map reading,I spent 20 years in special forces. But no the military didn’t car3 but my troops I led I know did,.....wish a few LT’s did Boy Scout map reading 8)

Response by PO1 Bud Hall made Oct 18 at 2018 8:21 PM

PO1 Bud Hall — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 20:21:32 -0400

Eagle Scout, or any other level for that matter, aren't "ranks", they're levels of achievement, that's be all. An Eagle Scout is not in charge of lesser achieved scouts. They're ball on a team, and if one knows how to do something that the others don't be know, he teaches them.

Response by SSgt Shawn McFarlin made Oct 19 at 2018 11:53 AM

SSgt Shawn McFarlin — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 11:53:55 -0400

As a specialized instructor eagle scouts were my biggest pain, they came in with an attitude they were better than everyone else and didn't want to take the time to learn what we were teaching. In 2 yrs I only had 3 that I knew of and all three had to repeat entire program, there may have been others that just went through the program didn't flaunt it and knew they were there to learn what we knew.

Response by 1SG Irving Domenech made Oct 19 at 2018 2:45 PM

1SG Irving Domenech — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 14:45:11 -0400

It means that you come in as a PFC when newly recruit...

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2018 7:10 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 19:10:52 -0400

I was never in to scouting but based on the Eagle Scouts I’ve met throughout life, I’d say it’s a pretty good chance that the guy is going to be squared away if he’d achieved Eagle Scout. Firemen, competitive outrigger canoe paddling, my dentist, bank executives, etc...

Response by SFC Lou Toncks made Oct 20 at 2018 4:40 PM

SFC Lou Toncks — Sat, 20 Oct 2018 16:40:09 -0400

I would say any achievement you attained either civilian or Military that you had to work your ass off to do, be proud and use it in your resume. I'm a proud 3%er, retired Army. I'm very proud of that. The fact I worked my ass off to make E7, to me, is a badge of honor. Don't agree, I could give a flying F.

Response by PO2 Gregory Moore made Oct 22 at 2018 6:29 AM

PO2 Gregory Moore — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 06:29:36 -0400

I didn't directly get anything from the Navy, but Its in my svc.record.
It did prepare me mentally and physically.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Mar 24 at 2019 2:30 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 02:30:41 -0400

Alot

Response by SFC Sam Yang made Jul 7 at 2019 2:03 PM

SFC Sam Yang — Sun, 07 Jul 2019 14:03:20 -0400

It's a privilege to have both access and the financial means to join the Boy Scouts. Not to take away what one has earned, but realize that many families don't have the financial means and the times to support such endeavors. It does not take away from the individual achievements, However, I despise the organization for it immoral and unethical stands it takes on both suppressing legislation to hold child molesters accountable and it religious leaning and bigotry.
Personally, I wish they would be more secular and morally accountable instead of their consistent hypocrisy and bigotry like the Catholic church.
Both would be gone and society would be better for it.

Response by PO3 John Keas made Jul 7 at 2019 10:04 PM

PO3 John Keas — Sun, 07 Jul 2019 22:04:20 -0400

Being an Eagle Scout is great. I see no problems with it. What *I* always hated...people bragging about it and reminding you every 5 seconds.

Your average service member doesn't care about that stuff. It may help in some areas, but don't ram it down your shipmates/squad mates throats.

Response by Cpl Benjamin Long made Jul 12 at 2019 11:08 AM

Cpl Benjamin Long — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 11:08:18 -0400

It means absolutely nothing other than to say you were an eagle scout

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Aug 14 at 2019 7:08 AM

SFC Robert Walton — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 07:08:30 -0400

Some years back they started a strips for skills program I never heard much about it until late in my career. But did know a Soldier who had an associate degree and some how got to go to OCS because of it. That kind of thing just encourages people to get educated, So I see it as a good thing but never kept up with it. Did not effect what I was doing.

Response by MAJ Charles Roe made May 18 at 2020 9:43 PM

MAJ Charles Roe — Mon, 18 May 2020 21:43:18 -0400

I am Eagle Scout, and a life member of NESA. Get a picture of you parents with your uniform and get your scout master to list all your achievements when you leave scouting. Do this because when you are ready to retire you will have a record of your achievements. Unless you have proof you might find out that without paperwork no one will believe you. Your Eagle scout rank is on record. Military recognizes Eagle Scout rank depending on branch of service. God bless you and keep you safe.

Major C. Pittsburgh Roe, USA
90% Disabled War Veteran