Pentagon Pushes Scouting America to Update Policies

Pentagon Urges Scouting America to Update Policies, Maintain Military Support

The Pentagon, led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is pushing Scouting America to revise several policies, including those concerning transgender youths, to preserve U.S. military backing. Key modifications encompass eliminating the Citizenship in Society merit badge and introducing a new one centered on military service. The organization must also waive registration fees for military families.

The Pentagon initiated a review of its long-standing alliance with Scouting America earlier this month, criticizing the groups diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives as misaligned with current values. Hegseth has expressed apprehensions about the groups rebrand from Boy Scouts in 2024 and shifts away from traditional focuses like duty to God and country.

Scouting America has responded favorably, pledging to reinforce core principles such as leadership, character, and service to country. They have committed to strengthening their partnership with the military and planning a rededication ceremony, while retaining their name and programs open to over 200,000 girls.

The group has undergone significant changes since allowing gay youth in 2013, ending bans on gay leaders in 2015, and welcoming girls into Cub Scouts in 2018. By May 2024, more than 6,000 girls had earned the Eagle Scout rank.

The Pentagon will closely monitor these reforms over the next six months, hoping for a return to foundational values without severing ties. The military has supported Scouting events like the National Jamboree since 1937 and sponsors troops on bases.

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