Scouting America to Change Policies to Retain U.S. Military Support

In Brief

Scouting America will alter policies after Pentagon's request to maintain military backing.

Key Facts

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that Scouting America will change several policies to keep U.S. military support
• The Pentagon urged these changes following a threat to withdraw military support from the organization
• Some policy changes include discontinuing the Citizenship in Society merit badge and introducing a Military Service merit badge
• Scouting America was formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America
• CBS News correspondent Lana Zak reported on the Pentagon's involvement and the policy alterations

What Happened

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Scouting America will modify multiple policies after the Pentagon threatened to withdraw military support. Among the changes are the removal of the Citizenship in Society merit badge and the addition of a Military Service merit badge. These adjustments follow discussions between the organization and the Department of Justice, with the Pentagon playing a key role.

Why It Matters

The policy changes reflect the Pentagon's influence on youth organizations that receive military support, highlighting the importance of aligning organizational values with military expectations. These alterations may affect the organization's programming and its relationship with the U.S. military. The development also signals potential shifts in how youth organizations engage with government entities.