US Military Could Cut Ties With Scouts: What We Know

The U.S. military could be preparing to sever ties with the Scouts, according to a leaked Pentagon memo.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wants to bring an end to the centuries-old partnership between the military and Scouting America because he believes the organization has developed a tendency to "attack boy-friendly spaces," according to documents viewed by NPR.
A Department of Defense official told Newsweek: "The Department will not comment on leaked documents that we cannot authenticate and that may be pre-decisional."
Why It Matters
The U.S. military's relationship with Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) is a long-standing association that has influenced youth leadership training and military recruitment.
The possible break stems from new policy directions within both organizations relating to inclusion, diversity and shifting values, raising questions about the military's approach to civic engagement and youth development at a time when both national security considerations and recruitment remain top priorities.
What To Know
Documents obtained and reviewed by NPR indicate that Hegseth is advancing plans to end all Defense Department ties with Scouting America, citing misalignment with traditional military values.
In a draft memo to Congress, not yet sent, Hegseth is reported to have criticized Scouting America for becoming "genderless" and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, arguing that Scouting America has shifted away from a "meritocracy which holds its members accountable to meet high standards."

 
The Department of Defense has supported the Scouts in various ways since formalizing assistance in 1937, including providing medical and logistical aid to the National Jamboree and allowing Scouts to meet on military installations.
However, under Hegseth’s proposal, these supports, along with recruitment advantages for Eagle Scouts and the use of military resources at Scouting events, would end.
The draft documents reveal concerns about the Jamboree, which attracts up to 20,000 scouts to a remote Virginia site, suggesting that sending personnel and equipment to support it would divert resources from border operations and protecting U.S. territory at a time of international security challenges and limited budgets.
A source familiar with the Pentagon documents told NPR the memo was prepared to notify Congress but stressed it had not yet been formally delivered.

Scouting America: "Scouting is and has always been a nonpartisan organization…Over more than a century, we’ve worked constructively with every U.S. presidential administration—Democratic and Republican—focusing on our common goal of building future leaders grounded in integrity, responsibility, and community service."
 
What Happens Next
The move could disrupt not only the Scouts’ annual Jamboree but the broader pipeline of service-minded youth entering the U.S. armed forces. Planning for next summer’s Jamboree continues, but without clarity—uncertainty hangs over whether military support and access to installations will persist or cease by directive.
The Pentagon said it is reviewing all partnerships to ensure they "align with the president's agenda and advance our mission."
Congress could weigh in, given its legislative oversight and the statutory requirements around military support for scouting events.

https://www.newsweek.com/us-military-cut-ties-scouts-11105507