Scouting America to Alter Policies at Pentagon's Urging

Defense Secretary says changes must be made to maintain military support

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Pentagon has announced that Scouting America will be required to make several policy changes, including a requirement that members use their 'biological sex at birth and not gender identity.' The changes come after the Defense Department raised concerns about Scouting America's recent rebrand and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, which it sees as part of 'woke culture.' The Pentagon has threatened to cease support for Scouting America if the organization fails to comply with the requested changes within six months.

Why it matters

The long-standing partnership between the U.S. military and Scouting America is at risk, as the Pentagon seeks to steer the organization back towards its 'core principles' and away from what it views as ideological stances on social issues. This move highlights the ongoing tensions between the military's traditional values and the evolving social landscape, with the potential to impact thousands of young people involved in scouting programs.

The details

The Pentagon's requested changes include discontinuing Scouting America's Citizenship in Society merit badge, introducing a new Military Service merit badge, waiving registration fees for military personnel, and holding a ceremony to rededicate the organization to 'leadership, duty to God, duty to country and service.' The organization has also been asked to dissolve its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) board committee. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has stated that the Pentagon will 'vigorously review' the changes made by Scouting America within six months and will cease its support if the organization fails to comply.

  • On February 27, 2026, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the Pentagon's requirements for Scouting America.

The players

Pete Hegseth

The current U.S. Defense Secretary who has taken aim at Scouting America's partnership with the military, citing concerns over the organization's recent policy changes.

Scouting America

The organization formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America, which has undergone significant changes in recent years, including allowing gay youth, ending a ban on gay adult leaders, and accepting transgender members and girls.

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What they’re saying

“Scouting America's leadership has made decisions that run counter to the values of this administration, including an embrace of DEI and other social justice, gender-fluid ideological stances.”

— Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary (ksgf.com)

“Ideally I believe the Boy Scouts should go back to being the Boy Scouts as originally founded, a group that develops boys into men. Maybe someday.”

— Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The Pentagon will review the changes made by Scouting America within six months and decide whether to continue its support for the organization.

The takeaway

This conflict between the Pentagon and Scouting America highlights the ongoing tensions between traditional values and evolving social norms, with the potential to impact thousands of young people involved in scouting programs. The outcome of this dispute could have far-reaching implications for the future of the organization and its relationship with the U.S. military.