Rank Advancement in Scouts

 Merit badges, badges of rank, and Eagle Palms may be earned by registered Scouts who are not yet 18 years old.  The only exceptions for those older than age 18 are related to Scouts registered beyond the age of eligibility and those who have been granted time extensions to complete the Eagle Scout rank.

An Eagle Scout board of review may occur, without special approval of the National Council Service center, up to twenty-four months after a Scout’s 18th birthday.  Consult the Guide to Advancement topic 8.0.3.1 in the case where a board of review is to be conducted more than twenty four months after a candidate’s 18th birthday.

If you have a permanent physical or mental disability, or a disability expected to last more than two years, or beyond age 18, you may become an Eagle Scout by qualifying for as many required merit badges as you can and qualifying for alternative merit badges for the rest. If you seek to become an Eagle Scout under this procedure, you must submit a special application to your local council service center. Your application must be approved by your council advancement committee before you can work on alternative merit badges.