Pentagon shifts toward maintaining ties to Scouting

"After months of backlash, including from some Republicans, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth seems to be easing off his effort to sever the Pentagon's century-long relationship with Scouting America, the youth organization formerly known as the Boy Scouts. Documents reviewed by NPR last fall detailed Hegseth's intention to cut the Scouts off for abandoning what one memo called "masculine virtues" and for attacking "boy-friendly spaces.""

"The proposal would have barred Scout troops from meeting on U.S. bases, ended military assistance for the Scout Jamboree and eliminated a long-standing policy of offering advanced rank to Eagle Scouts who enlist. About 25,000 children of U.S. servicemembers are currently involved in Scouting America programs, according to the organization."

"According to a Defense Department source who asked not to be identified for fear of retribution, more effort is now going into negotiating a memorandum of understanding that will allow the partnership to continue. According to the DoD source, Pentagon demands include requiring new scouts to register under the sex assigned at birth."

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth initially proposed cutting the Pentagon's long-standing relationship with Scouting America, citing concerns about abandonment of masculine virtues and boy-friendly spaces. The proposal would have prohibited Scout troops from meeting on military bases, ended military support for the Scout Jamboree, and eliminated advanced rank benefits for Eagle Scouts enlisting in the military. Approximately 25,000 children of U.S. servicemembers participate in Scouting America. Following significant backlash, including from Republicans, Hegseth appears to be reversing course. The Pentagon is now developing a memorandum of understanding to continue the partnership, with demands including requiring scouts to register under sex assigned at birth, though the impact on transgender youth remains unclear.

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