The National Network Opposing the Militarization of Youth (NNOMY)

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February 03, 2026 / Tara Copp, David Ovall / Washington Post - The Pentagon issued a warning late Monday to Scouting America, formerly known as the Boy Scouts, saying the organization risks losing its long-standing partnership with the U.S. military unless it rapidly implements “core value reforms.”

The public warning, delivered on social media by Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, comes just months before thousands of Scouts are expected in West Virginia for National Jamboree, a once-every-four-years camping summit that relies on hundreds of National Guard and active-duty service members for medical, security and logistical support. A sudden loss of that support could jeopardize the youth gathering.

The organization has been in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s crosshairs for years, ever since the group allowed girls to join and in 2024 said it would rebrand as Scouting America to project its inclusiveness. Hegseth is an avowed critic of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and has worked aggressively during his tenure atop the Pentagon to purge what he calls “woke” programs — and people — from the institution.

The Pentagon in recent days had begun finalizing plans to end all support for the Scouts, seeking input from the National Guard and the military’s active-duty components on the potential impact of such a move, said multiple people familiar with a draft memo detailing the plans.

If Scouting America does not comply with Hegseth’s demands, which have not been made public, the group could also lose its access to military facilities — which would have a disproportionate impact on military children who participate in Scouting troops at U.S. bases overseas, people familiar with the matter said. Like some others interviewed for this report, they spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the Pentagon’s deliberations.

In his post to social media, Parnell said that after a review of the organization, the Pentagon is near a final agreement whereby it would continue supporting the organization because Scouting America has “firmly committed to a return to core principles.”

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Jan 19, 2026 / Haley Britzky / CNN - A military recruiter in Minnesota, pointing to fears over the ongoing ICE operations in Minneapolis, promoted joining the National Guard to high school students highlighting a program that can offer the immediate family of service members some protection against deportation.

The email, sent last week with the subject line “I know [it] is scary out there,” directly addressed ICE detentions.

“All of you have heard about how ICE and how they are taking people without any consideration. … If you are born here and you are 17yrs old, and in a position, like many, where your parents may not be documented. They need you to help!” the email said.

The email pointed to the Parole in Place, or PIP, a program that is run through US Citizenship and Immigration Services. The program is not necessarily guaranteed; it offers parents, spouses, and children of service members protection from deportation on a case-by-case basis, in one-year increments, the USCIS website says. As of fiscal year 2025 it took an average of 4.5 months to process Parole in Place requests.

Tensions have flared in Minneapolis in recent weeks as protestors have faced off with federal law enforcement amid an immigration crackdown by the Trump administration, particularly after the killing of 37-year-old Renee Good earlier this month.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Monday that more than 10,000 “criminal illegal aliens” have been arrested in Minneapolis, though CNN could not independently verify that number.

One source familiar with the recruiting email told CNN it was sent to roughly 200 students at at least one high school in the Minneapolis area. The email immediately caused confusion and concern among the students who received it, the source said.

CNN attempted to contact the recruiter who sent the email, but did not receive a response.

Maj. Andrea Tsuchiya, a Minnesota National Guard spokesperson, acknowledged the email adding that PIP cannot be used until after someone enlists and while the military “may assist with the process … it is driven by the service member and often requires a lawyer.”