Pentagon Plans to Sever Century-Old Ties with Scouting America Over Ideology

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth plans to sever the U.S. military's long-standing ties with Scouting America, citing concerns over the organization's gender ideology and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies.

Draft memos, currently unsent, indicate the Pentagon's intention to end support for Scouting programs on U.S. military bases and eliminate benefits for Eagle Scouts serving in the military.

The U.S. military has provided formal support to Scouting programs for over a century, with specific assistance established in 1937, fostering a pathway from community service to national defense.

Federal law mandates Pentagon support for the National Jamboree, a significant scouting event held in West Virginia, which is also viewed as a crucial military recruitment and training opportunity.

This proposed severance of ties could significantly alter a century-old relationship, potentially affecting military recruitment efforts and the long-standing tradition of Scouts transitioning into military service.