Pentagon Considers Ending Century-old Partnership with Scouting America Over Inclusion Policies
The long-standing relationship between the U.S. military and scouting America – formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America – is facing a potential end as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly plans to sever ties, citing concerns over the organization’s evolving inclusion policies and a perceived shift away from traditional values.
Scouting America, which announced its name change on May 7, 2024, to reflect its broadened inclusivity, has drawn criticism from within the Pentagon. According to documents reviewed by NPR,Hegseth believes the organization is no longer a meritocracy and has become focused on “attacking boy-friendly spaces.”
For over 100 years, the military has provided significant support to the Scouts, formalized in 1937. this assistance includes logistical and medical aid for events like the National Jamboree, which hosts up to 20,000 scouts at a remote site in West Virginia, as well as allowing Scout troops to meet on military installations both domestically and abroad. However, a draft memo to Congress reveals Hegseth’s intention to halt these practices.
The proposal stems from a belief,outlined in the memo,that Scouting America has strayed from its original mission to “cultivate masculine values” and is now promoting a “genderless” surroundings. A source familiar with the matter confirmed to NPR that the documents are being prepared for interaction to Congress, though they have not yet been officially sent.The Pentagon, in response to an inquiry from NPR, stated through a “War Department official” that it would not comment on “leaked documents that we cannot authenticate and that may be pre-decisiona
Phelan reportedly warned in a memo to the department’s Undersecretary for Policy, Elbridge Colby, that the new policy coudl be “too restrictive,” noting that up to a third of Navy officers in training have a scouting background. “Passive support to scouting America through access to military installations and educational opportunities aboard said installations serve as a crucial recruiting and community engagement tool for the [Navy],” Phelan wrote. “Prohibition of access could be detrimental to recruitment and accession efforts across the department.”
The debate also highlights a broader ideological clash.Hegseth, who never participated in Boy Scouts, has publicly criticized the organization’s changes, including the admission of girls in 2018. As a former Fox News host, he stated last year that the “Boy Scouts has been cratering itself for quite some time,” and that it was being “destroyed or diluted into something that stood for nothing.” His actions at the Pentagon, including cuts to DEI programs and the removal of senior female and African-American officers, echo this sentiment.
The impact of the proposed policy is especially concerning for military families who rely on Scouting as a source of stability during frequent relocations. Kenny Green, a retired Army Staff Sergeant who served in Iraq and is the parent of three Scouts, shared his experience with NPR. “We went from Louisiana to Alaska. From Alaska to Germany.From Germany to Texas,” he said. “But at every military base there was a Scout troop that could help ease the transition to a new home.” He expressed surprise at the proposal, stating, “It’s gonna be kind of harsh the way I say this… It’s kind of like they don’t care about us more than they care about their perceived message.”
Scouting has historically played a significant role in military recruitment, with as many as 20 percent of cadets and midshipmen at service academies being Eagle Scouts. Eagle Scouts also receive advanced military rank and increased pay upon enlistment – benefits that would likely be eliminated under Hegseth’s proposal.
A draft letter to the head of Scouting America, included in the reviewed documents, informs the organization that the Secretary has disapproved the use of DoD personnel and equipment for the Jamboree, detailing the specific resources that will no longer be available. The letter concludes with a seemingly conciliatory note: “You have our best wishes for a safe and successful National Scout Jamboree.” Whether Hegseth’s plan will ultimately gain Congressional approval remains uncertain, but the proposal signals a significant potential shift in the century-old partnership between the U.S. military and Scouting America.
