Search and Rescue and the Trail to Eagle
Search and Rescue is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
Search and Rescue Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 10 main requirements for Search and Rescue. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Do the following:
- a.Explain the hazards you are most likely to encounter while participating in search and rescue (SAR) activities.
- b.Discuss first aid and prevention for the types of injuries that could occur while participating in SAR activities.
- 2
Demonstrate knowledge to stay found and prevent yourself from becoming the subject of a SAR mission.
- 3
Discuss the following with your counselor: the difference between search and rescue, the difference between PLS and LKP, and explain SAR-related terms.
- 4
Find out who in your area has authority for search and rescue.
- 5
Working with your counselor, become familiar with the Incident Command System.
- 6
Identify four types of search and rescue teams and discuss their use or role.
- 7
Discuss the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) system, latitude, and longitude.
- 8
Choose a hypothetical scenario and complete an incident objectives form and an Incident Action Plan.
- 9
Discuss with your counselor the terms hasty team and hasty search. Plan and carry out a practice hasty search.
- 10
Find out about three career or volunteer opportunities in search and rescue.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the Search and Rescue Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Search and Rescue, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Search and Rescue is usually earned troop meetings and outings. Coordinate with your troop so the group activities line up with your requirements.
3. Budget the time
Expect about a month for a challenging badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 12 Search and Rescue requirements for you.
Search and Rescue Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Search and Rescue merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Search and Rescue is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the Search and Rescue merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Search and Rescue in about a month, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Search and Rescue merit badge?
Search and Rescue is most often earned troop meetings and outings. Any registered merit badge counselor for Search and Rescue can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Search and Rescue merit badge have?
Search and Rescue has 10 main requirements with 2 sub-requirements, for 12 items in total.
