USA03 February, 20262 min read
Pentagon Threatens To Cut Military Support To Scouting America Unless It Ends DEI, Demands Return To God And Country
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Pentagon warned Scouting America it will withdraw military support unless it ends DEI policies. Pentagon demanded return to core values, including reversing girls' inclusion and recent organizational changes.
8 outlets told this the same way.
Pentagon pressure on Scouts
The Pentagon has publicly pressured Scouting America — the rebranded Boy Scouts of America — to reverse inclusivity changes and return to what officials call "core principles," warning that long-standing military support could be cut off unless the organization drops diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies and other changes. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the department is "close to a deal" to continue support only if Scouting America "firmly committed to a return to core principles," demanding a shift "back to God and country—immediately," and criticizing the group's embrace of DEI and "gender-fluid ideological stances." Multiple outlets report the warning was issued ahead of a National Jamboree that relies heavily on military logistics and personnel.
“Parnell posted that the Pentagon is ‘close to a deal’ to continue support only if Scouting America ‘firmly committed to a return to core principles,’ demanding a shift ‘back to God and country—immediately’ and criticizing the group’s embrace of diversity, equity and inclusion and ‘gender‑fluid ideological stances.’”
Military support for Jamboree
The potential cut would jeopardize the National Jamboree and the long-standing logistical, medical, and security support the military provides. Reporting notes the Jamboree depends on hundreds of National Guard and active-duty personnel, and in previous years nearly 500 Guard members, reservists, and active-duty personnel supported the event, making assistance now 'in doubt.' Sources emphasize that ending DoD support would be a major break from tradition and law, noting that federal statute authorizes broad military assistance for the Jamboree and that Congress would need to grant a waiver to end it, while others tie reliance to Title 10 authorities that underpin base access and support.
Pentagon pressure on Scouts
Officials and reporting tie the Pentagon's pressure to internal policy debates over diversity, equity, and inclusion and to broader criticisms from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Hegseth has publicly denounced the Scouts' decision to admit girls and the group's 2024 rebrand, and in a draft report to Congress accused the organization of fostering "gender confusion" and abandoning efforts to "cultivate masculine values." Outlets note the move follows a leaked November draft memo and some reporting links the critique to Hegseth's push to eliminate DEI programs in the military.
“Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth... in a draft report to Congress he accused the group of fostering ‘gender confusion’ and abandoning efforts to ‘cultivate masculine values.’”
Scouting America's response
Scouting America's public response has been cautious and welcoming in tone. The organization described itself as a 'cornerstone of American ideals' and said it has long worked nonpartisanly with administrations of both parties. It said it was encouraged by the Pentagon's comments while declining to detail potential 'core value reforms'.
Other accounts referenced Scouting America telling The Washington Post it was encouraged and that it would provide details later. Still, reporting indicates the organization has not released a full list of changes and that both sides are reported to be close to a deal.
Pentagon policy shift
If the Pentagon follows through, sources portray the move as a sharp policy shift with broader political resonance. Commentators note longstanding military ties to the Scouts, including many officers' Scouting backgrounds and Eagle Scout pay benefits.
“Military ties run deep—many officers have Scouting backgrounds and Eagle Scouts receive higher enlisted pay grades—so severing the relationship would mark a sharp policy shift with significant consequences for military families and the scouting community.”
They also point to the Trump administration's earlier executive actions targeting DEI and draft memos suggesting the department wants reforms emphasizing a 'meritocracy' and what Hegseth described as 'masculine values'. Several outlets warn the demands are vague and the timeline short, leaving substantial uncertainty about what specific reforms would be required and how Congress or courts might respond.
