Scouting America is undergoing significant policy changes following pressure from the Pentagon. The organization will eliminate its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and discontinue the “Citizenship in Society” merit badge, a move prompted by threats from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. In its place, Scouting America plans to introduce a new merit badge focused on military service.
In a video released on February 27, 2026, Hegseth detailed the agreement, stating that Scouting America would require its members to identify by their biological sex at birth rather than by their gender identity. He emphasized that biological boys and girls would not be allowed to share intimate spaces, including toilets, showers, and tents.
These changes are part of Scouting America’s effort to comply with Executive Order 14173, which aims to end DEI programs across various organizations. According to Scouting America, the organization has historically worked to adapt its programs while maintaining its core mission. The “Citizenship in Society” merit badge will be discontinued, effective February 27, 2026, and will no longer be a requirement for scouts aiming to achieve the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. Under the new guidelines, scouts will be required to complete 13 merit badges and can choose 8 electives, keeping the total at 21 badges.
In his announcement, Hegseth stated that the Pentagon would review Scouting America’s compliance with these new policies in six months. He asserted that if the organization fails to meet the outlined standards, support from the Department of War could be revoked. Hegseth remarked, “Ideally, I believe the Boy Scouts should go back to being the Boy Scouts as originally founded, a group that develops boys into men.”
Scouting America has reaffirmed its commitment to serving all youth, including the more than 200,000 girls participating in its programs. The organization stated, “We maintained our name as ‘Scouting America’ and preserved our service to the more than 200,000 girls who participate in our programs.” It has emphasized that girls have played a crucial role in Scouting since the 1960s.
In addition to policy changes, Scouting America plans to strengthen its partnership with military families. The organization highlighted its historical role as a recruitment pipeline for the United States Armed Forces, noting that Scouts are significantly more likely to serve in uniform compared to the general population. “The leadership, discipline, and responsibility developed through Scouting translate into adulthood as public service, civic engagement, and a readiness to lead,” Scouting America stated.
This latest shift comes as part of a broader trend within the organization. According to the Associated Press, Scouting America has made several changes in recent years, including allowing gay youths in 2013 and ending its blanket ban on gay adult leaders in 2015. The organization also announced in 2017 that it would accept transgender students and began admitting girls into the Cub Scouts in 2018, followed by the flagship program, Scouts BSA, in 2019. In 2021, nearly 1,000 girls were recognized as the first female Eagle Scouts.
In a letter to its members, Scouting America reassured that the adjustments made in response to the Pentagon’s demands do not alter its mission of safeguarding youth and developing leaders of character. “For more than a century, Scouting America has endured because we are resilient, principled, and unwavering in our mission,” the message conveyed.
As Scouting America prepares for these changes, the organization aims to continue its tradition of community service and leadership development while navigating the complexities of modern societal values.
