Military Service & Veterans

Test Lab Badge

Honoring Service. Understanding Sacrifice. Inspiring Leadership.

The Military Service & Veterans Badge invites Scouts to explore the values, history, and human stories behind military service. Designed to deepen understanding and foster respect, this badge connects Scouts with the heritage of our Armed Forces and the individuals who have served our nation with courage and commitment.

Through hands-on learning, meaningful conversations, and active community involvement, Scouts develop a richer appreciation for service, leadership, peace, and patriotism.

Military Service & Veterans Requirements
Current Scouts BSA requirements
as of March 14, 2026

This Test Lab offering is valid until October 1, 2026.

1.
Explore Military Heritage. Do the following:
a.
Learn about Robert Baden-Powell’s military service. Discuss with your counselor what he learned about people, values, and culture through his military service and how it influenced the founding of Scouting.
b.
Select a historical military conflict. Discuss with your counselor what caused it and how leadership, planning, or values affected its outcome, how it was resolved, and discuss what lessons can be learned from it.
2.
Understand the Cost of War and the Value of Peace. Do the following:
a.
Discuss with your counselor why military conflict should be a last resort.
b.
Do ONE of the following:
a.
Read or listen to President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s “Atoms for Peace” speech and explain the objectives and role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
b.
Explain the role of the United Nations in promoting peace and resolving international disputes.
c.
Reflect on the human and societal costs of war and share the lessons that can be learned from major conflicts.
3.
United States Armed Forces. Do ONE of the following:
a.
Choose one of the branches of service of the United States and research its history, its mission, and its organization. Explain to your counselor what you learned.
b.
Learn about the Veterans History Project organized by the Library of Congress. Conduct and record an interview of a veteran using those guidelines. Share your recording with your counselor and the veteran. With the veteran’s permission, share it with the Library of Congress.
4.
Understand Military Recognition. Do the following:
a.
Explain the history and significance of the Medal of Honor and the Purple Heart.
b.
Describe the qualifications for receiving each award.
c.
Research a Medal of Honor recipient and share their story with your counselor. Explain why their actions were recognized.
5.
Military Uniforms and Insignia. Do the following:
a.
Learn about the purpose and history of military uniforms and insignia.
b.
Identify the different uniforms worn by members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard.
c.
Learn to identify and describe the rank insignia for all enlisted and officer ranks from one branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
d.
Explain how rank and insignia show respect, order, and responsibility within the military.
6.
Reflect on Symbols of Service. Do the following:
a.
Discuss with an active-duty member, reservist, or veteran what their uniform and the American Flag mean to them as a military member. Share what you learned with your counselor. Describe what proper respect for the flag means to them.
b.
Discuss with your counselor what your uniform and troop flag mean to you.
7.
Honor Veterans. Do the following:
a.
Participate in a Veterans Day, Memorial Day, or other event that honors veterans in your community, school, or place of worship.
b.
Discuss with your counselor what role you played and what you learned from the experience.
c.
Visit a veterans’ organization, military museum, memorial, or cemetery. Discuss with your counselor what you learned about service, sacrifice, and remembrance.
8.
Military Academies. Do the following:
a.
Learn about the purpose and history of TWO of the U.S. military academies: the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
b.
Explain the general requirements for admission to one of these academies.
c.
Describe how attending a service academy prepares a person for military leadership and service to the nation.
c.
Discuss with your counselor how the values of Scouting align with those of the military academies.
9.
Inspire Service and Leadership. Do the following:
a.
Discuss how learning about veterans and military service can inspire youth to serve their community and country.
b.
List two ways you can demonstrate courage, service, or leadership in your daily life.
b.
Research service projects in your area that honor veterans or support those currently serving. Share what you learned with your counselor.
10.
Careers. Explore careers related to this military service. Research one career to learn about the training and education needed, costs, job prospects, salary, job duties, and career advancement. Your research methods may include — with your parent or guardian’s permission — an internet or library search, an interview with a professional in the field, or a visit to a location where people in this career work. Discuss with your counselor both your findings and what about this profession might make it an interesting career.
11.
Complete the survey below to complete the test lab requirements
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