WASHINGTON, D.C. — A leaked Pentagon memo indicates the Department of Defense is considering ending its century-old partnership with Scouting America, a move that would halt military medical and logistical support for the National Scout Jamboree and bar Scout access to U.S. bases nationwide. The proposal, reportedly advanced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, argues the organization has shifted away from traditional values and toward diversity and inclusion policies that conflict with the administration’s priorities.
Scouting America, founded in 1910 and now serving more than one million youth, has received military support since 1937, including ambulances, trucks, medical teams and access to installations. That assistance has been central to hosting the National Jamboree, which draws up to 20,000 participants.
According to NPR-reviewed documents, Hegseth criticized the group for becoming “genderless” and moving away from merit-based standards. The memo also raises concerns about diverting personnel and equipment to the Jamboree during a period of international security strain and increased border operations. A Defense Department official declined to authenticate the documents when contacted by Newsweek.
The proposal has drawn pushback from within the military. Navy Secretary John Phelan warned that eliminating base access could damage recruitment and sever a long-standing community engagement pipeline. Scouting America said it was “surprised and disappointed,” emphasizing its nonpartisan history.
Military families also voiced concern, noting the Scouts’ consistency across bases has long eased relocations and supported youth development. Planning for the upcoming Jamboree continues despite uncertainty over whether military support will be withdrawn.
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