U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has proposed ending the military’s long-standing relationship with Scouting America, citing the organization’s adoption of gender ideology and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. This proposal calls for the withdrawal of military support for the National Jamboree and restrictions on Scout troop activities at military installations both domestically and internationally.
The military’s involvement with Scouting America spans over a century, with formal support beginning in 1937. Hegseth’s proposal includes ceasing medical and logistical assistance for the National Jamboree, an event that draws thousands of Scouts to West Virginia every three to four years. While internal discussions on Hegseth’s proposal are ongoing, a spokesperson for the War Department declined to comment on unverified documents that may be in preliminary stages.
Scouting America released a statement expressing pride in its historical partnership with the military, emphasizing its nonpartisan mission. “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,” the statement read.
According to legislation, the Pentagon is required to support the National Jamboree, which includes providing resources like trucks, ambulances, and medical teams, as well as conducting aviation and skydiving demonstrations. This support serves both as a training exercise for the military and a recruitment opportunity for the armed forces, considering that approximately 20 percent of cadets and midshipmen at U.S. service academies have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.
Hegseth’s concerns reportedly stem from a memo wherein he cites a legal clause allowing the Secretary of Defense to withhold military support for national security reasons. He has expressed that the Scouts have drifted from their original mission to “cultivate masculine values,” characterizing recent changes as harmful to national security. His criticisms are not new; while he was a host at Fox News, he condemned the organization for admitting girls and altering its name in 2018.
A draft memo obtained by NPR indicated that Hegseth believes Scouting America has transformed significantly, no longer operating as a meritocracy that holds its members to high standards. In internal communications, he articulated that military resources designated for the ten-day youth event could detract from national security objectives.
Despite the potential ramifications of Hegseth’s proposal, John Phelan, the Secretary of the Navy, expressed concerns that restricting military support could hinder recruitment efforts. In a memo, he described continued access to military installations as a vital tool for community engagement and recruitment.
The future of Hegseth’s proposal remains uncertain, as it requires Congressional approval. The statute he cites mandates that any report on the matter be submitted in a timely manner, and preparations for the upcoming Jamboree are already in progress. An alleged draft letter to the head of Scouting America informs him that Hegseth has not approved Department of Defense personnel or resources for the event, wishing them a safe and successful gathering.
As discussions evolve, the implications of severing ties with Scouting America could resonate well beyond the military, affecting recruitment and community outreach efforts across the Department of Defense.