After months of pushback, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth seems to be reconsidering his plans to end the Pentagon’s long-standing ties with Scouting America, the organization formerly known as the Boy Scouts. This shift follows significant criticism, including from some Republicans.
Hegseth initially aimed to cut the Scouts from military support, as noted in documents from last fall. His concerns stemmed from the organization’s move away from what he termed “masculine virtues.” He proposed measures that would bar Scout troops from meeting on U.S. bases and eliminate military aid for events like the National Scout Jamboree.
Currently, around 25,000 children of U.S. service members participate in Scouting America programs. A recent NPR report highlighted ongoing discussions at the Pentagon about maintaining this partnership. The Pentagon is also developing a memorandum of understanding aimed at continuing support for the Scouts.
However, the plans are fraught with complications. According to an anonymous source at the Department of Defense (DOD), new policies may require Scouts to register under their sex assigned at birth, which could complicate the Scouts’ existing open policies regarding gender and orientation.
Hegseth’s criticism of Scouting’s 2019 decision to admit girls and change its name to Scouting America drew ire from many parents and constituents. Rep. Don Bacon, a Republican from Nebraska, expressed frustration, pointing out that many supporters of former President Trump found Hegseth’s actions unreasonable.
Democratic lawmakers like Rep. Adam Smith highlighted the potential risks of the Pentagon’s heavy-handed approach to a youth organization. He argued that Hegseth’s agenda fosters division.
If negotiations fail, the impact could be significant, especially for the upcoming National Scout Jamboree, which gathers around 20,000 attendees every four years. Without Pentagon support, the Scouts might struggle to provide necessary services like medical care and transport.
This situation reflects broader societal tensions and changing views on youth organizations. As Scouting America continues to evolve into a more inclusive organization, the future of its relationship with the military remains uncertain.
For more insights, you can check out NPR’s coverage on the topic.
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