Upon enrolling in Troop 403, a scout may immediately begin to work on any merit badge offered by the Boy Scouts of America. Keep in mind that all Eagle required merit badges must be earned and awarded after a scout has reached his eleventh birthday. Participation and attendance in meetings and campout programs offer many opportunities for rank advancement within the scouting program. It is the responsibility of each scout to work at a pace to which he is comfortable. Scouts need not be intimidated by the fact that other individuals may be completing merit badges or rank advancement at a faster rate. Adult leaders however, may counsel with individuals who appear to have stalled in their scout accomplishments. Please review the requirements for rank advancement as stated in the Official Boy Scout Handbook. Remember, a scout cannot earn merit badges or rank advancement after his eighteenth birthday. Scouts and/or parents should visit with the Scoutmaster, the Advancement Coordinator, or other adult leader if there is concern about a boy's scouting experience.

Upon the completion of the necessary requirements for advancement, a scout will participate in a Scoutmaster Conference and a Board of Review. The review board consists of at least three adult leaders from the Troop Committee. The scout is usually asked thought-type questions related to his scouting experience. The reviewers will not re-test the scout over skills already completed.

After passing the Board of Review, and as soon as practical, the scout will be presented his advancement patch which is symbolic of the rank advancement achieved.

At the troop's next Court of Honor, the scout will be recognized for his achievement and will receive a "Rank Advancement Card" which serves as an official record of the date the advancement was earned. Scouts are responsible for keeping all Rank Advancement Cards as a permanent record of having completed rank advancement.