MeritBadge.Net

With out giving away any secrets to those of use that are not OA (me)....

What is the difference between the pocket flap (of many colors to designate many things for each lodge and chapter) and the little dangle that looks like the
OA Sash (also of many colors to designate many things for each lodge and chapter)?

I know the basic sash meanings: Arrowman, Brotherhood and Vigil.

The pocket flap identifies your OA lodge.
The hanging device denotes that you're a member of the OA.

When I was a scout my OA lodge flap was "restricted".
You were allowed one per year (and then you had to ask for it at a conclave or other lodge event).

For a couple of years I had only one flap for 3 uniform shirts.
So........I wore the hanging device until I got enough lodge pocket flaps for all my shirts.

Many people also wear mini pocket sashes this one for each step in the Order Ordeal Brotherhood Vigil. These are not an official item. ALso many Lodges have different Pocket Flaps for each step usually these have a different edging. ALso these are not reall permitted but no one makes and issue about it.

Billiken wrote:The pocket flap identifies your OA lodge.
The hanging device denotes that you're a member of the OA.

OK, so why both? If you wear the flap identifying your lodge, it also makes it known you are OA.

Also, with the pocket dangle, it is not the "same" ans the sash and only to be worn while officially representing
OA?

Based on my military travels, I take some Lodges/Chapters do not use the pocket dangle. It it then, an OA optional thing?

The Official OA "Pocket Dangle" with the arrow is just an added thing. The mini sashes which are"Not BSA" folks wear when they are not permitted to wear the sash. You only wear your sash at OA functions or when you "must" be identified as an OA member. Giving service at a council or district event which the Lodge has decided to do. OA Elections as a member of the DAnce Team. AS an Officer when "Representing the Lodge" at any activity.

Interesting...

So one can wear BOTH the flap (that identifies you as an OA member) and the pocket dangle (that identifies you as an OA member)?

What is the purpose of wearing both?

I do not understand what you mean by "mini-sashes." I have only ever seen a sash worn in the same manner as the Merit Badge Sash, the little pocket dangle and the flap.

There are mini sashes that some patch companies sell they lok just like a sash but are about 2" long and 1/2" wide

Maybe we are talking about a different pocket dangle.

Are you thinking the red and white ribbon with a little metal arrow on the bottom? I thought that was an OA award of merit or something.

The dangle of which I speak is just like you described.

The Ribbon with the arrow is the Official OA Pocket Device that all arrowmen cna wear

The Official Name is "Universal Arrow Ribbon"

TW: The flap denotes which lodge you belong to. The pocket "dangle" (small white ribbon with a red arrow) denotes which level of membership in the lodge you are: red arrow denotes entry level or Ordeal member, red arrow w/bars denotes 2nd. level or Brotherhood, and red arrow w/ bars and triangle is the highest level or Vigil., just like the sash. The sash gets in the way or slides off during ceremonys and work weekends, so the smaller one works better for some members. That's all it is.

OK. I now understand the the two little devices hanging from the button.

But then I ask, if the flap denotes the OA Lodge, why have two items to denote OA membership on the uniform?

By default, you should be a member of the local Lodge, so just wearing the "Universal Arrow Ribbon" or the mini version of the sash
should be enough, should it not?

Just asking - not complaining - just want to learnmore as I am getting back in the Boy Scout side of Scouting.

True, one is a local designation (the flap) and the other is a national recognition (the "dangle"). Pride in both, I guess!

Could it be that the Flap shows membership and the dangle shows OA "rank"?

No, The Dangle is the Universal Arrow that all members can wear. The Flap is the Lodge you belong to. There are actually no ranks in the OA.. Ordeal is the beginning of your journey ,Brotherhood is sealing of your membership. Vigil is for exceptional service now and in the future. You cannot work toward Vigil except being a good and dedicated arrowman. Lodges are restricted to 1 Vigil for each 50 registered lodge members on your "OA Charter". At least half of your Vigils selected each year must be youth. Remember the Vigil youth are the ones that choose the incoming Vigil. The Adults have no vote.

I have seen flaps that show membership level (Ordeal, Brotherhood and Vigil).

Interesting.

Anyway, I know it is a good program and can make good Scouts better.

AS I said There are those But it is not reall supposed to happen.