History of the Patrols

In 1866, through an act of Congress, legislation was adopted to create six all African American Army units "which shall be composed of colored men." The units were identified as the 9th and 10th cavalry and the 38th, 39th, 40th, and 41st infantry regiments. The four infantry regiments were later reorganized to form the 24th and 25th infantry regiments.

The nickname Buffalo Soldiers began with the Cheyenne warriors in 1867. The actual Cheyenne translation was Wild Buffalo. The nickname was given out of respect and the fierce fighting ability of the 10th cavalry. Over time, Buffalo Soldiers became a generic term for all African American soldiers.

The Buffalo Soldier Patrol patch is patterned after that of the 10th Calvary Regiment, which included the Buffalo and the Crossed Sabers of a U.S. Calvary Regiment. Colors are the traditional Red and Gold of Troop 242.  Buffalo Soldiers are known for their self-reliance, outdoor skills, and teamwork.

  The regiment was one of the first official African American units in the United States during the Civil War. 

Because of the valor shown by the men of the 54th, the US Army increased the number of black enlistments so that by 1865 almost two hundred thousand African Americans had served from 1863-1865, comprising roughly ten percent of the American soldiers who served in the U.S. Army during the Civil War. The 54th Massachusetts Regiment not only fought the Confederates in the field, but they also took up the call for equal pay and fought against discrimination from the U.S. government.

Formed on March 13, 1863, the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment served in the American Civil War. A unit of United States Colored Troops (USCT), the men of the 54th distinguished themselves as courageous soldiers. Their gallant, assault on Fort Wagner made them famous across the country. Their bravery inspired hundreds of thousands and proved that Black soldiers could be as effective as white Soldiers.

Many African Americans served in the Army and Navy in the early years of the country, but few remained by the time of the Civil War. As the Civil War began in April 1861, many abolitionists believed that free and formerly enslaved Black men should be allowed to join the Army. Frederick Douglass, one of the most influential abolitionists in the North and a former enslaved person, declared that “…who would be free, themselves must strike the blow.” Yet many in the North were reluctant to give African Americans the opportunity to fight on behalf of the enslaved in the South.

By 1862, President Abraham Lincoln believed that slavery should be abolished, and that African Americans should have the opportunity to fight. After a Union victory at the Battle of Antietam in September 1862, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation granting all enslaved people in Confederate territory their freedom. The proclamation went into effect on January 1, 1863, opening the door for African American service in the Union Army.

On January 26, 1863, Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton ordered Massachusetts Governor John A. Andrew to raise African American regiments. Andrew, an abolitionist, helped recruit the regiments alongside other Northern abolitionists like Douglass. Though the enlisted men were Black, the Army required officers to be white. Andrew selected Col. Robert Gould Shaw, the son of a prominent abolitionist family, to lead the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. Andrew chose Major Edward Needles Hallowell to serve as the regiment’s second in command after his older brother’s selection to command the 55th Massachusetts. Together, Shaw and Hallowell trained the men of the 54th. Recruitment for the regiment proved so popular that the 55th Massachusetts was formed to take on the excess recruits. After months of training, the 54th mustered into federal service on May 13, 1863. They deployed to Union-occupied Beaufort, South Carolina. There they joined another USCT regiment, the 2d South Carolina Volunteers. Together, the two units raided the town of Darien, Georgia. His men soon got their chance to prove themselves in combat.

 In 1941, Congress forced the Air Corps to form an all-black combat unit. In response they set up a system to accept only those with a level of flight experience or higher education that they expected to be hard to fill, a half-hearted effort to eliminate the unit before it could begin. This policy backfired, and soon the Air Corps was receiving applications from men who clearly met the grade.

The Tuskegee Airmen are named for the 99th Fighter Squadron, which was formed at the Tuskegee (Alabama) Institute, an all-colored college.  The Squadron was comprised of pilots as well as the supporting crews and mechanics necessary to field a fully functioning fighting unit.  Due to their success in combat the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) soon awarded them the nickname, "Schwarze Vogel menschen," or Black Birdmen, and started to avoid them when possible. 

The Tuskegee Airmen Patrol patch is patterned after that of the U. S. Air Force 99th Fighter Squadron, depicting a fierce lion attacking from the air.  The stars surrounding the lion represent the many awards and recognitions received by this highly successful unit. Tuskegee Airmen are known for their commitment and intelligence. 

The Zulu Tribe of Southern Africa consists of numerous small tribes that were melded into the Zulu Nation at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries. While the creation of the Zulu Nation was at times violent, the Zulu peoples have long been considered a sign of strength and strong heritage.  Zulu warriors were highly disciplined and organized, with a clear chain of command.

The Zulu Warrior Patrol patch is a picture of a large cowhide shield.  The black background was that of a younger warrior regiment, while white was used for older soldiers.  These shields were owned by the King and not issued to warriors except in time of war.  Crossing the shield is a heavy broad bladed stabbing spear with an 18-inch blade nearly 2 inches wide, and a throwing spear with a 7-inch blade.  The round hammer was also used by the Zulu in battle.  The Zulu Warrior Patrol patch depicts strength, a strong African Heritage, and teamwork.

The Panther Patrol is the starting point for all new Scouts entering our troop, a place where energy, enthusiasm, and a spirit of adventure come to life. Like the young panther, these Scouts are eager to explore, learn, and develop the skills that will shape their Scouting journey. With keen senses and an instinct for discovery, they move forward with determination, embracing the challenges and opportunities that come their way.

Panthers are known for their agility, strength, and stealth traits that reflect the way our new Scouts adapt, grow, and prepare for the path ahead. As they work towards earning the Scout Rank, they will build confidence, learn the foundations of Scouting, and demonstrate teamwork, just as a young panther learns to navigate its environment with skill and purpose.

Once they achieve their Scout Rank, they will transition to another patrol, carrying with them the lessons, excitement, and momentum gained in the Panther Patrol. Like a panther ready to roam, they will take their next steps as stronger, more capable members of the troop, prepared to rise to new challenges and adventures.