Officer Ranks
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Introduction
All Ranks and Insignias are commissioned by GSL within the Group without exception. Rank is the basic measure of “Authority”. While each Sectional Leader may have discretion on the difficulty in achieving each rank with GSL’s approval, Sectional Leaders may not on their own accord grant/promote/demote any ranks (Though Sectional Leaders are fully authorized to grant Positions.) A Sectional Leader may however ‘suspend’ a person’s rank in extreme situations, subjected to a testimony in the next Scouter Council with full disclosure. Each section may have their own subset of Member Ranks and Insignias with the approval of GSL. Officer ranks are for warranted leaders serving at Group Level only and universal for all sections. Insignias are standardized and may not be altered.
Officer Ranks can occasionally be used to make a quick judgement call when a vote is not the best course of action. Though generally in 6th Kowloon Group, our culture tries to limit "rank pulling" to a minimum, and instead, lower rank officers should try to understand why a superior officer might be making a decision that they may not agree in. Disobeying a superior rank, like in any organization is frowned upon, and will likely lead to disciplinary action if necessary.
Colonel
Grade: O-7 Position: Group Scout Leader
GSL is appointed by Group President and approved by District Commissioner (DC). GSL is the warranted Leader of the Scout Group, where the ultimate point of responsibility is at. GSL reports group progress to both Sponsor (President) and District/Region Commissioners, and will communicate the Group's constitution with DC to ensure it is continuously supported. GSL will maintain all sections’ training and administration standards, appointing Sectional leaders and making sure each section’s training and regulation is in compliance with this Constitution. GSL has the responsibility and obligation to ensure the Sectional Leaders are up to standard, thus requiring a Sectional update from the Leaders in Scouter Council regularly. GSL is also the Judge/Jury of the Disciplinary Court, and required signer of the Group Treasury.
Lieutenant Colonel
Grade: O-6 Position: Assistant Group Scout Leader
Usually chosen from very seasoned SL from a section. As the troop reaches a large critical mass, AGSL's role is to assist the GSL in carrying out his command in respective sections. An AGSL might watch over 1 or 2 sections. An AGSL that watches over more than one section will have 2 stars. AGSL is promoted by appointment by the GSL, and might be dedicated to assist the Group Chairman's management of the Lay committee as well.
Commander
Grade: O-5 Position: Scout Leader
Section Commander. SL is capable of running the section independently, occasionally requiring GSL / Council approval for certain matters . SL is by Appointment of GSL only, chosen from Active ASLs of 6th Kowloon Group. Min age is 21. SL’s role requires active duty service, and a retiring SL may choose to return to ASL for relief. Reports to GSL.
Lieutenant Commander
Grade: O-4 Position: Assistant Scout Leader
ASL that have served 4 years of active service would have experienced a full cycle of students and handovers. This is special recognition promotion given to an ASL with the level of experience and commitment. Wood badge can grant an extra star to be worn as achievement (3 stars total).
Captain
Grade: O-3 Position: Junior Assistant Scout Leader
Non-students returning to serve the scout group will start as O-2, and will graduate into O-3 upon showing steady commitment for 3 months. O-3 is the learning phase of being non-student leader, ASL are expected to be very responsible and idea generative. Min age is 18 for warrant issue. Approved to sign achievements in Chief Scout Award.
Lieutenant
Grade: O-2 Position: Instructor
Full Fledged Instructors have proven themselves capable to be the leader of the student body. As such this is the rank where they can call themselves “Student-in-Charge”. Instructors are regulators of the troop during school hours, and will act as deputy commanders. Reports to SL. Approved to sign achievements in Voyager/Challenger.
Cadet
Grade: O-1 Position: Cadet
Instructor-in-training are the student deputy during school hours. Grade 11-12 students will be granted this rank after age 16 should they take up the responsibility to lead student body, unless the candidate has achieved M-7 on and before, they will start as Instructor-in-training. Review of status is every 2 months. Instructors-in-training will learn how to rally the PLs, and host PL councils with esteem and authority. Reports to SL.
