Pentagon Issues Ultimatum to Scouting America: Restore “Core Values” or Face Total Loss of Military Support

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a move that threatens to dismantle a century-old partnership, the Pentagon has issued a formal warning to Scouting America—formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America—demanding a swift return to “core values” under the threat of a complete severance of Department of Defense (DoD) support.

The directive, championed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, marks the most significant escalation in a growing rift between the federal government and the nation’s largest youth organization. At stake is the military’s logistical, medical, and base-access support for the Scouts, a relationship that has served as a cornerstone of American civic life and a primary recruiting pipeline for the U.S. Armed Forces since 1910.

STATEMENT:

From Day One at the War Department, we have made it very clear: No more DEI at DoW. Zero tolerance.

As a result, over the past several months, the Department of War has been reviewing its relationship with Scouting America—formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America.…

— Sean Parnell (@SeanParnellASW) February 3, 2026

A Mandate for “God and Country”

On Monday, Pentagon officials signaled that the organization is “on the clock.” In a series of public statements and internal memos, the Department of Defense accused Scouting America of straying from its foundational mission in favor of “social justice” and “gender-fluid” ideologies.

“Back to God and country—immediately!” wrote Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell in a social media post that served as a public shot across the bow. Parnell characterized recent shifts in the organization, including the 2024 rebranding to Scouting America and the inclusion of girls in all programs, as “unacceptable” decisions that run counter to the current administration’s agenda.

The Pentagon’s demands center on what it calls “core value reforms.” While the specific list of required changes has not been fully released, draft memos reviewed by news outlets suggest the Pentagon is pushing for a return to a “meritocracy” and for prioritizing what Secretary Hegseth describes as “masculine values.” Hegseth has previously criticized the organization for “attacking boy-friendly spaces” and becoming “genderless.”

Impact on the 2026 National Jamboree

The timing of the ultimatum is critical. The 2026 National Jamboree, a massive quadrennial summit expected to draw over 15,000 Scouts to the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia, relies heavily on military cooperation. Under Title 10 of the U.S. Code, the Secretary of Defense is authorized to provide tents, medical teams, aviation demonstrations, and communication equipment for the event.

However, Secretary Hegseth has invoked a statutory exemption that allows the Pentagon to withhold this support if it is deemed “detrimental to national security.” Hegseth argues that diverting doctors, vehicles, and personnel to a 10-day youth event during a period of international tension is no longer justifiable, particularly when the organization in question no longer aligns with the military’s leadership-development goals.

The West Virginia National Guard, which traditionally leads the logistical effort for the Jamboree, stated that while preparations continue for now, they are awaiting “official communication” regarding a final decision.

The Recruitment Pipeline at Risk

The potential divorce between the Pentagon and the Scouts has sent shockwaves through the military community. Scouting has long been a primary feeder for the nation’s service academies and officer corps.

• West Point: Approximately 20% of cadets are Eagle Scouts.
• Air Force Academy: Nearly one-fifth of the most recent graduating class has a background in Scouting.
• Advanced Rank: Currently, enlistees who have earned the Eagle Scout rank or the Girl Scout Gold Award are eligible for an automatic promotion to E-3, which provides higher starting pay and greater responsibility.

If the partnership is severed, these benefits could vanish. Furthermore, the Pentagon’s proposal includes a ban on Scout troops meeting on military installations. This would hit military families the hardest, as many rely on base-hosted troops to provide a sense of continuity for children who move frequently between domestic and overseas assignments.

Resistance Within the Pentagon

The directive has not been without internal pushback. Navy Secretary John Phelan reportedly authored a memo warning that cutting ties could be “detrimental to recruitment and accession efforts.” Phelan argued that Scouting serves as a “crucial community engagement tool” and that removing the organization from bases would alienate military families and reduce the quality of future applicants.

Critics of the move, including members of the bipartisan Congressional Scouting Caucus, argue that the Pentagon is prioritizing “ideology over good policy.” Rep. Suhas Subramanyam and other lawmakers have demanded answers from Secretary Hegseth, urging him to maintain the “robust relationship” that has existed for generations.

Scouting America Responds

In a statement released late Monday, Scouting America President and CEO Roger Krone expressed that the organization was “surprised and deeply saddened” by the news. Krone defended the organization’s standards, asserting that the rank structure remains rigorous and that “badges are earned, not given.”

“For nearly 116 years, Scouting has stood as a cornerstone of American ideals,” the statement read. “We look forward to providing more details as we move ahead, but we remain focused on our common goal of building future leaders grounded in integrity, responsibility, and community service.”

As the deadline looms, it remains unclear whether Scouting America will roll back its recent inclusive policies to satisfy the Pentagon’s demands or whether the 2026 National Jamboree will be the first in nearly 90 years to take place without the U.S. military.

News Sources and Links

• The Washington Post: Pentagon warns Scouts to restore ‘core values’ or lose military support
• WGLT (NPR Affiliate): U.S. ready to cut support to Scouts, accusing them of attacking ‘boy-friendly spaces’
• Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD): Scouting America Is Vital to the Pentagon’s Warfighting Potential
• Office of U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam: Ranking Member Subramanyam Demands Answers on Pentagon Plan
• Scouting America Newsroom: Statement Regarding NPR Story on Scouting and the US Military