Could a century-long partnership between the U.S. military and Scouting America crumble over ideological differences? The Pentagon’s potential move to cut ties with the iconic organization, formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America, has ignited debate about values, tradition, and government overreach.
The Washington Times reported that the Pentagon may end over 100 years of support for Scouting America due to its shift toward diversity and inclusion policies, as outlined in a draft memo by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
For over a century, the U.S. military has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Scouting America. This partnership has included logistical and medical support for major events like the National Jamboree, a massive gathering of up to 20,000 Scouts in West Virginia.
Congress mandates military assistance for the Jamboree, held every three or four years at a permanent site. Armed services members often provide hands-on help and host public demonstrations like skydiving showcases.
However, the law allows the defense secretary to withdraw support if it’s deemed harmful to national security. This loophole is now under scrutiny as tensions rise.
In February 2025, the Irving, Texas-based organization rebranded from Boy Scouts of America to the gender-neutral Scouting America. This shift, alongside its embrace of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, has drawn criticism from some quarters.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a draft memo first reported by NPR, argues the group “no longer supports” the future of American boys. He accuses Scouting America of attacking traditional “boy-friendly spaces” with a “genderless” agenda.
This critique has stirred a sharp response from Scouting America officials. They express “deep sadness” over the potential loss of military backing, a bond that has endured for generations.
If Hegseth’s proposal moves forward, the Pentagon would suspend critical support for the National Jamboree. This could disrupt an event that relies heavily on military resources for safety and operations.
The impact extends beyond one event, though. Scout troops often provide stability for children of military families deployed worldwide, a role now at risk.
Roger Krone, president and CEO of Scouting America, emphasized the shared history: “From the tremendous support of the West Virginia National Guard at our National Jamborees, to Scout troops that provide stability for the children of military families deployed around the globe, our nation’s military has walked side-by-side with Scouts for generations.” He remains defiant about their mission.
Krone pushed back against critiques of their merit system, stating, “This view is clearly uninformed. Badges and ranks are not given; they are earned.”
He also highlighted the patriotic core of Scouting: “Young men and women alike thrive in Scouting. Scouts wear an American flag on their sleeves and swear a duty to God and country.”
Krone added, “Many of our Scouts trade their scouting uniform for the uniforms of our nation’s armed forces.” He vowed, “Scouting will never turn its back on the children of our military families.”
Scouting America’s struggles aren’t new; membership has plummeted from over 5 million in the 1970s to about 1 million today. Challenges like financial woes, sexual abuse scandals, and controversy over LGBTQ policies have fueled an exodus of conservative families.
In 2019, a major supporter, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, severed ties with the organization. Now, the potential loss of Pentagon support adds another blow to an already embattled group.
