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EAGLE SCOUTS

The fact that a boy is an Eagle Scout has always carried with it a special significance, not only in Scouting but also as he enters higher education, business or industry, and community service. The award is a performance-based achievement whose standards have been well-maintained over the years. Not every boy who joins a Boy Scout troop earns the Eagle Scout rank; only about 2.5 percent of all Boy Scouts do so. This represents more than 1 million Boy Scouts who have earned the rank since 1911. Nevertheless, the goals of Scouting - citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness - remain important for all Scouts, whether or not they attain the Eagle Scout rank.

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Eagle Scout transcends just scouting:

  • 39 U.S. Astronauts (Including Neil Armstrong) are Eagle Scouts.

  • 13.6% of United States Military Academy (West Point) Cadets are Eagle Scouts.

  • 22 Members of the 111th Congress are Eagle Scouts.

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Progression

To earn the Eagle Scout rank, the highest advancement rank in Scouting, a Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service, and outdoor skills. Although many options are available to demonstrate proficiency in these areas, a number of specific skills are required to advance through the ranks - Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. To advance, a Boy Scout must pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges.

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Service and Responsibility

Beginning with the Star rank, and continuing through Life and Eagle, a Scout must demonstrate participation in increasingly more responsible service projects. At these levels, he also must demonstrate leadership skills by holding one or more specific youth positions of responsibility in his patrol and/or troop.

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Famous Eagle Scouts

  • Willie Banks - Olympian, Former World Record Holder, Triple Jump and Long Jump

  • Lloyd M. Bentsen Jr. - Former Secretary of the Treasury and Former United States Senator, Texas

  • The Honorable Bill Bradley - United States Senator, New Jersey 

  • Milton A. Caniff - Cartoonist

  • William C. DeVries, M.D. - Surgeon and Educator Transplanted first artificial heart

  • Thomas Foley - Former Speaker of the House and Former United States Congressman, Washington

  • The Honorable Gerald R. Ford - 38th President of the United States

  • Michael Kahn - Stage Director, Academy Award-Winning Film Editor

  • John Koncak - Center, Orlando Magic, National Basketball Association

  • James A. Lovell - Jr. Apollo Astronaut and Business Executive

  • The Honorable Richard G. Lugar - United States Senator,Indiana

  • J. Willard Marriott Jr. - Chairman of the Board and President, Marriott Corporation

  • The Honorable Sam Nunn - United States Senator, Georgia 

  • H. Ross Perot - Founder, Electronic Data Systems Corporation and The Perot Group

  • Harris Salsbury - Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author

  • Steven Spielberg - Film Director and Producer

  • Togo West - Secretary of the Army

Source: BSA

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Resources to Help You Become an Eagle Scout
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