Director of Scoutbook - 5-17-2016

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Director of Scoutbook - 5-17-2016

Published: May 17, 2016

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ATTENTION UNIT ADMINISTRATORS!!

As Scoutbook continues to grow (thank you) we increasingly run into issues with duplicate unit numbers in the same council. We know of one council with 12 Troop 1’s. When this happens, the new joining unit has difficulty starting up appropriately.

To address the duplicate unit numbers and set the stage for future integration of Scoutbook, today we released functionality requiring all units to validate their unit against the BSA’s unit number and description for their unit.

When next you visit your dashboard, you will see a yellow flag next to your unit. Hover over the flag and you will see the following message:

Unit information is missing. Click here to go to the Edit Unit

Once you are at your “Edit Pack/Troop” page you should find your “Unit Number” (the one on your shoulder) filled in. Choose “select your unit” in the “BSA Unit Description” field, pick your unit (there may be one or more depending on your unit number) and you are done.

If you do not recognize any of the unit descriptions as “yours”, please contact your local service center for help.

At this point both Scoutbook and BSA’s Akela will have the same information on your unit and Scoutbook will display the official charter organization description and address along with a new field “BSA Unit Number” which matches your unit to all of BSA’s databases.

Should you run into any difficulties reach first for the Scoutbook forums where many experienced Scouters will help you out. If this does not work, please contact scoutbook.support@scouting.org.

Good Scouting!!

Comments (48)
9 years ago

Scott Fisher

Our three Units matched up perfectly and our Troop is one of two "Troop 87" Units in Washington Crossing Council. I was easily able to identify the correct one and select it based upon the differing Charter Org info. Each unit took about 10 seconds.

VERY NICE!

Pending Approval

Our three Units matched up perfectly and our Troop is one of two "Troop 87" Units in Washington Crossing Council. I was easily able to identify the correct one and select it based upon the differing Charter Org info. Each unit took about 10 seconds. VERY NICE!

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9 years ago

Ed D'Avignon

Thanks Bob.

One tip, if the unit does not appear in the drop down list, select "None of the Above" in order to save any other updates to the unit. After your unit is added to the BSA's Akela database, you will be able to go back into Edit Pack and select your unit from the drop down list.

Pending Approval

Thanks Bob. One tip, if the unit does not appear in the drop down list, select "None of the Above" in order to save any other updates to the unit. After your unit is added to the BSA's Akela database, you will be able to go back into Edit Pack and select your unit from the drop down list.

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9 years ago

Tim Bradford

Thank you! 2 of our 4 units have been connected (the Pack and the Troop). As we move forward with integration of the ScoutNet system and Scoutbook how will that work for Varsity Team's and Crew's? Right now we show everyone in the troop, but have each individual's profile setup to their respective unit in their profile. How will we connect those who are registered on a Team or Crew using this new format?

Pending Approval

Thank you! 2 of our 4 units have been connected (the Pack and the Troop). As we move forward with integration of the ScoutNet system and Scoutbook how will that work for Varsity Team's and Crew's? Right now we show everyone in the troop, but have each individual's profile setup to their respective unit in their profile. How will we connect those who are registered on a Team or Crew using this new format?

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9 years ago

Brooks Prevette

Very quick, very easy, very nice!

Thanks SB team!

Look forward to future releases.

Pending Approval

Very quick, very easy, very nice! Thanks SB team! Look forward to future releases.

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9 years ago

Kevin Watson

10 Packs - 10 Troops - Excellent Update

Pending Approval

10 Packs - 10 Troops - Excellent Update

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9 years ago

Ken Mortello

Thank you! Done in a jiffy.

Pending Approval

Thank you! Done in a jiffy.

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9 years ago

Dave Emmert

Arggg!!!! How do you expect units overseas to update/validate their data when you require US zip codes, ect.? You need to remove the data validation routines for zip codes, phones, and states when dealing with overseas units.

Pending Approval

Arggg!!!! How do you expect units overseas to update/validate their data when you require US zip codes, ect.? You need to remove the data validation routines for zip codes, phones, and states when dealing with overseas units.

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9 years ago

Elaine Rizzo

Dave - use TAC's zip code - 09613. We put our postal code into the 2nd line of the addresses and drop the country code and leading zeros for the phone numbers. It's not ideal but it works. Elaine

Pending Approval

Dave - use TAC's zip code - 09613. We put our postal code into the 2nd line of the addresses and drop the country code and leading zeros for the phone numbers. It's not ideal but it works. Elaine

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9 years ago

Joseph VandenBrock

I don't see a yellow flag yet. But my Sons Pack and unit are both 0. That is because he is a Lone Scout and its the only way I can set it up so we can use ScoutBook. I have asked before and will ask again. Is there going to be a way Lone Scouts can enter their information correctly and Lone Scout Counselors enter their title correctly. This needs to be fixed not only to prevent more problems in the future but also so the recognition can be given to the cub/boy scout so he doesn't feel left out . I know their is not many of us in comparison to all of BSA so I am trying to yell as aloud as possible so we can be heard.

Pending Approval

I don't see a yellow flag yet. But my Sons Pack and unit are both 0. That is because he is a Lone Scout and its the only way I can set it up so we can use ScoutBook. I have asked before and will ask again. Is there going to be a way Lone Scouts can enter their information correctly and Lone Scout Counselors enter their title correctly. This needs to be fixed not only to prevent more problems in the future but also so the recognition can be given to the cub/boy scout so he doesn't feel left out . I know their is not many of us in comparison to all of BSA so I am trying to yell as aloud as possible so we can be heard.

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9 years ago

Scott Smith

I am also unable to validate my unit. I have tried to change and edit things to match perfectly as it is in my charter but nothing seems to be working. any advice?

Pending Approval

I am also unable to validate my unit. I have tried to change and edit things to match perfectly as it is in my charter but nothing seems to be working. any advice?

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9 years ago

Ed D'Avignon

Scott, please post in the forums and include any error messages you are receiving as we will be better able to help you there.

Pending Approval

Scott, please post in the forums and include any error messages you are receiving as we will be better able to help you there.

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9 years ago

Dave Emmert

Elaine - in Scoutbook we already using a zip code associated with TAC. The problem is that the address on our charter is an Austrian address, running afoul of Scoutbook's data validation routines. So we can't match our units under "BSA Unit Description" in the Edit Troop/Pack. I believe this means that we will be left out of the automated advancement sync with ScoutNet. It's rather annoying that Scoutbook has stricker data validation than BSA's internet rechartering website. They need to toggle these routines off for overseas units in TAC, Far East, and Direct Service.

Pending Approval

Elaine - in Scoutbook we already using a zip code associated with TAC. The problem is that the address on our charter is an Austrian address, running afoul of Scoutbook's data validation routines. So we can't match our units under "BSA Unit Description" in the Edit Troop/Pack. I believe this means that we will be left out of the automated advancement sync with ScoutNet. It's rather annoying that Scoutbook has stricker data validation than BSA's internet rechartering website. They need to toggle these routines off for overseas units in TAC, Far East, and Direct Service.

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9 years ago

Bob Scott

@Dave Emmert - we will start looking at international addressing. At this time I do not know the complexity so can not comment on priority or timing. I will especially look into how the sync story will affect or not affect international units. Thanks for the feedback.

Pending Approval

@Dave Emmert - we will start looking at international addressing. At this time I do not know the complexity so can not comment on priority or timing. I will especially look into how the sync story will affect or not affect international units. Thanks for the feedback.

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9 years ago

Joseph VandenBrock

@Bob Scott, any word if Lone Scouts and counselors will be able to put their information in correctly.

Pending Approval

@Bob Scott, any word if Lone Scouts and counselors will be able to put their information in correctly.

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9 years ago

zuzdgk Jackson

@Scott Smith we have confirmed a bug that affects some units in the Transatlantic council not being able to see their BSA Unit Description when they attempt to match their unit from the Edit Unit page. A hot-fix is in the works to address this bug. Thanks for letting us know! We are sorry for the inconvenience.

Pending Approval

@Scott Smith we have confirmed a bug that affects some units in the Transatlantic council not being able to see their BSA Unit Description when they attempt to match their unit from the Edit Unit page. A hot-fix is in the works to address this bug. Thanks for letting us know! We are sorry for the inconvenience.

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9 years ago

Bill Stehn

I am trying to add our Pack to my subscription list but although our pack is listed as one of the choices on the pull down menu and I select it when adding my pack position to my profile I still get associated with another pack in our council once I update. Any suggestions?

Pending Approval

I am trying to add our Pack to my subscription list but although our pack is listed as one of the choices on the pull down menu and I select it when adding my pack position to my profile I still get associated with another pack in our council once I update. Any suggestions?

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9 years ago

Craig Mielke

Only because both Bob and Shawn are actively responding to posts on this thread I'll ask my question about adding formatting capability to emails. Please make this a priority!

Oh, and we did our validation... Worked perfectly... There are two packs in our council with the same number!

updated 9 years ago

Pending Approval

Only because both Bob and Shawn are actively responding to posts on this thread I'll ask my question about adding formatting capability to emails. Please make this a priority! Oh, and we did our validation... Worked perfectly... There are two packs in our council with the same number!

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9 years ago

Scott Smith

@Shawn Jackson & @Bob Scott, whatever you guys did worked! I was able to link my Pack. Many Thanks!

Pending Approval

@Shawn Jackson & @Bob Scott, whatever you guys did worked! I was able to link my Pack. Many Thanks!

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9 years ago

Jackie Cotton

Our pack unit number is correct, but the longstanding problem of a very old sponsor listing still shows. How do we correct this. It has been years of trying. Do we click on it even though not our current sponsor?

Pending Approval

Our pack unit number is correct, but the longstanding problem of a very old sponsor listing still shows. How do we correct this. It has been years of trying. Do we click on it even though not our current sponsor?

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9 years ago

Jennifer Olinger

Jackie, what is listed as your pack's Chartered Organization at Internet Advancement? If it shows the old one there, then you need to go through your council registrar to get it updated.

Pending Approval

Jackie, what is listed as your pack's Chartered Organization at Internet Advancement? If it shows the old one there, then you need to go through your council registrar to get it updated.

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9 years ago

Ed D'Avignon

Jackie, this needs to be changed through your council office. You can validate your pack and the CO information will change after your council updates its records.

Pending Approval

Jackie, this needs to be changed through your council office. You can validate your pack and the CO information will change after your council updates its records.

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9 years ago

Aaron Weissman

Could some of this because units use "informal" numbers? For instance, it is the practice in my city for all units to refer to themselves by a 1 or 2 digit number. My unit is known as "Troop 26" and has been for the past 60 years. However, my official unit number is 1026. There are other "Troop 26s" in the Montana Council, but all have a different 4 digit number.

Pending Approval

Could some of this because units use "informal" numbers? For instance, it is the practice in my city for all units to refer to themselves by a 1 or 2 digit number. My unit is known as "Troop 26" and has been for the past 60 years. However, my official unit number is 1026. There are other "Troop 26s" in the Montana Council, but all have a different 4 digit number.

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9 years ago

Ed D'Avignon

Aaron, in come councils, there are actual duplicate unit numbers as a result of mergers. Not all councils added digits to make unique unit numbers when they merged.

Pending Approval

Aaron, in come councils, there are actual duplicate unit numbers as a result of mergers. Not all councils added digits to make unique unit numbers when they merged.

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9 years ago

Aaron Weissman

As a database administrator, that statement makes my head hurt. I am glad that in the late 1970s when the four councils in Montana merged to create the Montana Council, there was enough foresight to make our unit numbers unique!

updated 9 years ago

Pending Approval

As a database administrator, that statement makes my head hurt. I am glad that in the late 1970s when the four councils in Montana merged to create the Montana Council, there was enough foresight to make our unit numbers unique!

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9 years ago

Worth Lutz

International addresses are complex. Here is an article to help.

http://www.uxmatters.com/mt/archives/2008/06/international-address-fields-in-web-forms.php

Pending Approval

International addresses are complex. Here is an article to help. http://www.uxmatters.com/mt/archives/2008/06/international-address-fields-in-web-forms.php

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9 years ago

Dwayne Porter

Our pack and troop have yellow flags, correct numbers not available in the pull down, unit information is correct at district, have contacted Scoutbook and sent screenshots with no response.

Please advise.

Pending Approval

Our pack and troop have yellow flags, correct numbers not available in the pull down, unit information is correct at district, have contacted Scoutbook and sent screenshots with no response. Please advise.

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9 years ago

Craig Mielke

Hey, I just noticed this, how come you can format text in your blog posts (bold, outline, etc...) but we can't do that in our emails and event notices from Scoutbook? Also, why can't we attach anything to event invites, but we can to regular messages?

Pending Approval

Hey, I just noticed this, how come you can format text in your blog posts (bold, outline, etc...) but we can't do that in our emails and event notices from Scoutbook? Also, why can't we attach anything to event invites, but we can to regular messages?

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9 years ago

Stephen Hornak

@Dwayne - what is your unit number in Internet Advancement or the Recharter report ? That may assist with the issue.

Pending Approval

@Dwayne - what is your unit number in Internet Advancement or the Recharter report ? That may assist with the issue.

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9 years ago

Craig Mielke

@Bill Nelson, I have, and have never received a response to that particular request.

Pending Approval

@Bill Nelson, I have, and have never received a response to that particular request.

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9 years ago

Ken Morgan

I'm not sure why. The blog area, while looking similar to the forums, just doesn't have BB Code activated in the comments section. I don't know why, I don't think any of the other SUAC members know either.

Pending Approval

I'm not sure why. The blog area, while looking similar to the forums, just doesn't have BB Code activated in the comments section. I don't know why, I don't think any of the other SUAC members know either.

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9 years ago

Craig Mielke

testing BB functions for [b]bold[/b] and [u]underline[/u]

Pending Approval

testing BB functions for [b]bold[/b] and [u]underline[/u]

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9 years ago

Dwayne Porter

Unit number in Internet Advancement and charter are correct. It's now been a week with no response from Scoutbook on how to resolve the unit description yellow flag issue.

updated 9 years ago

Pending Approval

Unit number in Internet Advancement and charter are correct. It's now been a week with no response from Scoutbook on how to resolve the unit description yellow flag issue.

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9 years ago

Stephen Hornak

Dwayne - did you send that email to scoutbook.support@scouting.org ?

Pending Approval

Dwayne - did you send that email to scoutbook.support@scouting.org ?

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9 years ago

Tim Bradford

I can't wait to hear about the decisions that were made and how Scoutbook is going to continue to move forward after the National Annual Meeting and the conversations that are taking place there. A big continued thank you for continuing to make these greatly resources available so that we can focus more on the boys than the administrative items.

Pending Approval

I can't wait to hear about the decisions that were made and how Scoutbook is going to continue to move forward after the National Annual Meeting and the conversations that are taking place there. A big continued thank you for continuing to make these greatly resources available so that we can focus more on the boys than the administrative items.

Update

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9 years ago

Dwayne Porter

Yes, I have sent several emails to Scoutbook support, sent screenshots, checked myscouting, checked Internet Advancement, etc. and they have not responded. I don't understand what's so difficult. All our unit information was correct before, then they removed our unit description, and now won't fix it or respond.

Is anyone else having this issue?

Pending Approval

Yes, I have sent several emails to Scoutbook support, sent screenshots, checked myscouting, checked Internet Advancement, etc. and they have not responded. I don't understand what's so difficult. All our unit information was correct before, then they removed our unit description, and now won't fix it or respond. Is anyone else having this issue?

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9 years ago

zuzdgk Jackson

Hi Dwayne. We are looking into the issue. Please confirm your official unit number is 0077 in Great Southwest Council and you have a current active charter with the BSA? Thanks.

Pending Approval

Hi Dwayne. We are looking into the issue. Please confirm your official unit number is 0077 in Great Southwest Council and you have a current active charter with the BSA? Thanks.

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9 years ago

Dwayne Porter

Yes, unit number is 0077 in the Great Southwest Council, Rio Grande District, and active charter.

Pending Approval

Yes, unit number is 0077 in the Great Southwest Council, Rio Grande District, and active charter.

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9 years ago

zuzdgk Jackson

Thanks Dwayne. We are verifying your unit and will get back to you.

Pending Approval

Thanks Dwayne. We are verifying your unit and will get back to you.

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9 years ago

Greg Woolf

The Troops and Packs in the Dobson Stake of Arizona, in the Mesa District of the Grand Canyon Council had no problems getting the unit information. We are trying just trying to figure out how to keep from renewing out subscription each year. Is there some way we can autopay?

Pending Approval

The Troops and Packs in the Dobson Stake of Arizona, in the Mesa District of the Grand Canyon Council had no problems getting the unit information. We are trying just trying to figure out how to keep from renewing out subscription each year. Is there some way we can autopay?

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9 years ago

zuzdgk Jackson

@Dwayne. Please let us know if you are able to see your troop now. If anyone else has any issues matching their unit with the BSA description let us know. Thanks!

Pending Approval

@Dwayne. Please let us know if you are able to see your troop now. If anyone else has any issues matching their unit with the BSA description let us know. Thanks!

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9 years ago

Marian M.

Just sent the email to scoutbook.support@scouting.org with same problem as Dwayne. Pretty embarassing, as I am the one touting the wonders of Scoutbook to the entire Council. Thanks

Pending Approval

Just sent the email to scoutbook.support@scouting.org with same problem as Dwayne. Pretty embarassing, as I am the one touting the wonders of Scoutbook to the entire Council. Thanks

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9 years ago

Ed D'Avignon

Marian, is your unit's charter current?

Pending Approval

Marian, is your unit's charter current?

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9 years ago

Marian M.

yes...retrying now.

Pending Approval

yes...retrying now.

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9 years ago

Marian M.

and still not working for pack or troop. le grand sigh...

Pending Approval

and still not working for pack or troop. le grand sigh...

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9 years ago

Daryl Downing

Hello.

I’m an ASM in what I understand is the largest troop in Virginia (per ScoutBook we have 138 scouts & 79 adults). I mention this because I am the Life-to-Eagle Advisor for 10 scouts. Historically, I’d request an Individual History Report from the Unit Advancement Coordinator a couple times per year to see where my advisees are and provide them with tailored guidance.

With ScoutBook I can generate Individual Advancement Records on my own. Unfortunately, the Individual Advancement Record does not have all the information I need as a Life-to-Eagle Advisor. For example, it doesn’t have date of birth or leadership history (I realize this info is available elsewhere). Scouts are generating their Individual Advancement Record for SMCs & BoRs but it doesn’t have all the info an adult leader needs to ensure the scout is ready to advance.

I request that you add the traditional Individual History Report to ScoutBook so ASMs and other troop personnel can generate this report when needed. The roles I have in the troop have become more difficult because the Individual Advancement Record doesn’t have all the info I need.

Thank you in advance.

ASM Daryl Downing

Pending Approval

Hello. I’m an ASM in what I understand is the largest troop in Virginia (per ScoutBook we have 138 scouts & 79 adults). I mention this because I am the Life-to-Eagle Advisor for 10 scouts. Historically, I’d request an Individual History Report from the Unit Advancement Coordinator a couple times per year to see where my advisees are and provide them with tailored guidance. With ScoutBook I can generate Individual Advancement Records on my own. Unfortunately, the Individual Advancement Record does not have all the information I need as a Life-to-Eagle Advisor. For example, it doesn’t have date of birth or leadership history (I realize this info is available elsewhere). Scouts are generating their Individual Advancement Record for SMCs & BoRs but it doesn’t have all the info an adult leader needs to ensure the scout is ready to advance. I request that you add the traditional Individual History Report to ScoutBook so ASMs and other troop personnel can generate this report when needed. The roles I have in the troop have become more difficult because the Individual Advancement Record doesn’t have all the info I need. Thank you in advance. ASM Daryl Downing

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9 years ago

Jennifer Olinger

Holcomb Michelle, if you could post in the Bugs forum, your issue will get more visibility there. And if you have any more details that you could add, that would be helpful.

https://www.scoutbook.com/mobile/forums/bugs/

Pending Approval

Holcomb Michelle, if you could post in the Bugs forum, your issue will get more visibility there. And if you have any more details that you could add, that would be helpful. https://www.scoutbook.com/mobile/forums/bugs/

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9 years ago

Kathy Forsten

In regards to Dave Emmert's dilemma, I run payroll and taxes for our small multi-state, multi-national, government contracting company. This problem came up in our software when it moved from a DOS based format, to a "Window's looking format". The way it was addressed, was done through a programmatic enhancement. Since the US Postal service recognizes the different parts of an overseas address as city and state, (i.e. - APO is the city, AE is the state, etc.) accordingly - they were added programmatically, as cities and states, to the 50 states, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, etc. When this was done, it solved all of the problems. These overseas "boxes" are located on "US Soil" (where we have a military presence; a base, fort, etc.), and therefore, the extentions are now treated as such. That's why a postage stamp for a letter from CONUS to an APO address in GE (and vice-versa), cost the same. There are three "hubs" in the United States that all of the overseas mail is routed to, and then dispersed from. Blah, blah, blah... For more information in regards to this, please visit the USPS website - https://www.usps.com/ship/apo-fpo-dpo.htm?pov=international .
Hope this helps.

Pending Approval

In regards to Dave Emmert's dilemma, I run payroll and taxes for our small multi-state, multi-national, government contracting company. This problem came up in our software when it moved from a DOS based format, to a "Window's looking format". The way it was addressed, was done through a programmatic enhancement. Since the US Postal service recognizes the different parts of an overseas address as city and state, (i.e. - APO is the city, AE is the state, etc.) accordingly - they were added programmatically, as cities and states, to the 50 states, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, etc. When this was done, it solved all of the problems. These overseas "boxes" are located on "US Soil" (where we have a military presence; a base, fort, etc.), and therefore, the extentions are now treated as such. That's why a postage stamp for a letter from CONUS to an APO address in GE (and vice-versa), cost the same. There are three "hubs" in the United States that all of the overseas mail is routed to, and then dispersed from. Blah, blah, blah... For more information in regards to this, please visit the USPS website - https://www.usps.com/ship/apo-fpo-dpo.htm?pov=international . Hope this helps.

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9 years ago

Daryl Downing

Hello.
Three months ago I submitted a request to have Scoutbook provide Individual History Reports in addition to (or in lieu of) the Individual Advancement Record. I don’t see a response.
There’s no downside whatsoever for Scoutbook to make available the IHR. I perform Scoutmaster Conferences, Boards of Review, Eagle SMCs, Life-to-Eagle Advisor, and other duties where the IHR provides “one-stop shopping” for all the information about the scout that’s needed (advancement, MBs, leadership positions, date of birth, etc.). It’s very frustrating when a new system is fielded that doesn’t have at least as good tools as the system it replaced.
Please provide an IHR at your earliest opportunity.
Thanks.

Pending Approval

Hello. Three months ago I submitted a request to have Scoutbook provide Individual History Reports in addition to (or in lieu of) the Individual Advancement Record. I don’t see a response. There’s no downside whatsoever for Scoutbook to make available the IHR. I perform Scoutmaster Conferences, Boards of Review, Eagle SMCs, Life-to-Eagle Advisor, and other duties where the IHR provides “one-stop shopping” for all the information about the scout that’s needed (advancement, MBs, leadership positions, date of birth, etc.). It’s very frustrating when a new system is fielded that doesn’t have at least as good tools as the system it replaced. Please provide an IHR at your earliest opportunity. Thanks.

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