New to Scouting as a Webelos Scout? Yes, you can wear the Bobcat badge

Unlike other Cub Scout diamond-shaped rank badges, the Webelos badge is an oval, similar to Scouts BSA rank badges. Webelos also wear tan uniforms instead of the blue ones that younger Cubs wear. But all Cub Scouts must earn the Bobcat badge before earning any other rank.

So, what if you’re new to Scouting and your Scout joins as a Webelos? Can you put that diamond-shaped Bobcat badge on the uniform’s left pocket?

Yes, you can.

The National Cub Scouting Committee recently approved this allowance, and it’s effective immediately. The Guide to Awards and Insignia will be updated to reflect this change.

The Bobcat and Webelos badges won’t be worn together. When the Webelos rank badge is earned, remove the Bobcat badge and attach the Webelos badge, centered, on the left shirt pocket. We know it won’t be long before your Scout fulfills the requirements for the Webelos rank badge, so if you don’t want to pull out the sewing machine, you can attach the Bobcat badge temporarily.

Cub Scout ranks

The rank badge placement on your Cub Scout’s blue uniforms hasn’t changed since the last update in 2018. This update is only for Webelos tan uniforms.

Bobcat, Tiger, Wolf, Bear badges will still be in their positions over the left shirt pocket with the Lion badge underneath.

The 2018 update saw Lions officially added to the Cub Scouting program, Wolf rank colors turn from yellow to red, Bear from light green to light blue, and Webelos go solely to the tan uniform.