The Pentagon is preparing to end its decades-long partnership with Irving-based Scouting America, according to an internal draft memo obtained by NPR outlining the Defense Department’s position.
The document, written under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, says the scouting organization’s recent policy shifts no longer align with the military’s recruitment and youth-development goals.
The memo argues that Scouting America has moved away from the traditional values and merit-based structure that historically made the partnership valuable for military outreach. It calls on Congress to redirect support toward other youth programs that the department believes better reinforce the skills and attributes the armed forces prioritize.
The partnership between the U.S. military and the scouting organization dates back generations, with service branches often participating in leadership programs, outdoor skills training, and community events. NPR reports that the draft memo signals a significant break from that relationship, though the Pentagon has not publicly announced a final decision.
Scouting America has undergone a series of organizational changes in recent years, including rebranding and shifts in membership and inclusion policies. The memo indicates the Defense Department will reassess youth-program partnerships as part of a broader recruitment strategy.