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6h ago

Leaked Memos Show Hegseth Seeks to End Pentagon Support for Scouting America

Drafts invoke a national-security waiver, triggering concerns over recruitment and operations.

Merit badges and a rainbow-colored neckerchief slider are affixed on a Boy Scout uniform outside the headquarters of Amazon in Seattle.
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"Placentia CA, USA- October 18, 2012: Close up of Boy Scout uniform shirt with Life rank patch (with red heart) on right side and merit badges on merit badge sash. Included merit badges are pathfinding, carpentry, first aid, fishing, pioneering, fingerprinting, railroading, wilderness survival, small boat sailing, archery, space exploration, leatherwork, motorboating, automoto maintenance, personal fitness, communications, electicity, citizenship in the nation, and salesmanship, The Life Rank (shown) is the second highest rank in the Boy Scouts, second only to the Eagle rank."
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Overview

  • NPR-reported drafts propose withholding medical and logistical aid to the National Jamboree and blocking Scout meetings on U.S. and overseas bases.
  • The Pentagon declined to authenticate the documents, calling them leaked and potentially pre-decisional.
  • Federal law requires Defense Department support for the Jamboree, but the secretary may withhold it if support is deemed detrimental to national security, a rationale cited in the drafts.
  • Navy Secretary John Phelan warned in an internal memo that restricting base access could undercut recruiting and accession efforts.
  • Scouting America said it is proud of its military ties and nonpartisan mission, while planning for next summer’s Jamboree continues and congressional review is expected.