Many future military officers come from Scouting. A Pentagon split could put those ties at risk.

Scouts and Army soldiers from US Army Cadet Command at the 2023 Scouting America National Jamboree in West Virginia.

Kyle Crawford/US Army

• The Pentagon is considering severing ties with the Scouting America, formerly known as "Boy Scouts."
• Recent military academy classes show that 10% to 16% of students reported a Scouting background.
• The potential split comes as the military faces long-term recruiting challenges.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is reportedly...