Continue U.S. Military Support of Scouting America

Recently, NPR aired a story about a leaked Pentagon memo directing the U.S. Military to sever ties with Scouting America. According to the story, the Secretary of War plans to cease support for youth in Scouting programs on military bases in the U.S. and overseas, cut support for the National Jamboree, and eliminate increases in pay grade for Eagle Scouts who enlist in the military.   I am surprised and deeply saddened by this news. The Scouting movement has had a strong relationship with our nation’s military for more than a century. From the tremendous support of the West Virginia National Guard at our National Jamborees to Scout troops that provide stability for the children of military families deployed around the globe, our nation’s military has walked side-by-side with Scouts for generations. An enormous percentage of those in our military academies are Scouts and Eagle Scouts. Our Scouts and leaders admire and are inspired by our military heroes. Many of our Scouts trade their Scouting uniforms for the uniforms of our nation’s armed forces.   According to the story, the draft memo purports that the Scouting organization is “no longer a meritocracy” and does not hold members to high standards. This view is clearly uninformed. Badges and ranks are not given, they are earned. Young men and young women alike thrive in Scouting. Scouts wear an American flag on their sleeves and swear a duty to God and country.   Scouting is and has always been a nonpartisan organization. For more than a century, we’ve worked with every U.S. presidential administration focusing on our common goal of building future leaders grounded in integrity, responsibility, and service.   I encourage you to ask the Pentagon to continue their support of Scouting America.  All youth need the fun, adventure and the challenging, character-building programs of Scouting more than ever.