Pentagon adviser pushes to cut ties with Scouting America, citing “Woke” shift
Pranjal Chandra | Apr 10, 2025, 13:42 IST
( Image credit : AP )
A Pentagon adviser is pushing to sever ties with Scouting America, citing concerns that the organization's inclusivity initiatives clash with military values. This follows the group's name change and efforts to include girls and LGBTQ+ youth. While no decision has been made, the review highlights ideological divisions within the Pentagon regarding engagement with civic groups, potentially impacting a long-standing relationship.
A senior adviser to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has recommended that the Pentagon sever ties with Scouting America, formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America, arguing that the youth organization has become too “woke” to align with military values, according to multiple defense officials familiar with the internal discussions.
Tami Radabaugh, the Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Strategic Engagement and a close adviser to Hegseth, has reportedly been lobbying top officials to reassess the Department of Defense’s decades-long association with the scouting organization. The move reflects a growing ideological split within the Pentagon regarding its engagement with external civic groups.
Though no formal decision has been made, Radabaugh has already advised against Hegseth participating in a pre-recorded message for the organization, citing concerns about the group’s shift in identity. The Secretary has not yet appeared in any official capacity with Scouting America since the name change was announced.
In a statement, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said, “Secretary Hegseth and his Public Affairs team thoroughly review partnerships and engagements to ensure they align with the President’s agenda and advance our mission.”
Scouting America has undergone significant transformation in recent years, including its name change earlier this year to reflect its broader inclusion of girls and LGBTQ+ youth. The organization’s leadership describes these changes as part of a modern, values-based approach to scouting, but critics within conservative circles argue that it marks a departure from the group’s traditional identity.
Appearing on Fox News in February, shortly after the rebrand, Hegseth criticized the organization’s direction: “They didn’t want to improve it—they wanted to destroy it or dilute it into something that stood for nothing.” Hegseth blamed progressive influences for the shift, calling it “a tragedy” for American youth.
Scouting America maintains that its relationship with the military is both historic and apolitical. “We have a long and celebrated history of collaboration with the U.S. military,” said Gordon Shattles, the organization’s national communications director. “That relationship spans decades and has helped shape thousands of future service members.”
According to data provided by the organization, more than 3,500 Eagle Scouts have enrolled at West Point since 2003, and approximately 20% of this year’s graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy were former Scouts or Girl Scouts. The military has supported scouting activities for years, including hosting Jamborees, providing ceremonial color guards, and acting as badge counselors—particularly in leadership and emergency preparedness areas.
Scouting America does not receive federal funding but often conducts activities on military installations and participates in ROTC recruiting initiatives. Some recruits who earn prestigious awards like the Eagle Scout or Gold Award can enter the Army at higher ranks.
The Pentagon’s review of the partnership is unfolding amid broader scrutiny of civic organizations and education systems in the current political climate. Hegseth, a former Army officer and Fox News personality, has emphasized patriotic education and “traditional American values” in his public statements since joining the administration.
The group’s 2020 bankruptcy and $2.5 billion settlement over child abuse claims led to major structural reforms. Its leadership says the recent rebranding and inclusive policies are necessary to restore trust and relevance in modern America.
Despite political pushback, Scouting America says it remains committed to preparing young people for leadership and civic duty. Whether that mission continues to align with the Pentagon's evolving standards for public engagement may soon be tested.
Tami Radabaugh, the Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Strategic Engagement and a close adviser to Hegseth, has reportedly been lobbying top officials to reassess the Department of Defense’s decades-long association with the scouting organization. The move reflects a growing ideological split within the Pentagon regarding its engagement with external civic groups.
Though no formal decision has been made, Radabaugh has already advised against Hegseth participating in a pre-recorded message for the organization, citing concerns about the group’s shift in identity. The Secretary has not yet appeared in any official capacity with Scouting America since the name change was announced.
In a statement, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said, “Secretary Hegseth and his Public Affairs team thoroughly review partnerships and engagements to ensure they align with the President’s agenda and advance our mission.”
Scouting America has undergone significant transformation in recent years, including its name change earlier this year to reflect its broader inclusion of girls and LGBTQ+ youth. The organization’s leadership describes these changes as part of a modern, values-based approach to scouting, but critics within conservative circles argue that it marks a departure from the group’s traditional identity.
Appearing on Fox News in February, shortly after the rebrand, Hegseth criticized the organization’s direction: “They didn’t want to improve it—they wanted to destroy it or dilute it into something that stood for nothing.” Hegseth blamed progressive influences for the shift, calling it “a tragedy” for American youth.
Scouting America maintains that its relationship with the military is both historic and apolitical. “We have a long and celebrated history of collaboration with the U.S. military,” said Gordon Shattles, the organization’s national communications director. “That relationship spans decades and has helped shape thousands of future service members.”
According to data provided by the organization, more than 3,500 Eagle Scouts have enrolled at West Point since 2003, and approximately 20% of this year’s graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy were former Scouts or Girl Scouts. The military has supported scouting activities for years, including hosting Jamborees, providing ceremonial color guards, and acting as badge counselors—particularly in leadership and emergency preparedness areas.
Scouting America does not receive federal funding but often conducts activities on military installations and participates in ROTC recruiting initiatives. Some recruits who earn prestigious awards like the Eagle Scout or Gold Award can enter the Army at higher ranks.
The Pentagon’s review of the partnership is unfolding amid broader scrutiny of civic organizations and education systems in the current political climate. Hegseth, a former Army officer and Fox News personality, has emphasized patriotic education and “traditional American values” in his public statements since joining the administration.
The group’s 2020 bankruptcy and $2.5 billion settlement over child abuse claims led to major structural reforms. Its leadership says the recent rebranding and inclusive policies are necessary to restore trust and relevance in modern America.
Despite political pushback, Scouting America says it remains committed to preparing young people for leadership and civic duty. Whether that mission continues to align with the Pentagon's evolving standards for public engagement may soon be tested.