Written on January 29, 2010 at 2:13 pm by

Scouting and Military Service

Filed under DoD News {5 comments}

By Bill Steele, director of Alumni Relations, Boy Scouts of America

For nearly 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has created a strong foundation of leadership, service, and community for millions of America’s youth. It is no surprise, then, that many Scouting alumni go on to serve their nation in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The link between the military and Scouting traditions is strong. The BSA counts Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Gen. David Petraeus, Adm. Elmo Zumwalt, and countless others among its distinguished alumni. In addition to the top brass, there are tens of thousands of in the ranks.

In 2010, the BSA turns 100. It is an exciting time for the organization. But rather than focus on an incredibly rich heritage, the BSA has sights set on the next century. We would like to invite the military community to get involved.

 

Through BSA Alumni Connection, we are inviting Scouting alumni (including friends and supporters) to reconnect and become active and involved with Scouting programs once again.

Scouting alumni are eligible to do something they haven’t done since they were Scouts … earn a merit award. Through A Year of Celebration, A Century of Making a Difference, individuals can earn up to five award ribbons that hang from our centennial patch.

To learn more, check out the BSA Alumni Connection.

Courtesy of Boy Scouts of America Alumni Blog

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  • Charles D. Nesloney

    As an adult Scouter, Eagle Scout and an officer in the military, I am puzzled at this. I am aware that the BSA has been distancing itself from the military because of a stigma that the military is “brainwashing” its youth. The National Guard units can no longer sponsor troops and units. We cannot allow the BSA to utilize resources without payment. What happened?
    I have learned a majority of my life lessons fromt the Boy Scouts and have solidified it with the teachings and experiences of the US military. I have enjoyed the patriotism, honor and valor that both the Boy Scouts and the military has played in my life.

    You say We want the military to community to get involved but yet I continue to hear from Scout Executives and other Scouters that the BSA cannot be seen as a feeder to the military. As an Eagle Scout and father of a Cub Scout, I have never felt or seen that happen. I will say that the we each choose our path and take the direction we feel is right. No matter if I was in the military or not, the BSA has taught me valuable lessons for life.

    Please help me understand the disparity of what is happening here.

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  • jennifer.cragg

    Charles, thanks for visiting DODLive.mil. I have forwarded your comment to Bill Steele, director, National Eagle Scout Association National Office, Boy Scouts of America. V/r, LT Jennifer Cragg

  • Christopher Cancilla

    I am all for the military working with and assisting Scout units. The Scouts, and the leaders, could learn quite a bit from the military units about teamwork, not to mention funn for all involved.

    As an Air Force Veteran of 14 years and someone who attained the rank of Life as a Scout, believe me when I say that the Scout program is not a feeder for the military. in actuality, the military is the next step in the evolution of the person. As a Scout you learn Citizenship, and the natural course of events leads to service to the …OUR…Country. This may be in the Peace Corp, or AmeriCorp, or yes…even the military as an Enlisted, or after college as an Officer.

    So, the military assisting a Scout unit takes nothing away from the countries budget, but it goes a long way in helping a young man or woman understand what it means to serve your country.

  • Blaine Bachman

    I’m equally flabbergasted, but with Charles’ assertions. True, there has been some distancing over the past years, but from the public viewpoint, I’d say that most of that movement has been on the part of DoD, and the reason seems to be a desire to avoid confrontation with folks who ‘have it in’ for BSA due to its stands on issues of morality, spirituality, and sexual orientation. At least in the CONUS.

    That said, there are certainly things said and opinions held that do not necessarily reflect the truth of the situation but rather represent specific experiences at specific places and times.

    What I don’t think can be disputed is that people who ‘get’ Scouting, ‘get’ the idea of service to country. To the vast majority of folks, the easiest and quickest way to serve the country is via the Military. I believe this is what the Director of Alumni Relations is attempting to tap into.

    And in the interest of full disclosure, I’m:
    14 years active duty USAF – 18 years inactive ready reserve
    40+ years registered with BSA
    Eagle Scout
    100th Anniversary Chair for my local BSA District
    2010 Jamboree Staff member

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    Famed Yankees pitcher “Lefty Gomez” once remarked “I’d rather be lucky than good,” but for one Tuskegee Airman, luck and good combined to make him one of the most successful combat pilots of World War II.

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    The only African-American ace of World War II, and a former Tuskegee Airman, went on to have a career in the Air Force, as well as success in the business world.

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