Pentagon Reconsiders Cutting Ties with Scouting America Amid Backlash

The Pentagon’s Relationship with Scouting America: A Shift in Direction

The longstanding partnership between the Pentagon and Scouting America, formerly known as the Boy Scouts, has recently come under scrutiny. Initially, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth aimed to sever this century-old relationship, but recent developments suggest a possible change in course.

An Eagle Scout Award is seen pinned to a uniform. The Pentagon, which has considered cutting ties to Scouting America, is moving toward maintaining the relationship. David Ryder/Getty Images

Last fall, NPR reviewed documents detailing Hegseth’s plans to detach from the Scouts, citing their departure from “masculine virtues” and a perceived attack on “boy-friendly spaces.” The proposed changes included barring Scout activities on U.S. military bases, ending military aid for the Scout Jamboree, and altering the policy granting advanced rank to enlisted Eagle Scouts.

Currently, Scouting America engages about 25,000 children of U.S. service members. A new document obtained by NPR indicates that while plans to withdraw support are still in the works, efforts are being made to draft a memorandum of understanding to sustain the partnership.

A Department of Defense source, wishing to remain anonymous, revealed that one of the Pentagon’s stipulations is that new Scouts register according to the sex assigned at birth. Despite the organization’s inclusive policy welcoming all youths regardless of “gender or orientation,” the existing application form only offers “male” or “female” options. The implications of this requirement on transgender youth remain uncertain, and neither the Pentagon nor Scouting America has commented on this aspect.

Hegseth has publicly criticized Scouting America’s decision to admit girls and rebrand, which he claims has diluted the organization’s core values. An internal Pentagon memo reviewed by NPR expressed concern that the Scouts no longer align with the future needs of American boys, a sentiment echoed by Hegseth during his tenure as a Fox News host.

Despite the Pentagon’s lack of a formal comment on the situation, Rep. Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican, confirmed the NPR report through his own sources. He noted backlash from constituents, including Trump supporters, who were displeased with Hegseth’s stance, describing it as a needless confrontation.

Rep. Adam Smith of Washington state, a leading Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, criticized the Pentagon’s approach, warning against imposing a polarizing cultural agenda on a youth organization.

Should an agreement fail, this summer’s National Scout Jamboree, a major event attracting up to 20,000 participants in West Virginia, could face significant logistical challenges. The Scouts might need to find alternative solutions for medical care, transportation, and emergency services, initially requested from the DOD in late 2023.