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
Was in the scouts way back in the 6o's. I'm sure it is way different now. We went on a weekend campout ever month. The scout master's that took us out all came out of the forest of Europe or the jungles of the Pacific. We learned from real men that knew how to survive. I hope they do dump the fruit ball scouts of today.
ReplyDeleteI was in the Boy Scouts during the late '60's and during the early '70's and was eventually the Ass. Scoutmaster in a troop in my hometown. We had the best man for a Scoutmaster. He spent quite a bit of his own money to carry us on expeditions and camping trips. We built rope bridges over the Suwannee River and learned to canoe to catch those that fell. We went on trips to Chimney Rock and Mammoth Cave. We practiced safe firearms and did target shooting. He really cared about us learning how to survive and be men.
DeleteI think it's wonderful that little groomed homosexual boys have a group.
ReplyDeleteThat comment is just sad. Obviously you were never a Boy Scout and you're definitely not the father of a son in the Scouts.
DeleteYou don't support ANY organization that fosters LGBTQINSANITY. Hegseth is correct to cut ties.
ReplyDeleteAgreed.
DeleteI grew up in a scouting family, my brother and me in Boy Scouts, my four sisters in Girl Scouting. In fact that I reached Life Scout, one rank below Eagle gave me advantages when I joined the Army. My drill sarges knew I could function outdoors and in weather and had leadership skills and would follow orders. First three days in basic I made squad leader and kept it all through basic and it granted me some extra privileges. It was noted in my personal file. It helped me to adjust to a military life much easier than a non boy scout. I am glad they are severing ties, in fact when BSA changed their name and actively allowed gay adult leaders and pandered to the LTBQRSEVMNO crowd, I sent to the national headquarters a letter demanding my name stricken from their roles and files and I returned all my rank insignias, merit badges, awards and my Order of the Arrow award and slash and demanded they destroy them. I never heard from after that.
ReplyDeleteThere's no doubt, scouting that was done in the true nature of the scouts was a head start in life. I had a chance to learn living off the land that I would have never learned otherwise. I made friendship that lasted a good bit of my life. My Scoutmaster was a true woodsman and he really made the effort to teach us what he learned.
DeleteI'm glad that you took action when they changed to let them know you disapproved. That had to be a huge disappointment.But they did turn on Scouting. I was hoping they would have to change the name. There was quite a bit of a blow-up around here in a small town.
Over the last few years my son and I have been going to used book stores and thrift shops. One of the items we keep a look out for is old boy scouts manuals or old girl scouts manuals. We have a number of different versions from the various decades. When the grandkids get old enough, we'll have a basis to start from.
ReplyDelete