U.S. Army Secretary Pete Hegseth is said to be advocating for the military to cut ties with Scouting America, primarily due to the group’s gender ideology and its focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
This organization, formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America before adopting a “gender-neutral” stance, has been described by Hegseth as one that is undermining spaces aimed at boys. He expressed these views in a draft memo to Congress, which was initially disclosed by NPR.
For more than a century, the U.S. military has supported the Scouts, with a formal arrangement dating back to 1937. However, Hegseth remarked that the ideal of the American boy, as championed by President Theodore Roosevelt, no longer represents the interests of today’s youth.
According to reports, Hegseth’s proposals include denying the Pentagon’s medical and logistical assistance to the National Jamboree and preventing Scout troops from utilizing military facilities domestically or internationally.
Media sources indicate that no formal documents or internal communications have yet been issued. An Army official commented that they wouldn’t address “leaked documents that we cannot authenticate and may not be finalized.”
In response, Scouting America stated its pride in a long-standing partnership with the military and its intention to uphold that relationship. They emphasized that scouting has always been a nonpartisan organization, having collaborated with various presidential administrations to develop future leaders grounded in integrity and community service.
Congress is requesting the Pentagon to continue its support for the jamboree, an event held every few years that gathers thousands of Scouts in West Virginia. The military traditionally provides trucks, ambulances, and medical personnel for these gatherings, which also serve as training and recruitment opportunities.
However, there’s a legal stipulation that grants the Secretary of Defense authority to withhold support for national security reasons. Hegseth’s draft points to this clause, alleging that Scouting America is causing “gender confusion.”
In his memo to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, Hegseth asserted that the Scouts are falling short of their mission to promote “masculine values” and that allocating military resources for the jamboree could compromise national security.
Last year, during an appearance on Fox News, Hegseth criticized the organization’s changes, including its name alteration and the inclusion of female members in 2018. He expressed concern about the organization’s decline, suggesting that left-leaning entities are working to diminish its value.
Hegseth, in a draft memo regarding the organization’s recent transformations, noted that it is no longer a meritocracy, failing to maintain high standards for its members.
Earlier this year, NBC reported that the Pentagon was mulling over the decision to sever ties with the Scouts. Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesman, mentioned that Hegseth and his communications team were closely reviewing partnerships to ensure alignment with the President’s policies.
According to estimates, scouting has historically played a role in military recruitment, with about 20% of cadets at military academies being Eagle Scouts. Becoming an Eagle Scout has traditionally offered enlistees advanced military rank and pay, though this practice is anticipated to change.
Secretary of the Navy John Phelan reportedly conveyed concerns in a memo, indicating that the proposal could hinder recruitment efforts. He noted that access through military facilities serves as an important tool for both engagement and recruitment for Scouting America.
It’s unclear whether Congress will support Hegseth’s plan. The legislation he referenced demands a timely report, and preliminary preparations for next summer’s jamboree are already underway.
NPR has also reportedly obtained a draft correspondence addressed to the leader of Scouting America, indicating that Hegseth had not approved military personnel and resources for the event, while conveying wishes for a successful jamboree.
