The U.S. Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, is reportedly planning to terminate the military's long-standing partnership with Scouting America, formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America. Documents reviewed by NPR indicate that the proposed action cites concerns over the organization's evolving focus.
Stated Reasons for Policy Change
According to a draft memo intended for Congress, Secretary Hegseth criticizes Scouting America for adopting what he describes as a "genderless" approach and for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The memo suggests that the organization, once supported by President Theodore Roosevelt, no longer aligns with its original mission to support "the future of American boys" and has shifted away from a "meritocracy." Another draft memo to top Pentagon leaders states that Scouting America "is no longer a meritocracy which holds its members accountable to meet high standards."
Historical Partnership and Proposed Cuts
For over a century, the U.S. military has provided support to the Scouts, a relationship formalized in 1937. This assistance includes medical and logistical aid for the National Jamboree, an event drawing up to 20,000 Scouts to West Virginia every few years. The military also permits Scout troops to meet at installations both domestically and internationally.
The proposed policy calls for an end to this support. Specifically, the Pentagon would cease providing aid for the National Jamboree and prohibit Scout troops from utilizing military installations for meetings.
Legal Justification and National Security Claims
While Congress mandates Pentagon support for the Jamboree, the law includes an exemption allowing the Secretary of Defense to withhold aid if it is deemed "detrimental to national security." Drafts of a report to Congress obtained by NPR indicate that Secretary Hegseth plans to invoke this clause. He reportedly asserts that Scouting America fosters "gender confusion" and has "strayed from their mission to 'cultivate masculine values.'" Furthermore, the report argues that diverting military resources, such as troops, doctors, and vehicles, to a 10-day youth event would harm national security by impacting border operations and territorial protection.
Reactions and Potential Impacts
Scouting America has issued a statement affirming its pride in its long military affiliation and its commitment to continue the partnership. The organization emphasized its nonpartisan stance, stating it has "worked constructively with every U.S. presidential administration." A Pentagon official stated they would not comment on "leaked documents that we cannot authenticate and that may be pre-decisional."
The potential policy change has raised concerns among some military personnel. Kenny Green, a retired Army Staff Sergeant and parent of three Scouts, highlighted the importance of Scout troops on military bases for families frequently relocating, facilitating children's integration into new communities.
Scouting has historically served as a pathway for military recruitment. Statistics from Scouting America indicate that up to 20% of cadets and midshipmen at service academies are Eagle Scouts. Enlistees who achieve Eagle Scout rank currently receive advanced military rank and increased pay, a practice that would reportedly cease under the new policy.
Navy Secretary John Phelan, in a memo to Undersecretary for Policy Elbridge Colby, warned that the proposed policy could be "too restrictive" and "detrimental to recruitment and accession efforts." Phelan noted that up to a third of Navy officers in training have a scouting background, emphasizing that "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]."
Secretary Hegseth's Broader Stance
Secretary Hegseth's views on Scouting align with previous public statements. As a Fox News host, he criticized the Scouts in 2018 for changing their name and admitting girls, stating, "The Boy Scouts has been cratering itself for quite some time." His actions at the Pentagon have included reducing DEI programs and changes in senior leadership positions.
The draft documents detailing Hegseth's decision to Congress and to the head of Scouting America have not yet been formally sent. Planning for next summer's National Jamboree is reportedly already in progress.