In a move that could end a partnership spanning more than a century, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is reportedly considering severing all military ties with Scouting America, the organisation formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America.
A Controversial Draft Memo
The potential policy shift was revealed in a draft memo to Congress, obtained by National Public Radio. In the document, Hegseth criticises Scouting America for its inclusive policies, which began admitting girls in 2018, accusing the organisation of attempting to "attack boy-friendly spaces" and failing to cultivate masculine values.
Hegseth, who is not a former Boy Scout, argued that the group is "no longer a meritocracy" and claimed it fosters "gender confusion." He stated, "The organization once endorsed by President Theodore Roosevelt no longer supports the future of American boys." The Pentagon has declined to comment on the leaked, pre-decisional document.
Proposed Cuts to Military Support
The defence secretary's proposal calls for significant changes to the long-standing military support for the scouts. This includes:
- Pulling medical and logistical aid to the National Jamboree, a massive gathering of up to 20,000 Scouts held roughly every four years in West Virginia.
- Prohibiting Scouting troops from meeting at military installations both in the US and abroad.
While Congress requires the Pentagon to support the Jamboree by providing trucks, ambulances, and medical teams free of charge, Hegseth claims he can withhold this aid if he determines it is "detrimental to national security." His memo asserts that supporting the event would divert resources from protecting US territory.
Scouting America's Response and Wider Implications
Scouting America has expressed that it is "surprised and disappointed" by the report. In a statement, the organisation defended its work, emphasising its pride in the long affiliation with the military and its commitment to being a nonpartisan organisation that works constructively with every administration.
The group stated its core American values have not changed, which are to "prepare young people for life by instilling in them the values of character, leadership, citizenship, and service."
The potential split carries significant consequences for military recruitment. The partnership has long been a vital recruitment pipeline, with as many as 20% of cadets and midshipmen at the service academies being Eagle Scouts. Those who enlist often enjoy advanced military rank and better pay, benefits that would end under the proposed changes.
This is not the first time Hegseth has criticised the scouts. In 2018, he complained on Fox News about the name change and the inclusion of girls, alleging the left wanted to "destroy it or dilute it into something that stood for nothing." Since taking office, he has moved to slash Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs at the Pentagon.
