Boy Scouts and the Pentagon: Why the Relationship Might Be Ending

OPINION

Recent news suggests that the Pentagon is considering ending its long-standing relationship with the Boy Scouts. Reports, including coverage by NPR, seem to indicate that officials are exploring ways to cut formal ties with the organization. While the implications of this move are still unfolding, it is certainly significant for anyone following developments with the Boy Scouts. Whether this is good or bad news may depend on your perspective, but there’s no doubt it will impact the Boy Scouts community in some way.

I should admit I have no personal history with the Boy Scouts. I was never a Scout myself, so my thoughts are purely observational. That said, it’s always interesting to see how institutions like the Pentagon interact with organizations like the Boy Scouts, which have played a major role in youth development for over a century. The Boy Scouts have long emphasized values such as leadership, outdoor skills, and community service. A change in official support could shift how programs are funded and how Scouts engage with their communities.

Outside of news like this, life today feels a bit quieter. The weather is cold and rainy, which means my companion Jim and I probably won’t be venturing outdoors. Jim especially dislikes the rain, so indoor days like this are our natural choice. Even so, days like these give time to reflect on larger issues, including the news about the Boy Scouts.

On a personal note, I’m continuing my ongoing battle with C. diff, which makes daily routines, especially eating, more complicated than ever. Managing meals has become a challenge because I need to maintain calories while avoiding foods that could aggravate my condition. Raw vegetables, spicy foods like bacon and sausage, and sweets such as ice cream, cookies, and cakes are off-limits. It’s frustrating to have so many restrictions, but staying disciplined is essential for recovery. In a way, I sometimes wish I had been a member of the Boy Scouts, who are trained to follow rules, develop resilience, and learn survival skills. Perhaps a bit of that structured mindset could help in facing everyday challenges like this.

Back to the main story, the Pentagon’s potential break with the Boy Scouts raises questions about the future of youth programs that have relied on military or governmental support. For decades, Boy Scouts troops have benefited from partnerships, community programs, and facilities that helped them grow into responsible adults. If these ties are severed, the organization may need to adapt and find new ways to support its members. This could also spark discussions about the evolving role of the Boy Scouts in modern society, especially as families and communities continue to value structured, character-building activities for young people.

So, that’s where things stand for now—news about the Boy Scouts, a rainy day, and the ongoing personal battles we all face. What are your thoughts on the Pentagon’s consideration to end its relationship with the Boy Scouts? How do you think it will affect the organization and the young people involved?

Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s discuss the future of the Boy Scouts together.

Love to all,

John

Read More:

https://www.npr.org/2025/11/25/nx-s1-5615164/pentagon-scouting-hegseth-cut-ties