Scouting America to Change Policies under Pentagon Pressure/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Scouting America will revise key policies after pressure from the Pentagon to maintain its longstanding partnership with the U.S. military. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said compliance will be reviewed in six months. Changes include gender-based membership rules, merit badge updates and benefits for military families.
Scouting America Pentagon Policy Changes Quick Looks
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced policy revisions.
- Membership policy to reference “biological sex at birth.”
- Citizenship in Society merit badge to be discontinued.
- New Military Service merit badge to be introduced.
- Registration fees waived for children of military personnel.
- Pentagon warns support could end if reforms fail.
- Review of changes scheduled in six months.
- Longstanding military-Scouting partnership at stake.
Deep Look: Scouting America to Change Policies under Pentagon Pressure
WASHINGTON — Scouting America has agreed to revise several of its policies following pressure from the Pentagon, a move aimed at preserving its historic partnership with the U.S. military.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Friday that the organization would adopt new membership guidelines and roll back certain initiatives in response to concerns raised by the Defense Department. Among the changes is a requirement that members use “biological sex at birth and not gender identity,” according to Hegseth.
In a video posted on social media, Hegseth said the Pentagon would closely monitor the organization’s compliance.
“We will vigorously review these reforms in six months,” he said, adding that military support could be withdrawn if the organization fails to follow through. “We hope that doesn’t happen, but it could.”
Scouting America, headquartered in Irving, Texas, did not immediately issue a public response.
Proposed Changes and Concessions
Some of the adjustments reflect proposals Scouting America presented to the Defense Department earlier this year. Those included eliminating the Citizenship in Society merit badge — introduced as part of broader diversity initiatives — and creating a new Military Service merit badge.
The organization also proposed waiving registration fees for children of military families and holding a formal ceremony reaffirming its commitment to leadership, duty to God, duty to country and service.
Additionally, Scouting America said it would dissolve its diversity, equity and inclusion committee, a move aligned with broader efforts by the Trump administration to eliminate DEI programs across federal agencies and affiliated organizations.
Earlier this month, the Pentagon said it was reviewing its relationship with the group, criticizing what it described as ideological shifts away from traditional values.
“Scouting America’s leadership has made decisions that run counter to the values of this administration,” the department said in a statement, citing concerns over diversity initiatives and gender policies.
A Longstanding Military Partnership
The U.S. military has maintained close ties with the Boy Scouts — now Scouting America — for decades. The military has provided logistical support for the National Scout Jamboree since 1937 and frequently sponsors Scout troops and activities on bases around the world.
Eagle Scouts have long been recognized within the armed forces, with some branches offering rank advancements to enlistees who achieved the prestigious designation.
Last year, reports surfaced that the Pentagon was considering scaling back support for Scouting programs on military installations and potentially eliminating enlistment benefits for Eagle Scouts. The organization expressed concern at the time about the future of the partnership.
Hegseth has criticized the group’s 2024 rebrand from Boy Scouts of America to Scouting America, calling it emblematic of what he describes as “woke culture.” He has suggested that the organization should return to its original focus.
“Ideally, I believe the Boy Scouts should go back to being the Boy Scouts as originally founded,” Hegseth said.
Years of Evolution and Controversy
Founded in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America became a cornerstone of American civic life, with traditions such as the Scout Oath and Eagle Scout rank widely recognized.
Over the past decade, however, the organization underwent significant policy shifts. It began allowing gay youth in 2013 and lifted its ban on gay adult leaders in 2015. In 2017, it opened membership to transgender boys, and in 2018 it welcomed girls into Cub Scouts, later expanding participation into its flagship Scouts BSA program.
By May 2024, more than 6,000 girls had earned the Eagle Scout rank.
The organization also faced a wave of sexual abuse claims, filing for bankruptcy protection in 2020 amid thousands of lawsuits. In 2023, a judge approved a $2.4 billion settlement plan allowing the organization to compensate more than 80,000 claimants while continuing operations.
Despite controversy over its rebrand and reforms, Scouting America reported a modest membership increase last year, totaling just over 1 million members.
What Comes Next
The Pentagon’s six-month review period sets a clear deadline for Scouting America to demonstrate adherence to the agreed-upon changes. The outcome could determine whether the military continues its decades-long logistical, financial and symbolic support for the organization.
For now, the announcement underscores how cultural and political debates at the federal level are shaping longstanding civic institutions — and how partnerships once considered routine are increasingly subject to scrutiny.
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