Eagle Scout - Is it Still Valued?

CPO Nate S. — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 17:55:57 -0500

Recently, my grandson completed his Eagle Scout Service Program. This involved building a pavilion at a local Girl Scout Day Camp. Given some issues with scouting today and how some that were not scouts or who bad scouting experiences, some might thing this distinction not valuable in some circles.

So what are your thoughts about Scouting's Highest earned rank and its continued value after a youth's scouting career and their emergence into adulthood!

Response by SPC Michael Oles SR made Dec 5 at 2019 6:09 PM

SPC Michael Oles SR — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 18:09:58 -0500

I personally think scouting is great for a young man or young lady I was a Cub Scout and a Boy Scout but I’m the Getto it didn’t last long but I enjoyed while it was there

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Dec 5 at 2019 6:10 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 18:10:46 -0500

This is a tough one. I wish there was an "Other" category, but I went with "STRINGLY value..." out of respect for the child who earns the award. However, my respect for scouting overall is greatly diminished. I was a Cub Scout when Harry Truman was President, and a Boy Scout when Eisenhower occupied the Oval Office. A Sea Scout too. To be perfectly honest, I have even greater respect for the Sea Scout Quartermaster rank than the Boy Scout Eagle. Eagle is earned by collecting merit badges through the acquisition of a little knowledge and skills in many disciplines. The Quartermaster is the master of piloting, seamanship, and small boat handling. Greater depth of knowledge and skill that can be applied both professionally and avocationally. Boy Scouting sadly lost its way in the 1960s when it succumbed to the same pressures that tore apart the fabric of American culture. Disrespect for the military uniform carried over to the Scouting uniform. To offset declining membership, Boy Scouts opened its membership from 14 years of age to 18 giving the boys (and girls) greater time to earn their Eagle. Quartermasters have earned their rank in the four years open to their membership in Sea Scouting. Interestingly, did you know that when Scouting opened the Explorer program to girls, they couldn't earn the Eagle. Scouting modified the rules stipulating that some of the Eagle requirements had to be met while a Scout (11 to 14) and girls couldn't come into Scouting until age 14. Of course, not that girls can join as Scouts at age 11, that undercuts that ploy. I hope this helps you see why I have to separate my respect for the Eagle and Scouting in general. There are many other reasons, but I feel that this should suffice.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Dec 5 at 2019 6:57 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 18:57:07 -0500

While acknowledging that Eagle Scouts are like the military in that you get out what you put in to it and there are both exemplary & poor examples in both, I myself value those who have earned their Eagle (as I did, for whatever bias that's worth).

When looking over job applicants, military veterans; first responders (Fire/EMS/Law Enforcement) and Scouts are the ones who go to the top of my list.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2019 7:29 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 19:29:21 -0500

I think it is fantastic and a wonderful achievement.
It won't amount to too much later in life, but it is certainly a feather in his cap and will look good on a college application or resume someday.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Dec 5 at 2019 9:02 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 21:02:41 -0500

Re: "Eagle Scout - Is it Still Valued?"...only if you're an Eagle Scout.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2019 10:22 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 22:22:09 -0500

A while back I was surprised and disappointed to learn that the *swimming* and *lifesaving* merit badges were no longer Eagle Scout *requirements.* For sure, it makes perfect sense to have other options for handicapped Scouts; however, I always felt that dropping those aquatic requirements was a disservice as they provided a great skill set that would carry over into adulthood. Last time I checked upwards of 2/3 of the globe is covered by water.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Dec 6 at 2019 3:46 AM

CPL Gary Pifer — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 03:46:07 -0500

Not like it was... the girl's killed it and the Sexual lawsuits will pluck all the Feathers RIP BSA

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Dec 6 at 2019 11:45 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 11:45:51 -0500

All I can tell you is that folks here introduce me as a retired CSM and Eagle Scout. That said; if people in business use it in introductions they must think it's of value for the organization or business's reputation.

Response by TSgt David Holman made Dec 6 at 2019 12:20 PM

TSgt David Holman — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 12:20:38 -0500

I went with strongly based on the program as it was when I earned mine back in the late 90s. I think there is a lot of good that comes from scouting organizations, and I still see a value in that. With that said, there are changes that are happening within all scouting organizations that make me scratch my head and wonder how it is helping to develop leadership and well rounded young adults. There are too many political games being played, and too much pandering to the politically correct side that it almost makes it a wash. The bones are good, but they are going a little overboard with the modifications.

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Dec 6 at 2019 1:21 PM

LCDR Joshua Gillespie — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 13:21:35 -0500

I am an Eagle Scout, and I was recently very honored to have assisted another young man attain this goal in our town. On the whole, I'm sad to see where Scouting has gone over the last two decades... but honestly, I don't blame the boys, or many of the dedicated adult leaders trying to hold it together. Regrettably, it does seem to have become "easier" to achieve this status... I remember it being rather challenging as a teen, in no small part to the high levels of organization, planning, and maturity required to meet the requirements. In my personal opinion, "rules" prohibiting Scouts from using power tools to complete their Eagle Scout Projects, too much "parental" help, and a general reduction in the complexity/quality of projects accepted have taken their toll on what it "means" to make Eagle... but there's still hope.

Response by SPC Brian Pritchard/Hall made Dec 6 at 2019 5:31 PM

SPC Brian Pritchard/Hall — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 17:31:43 -0500

Not like it was thirty years ago. But I think it’s great.

Response by PO2 Louis Fattrusso made Dec 17 at 2019 5:17 PM

PO2 Louis Fattrusso — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 17:17:55 -0500

It’s losing its value with the progressive policy changes.

Response by MAJ Miyoko Bell made Mar 13 at 2020 9:21 AM

MAJ Miyoko Bell — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 09:21:32 -0400

Anyone who has ever gotten a teenager to jump through a number number of hoops , knows it is highly difficult. Add a number of hoops and meeting a number of requirements just to be allowed to complete the equivalent to a small business (development a plan, write up the plan, raise funds, organize multiple meetings with your supervisors, your clients and your unpaid workers, secure workers and supplies) and manage a variety of factors that are out of your control weather, logistics, illness.... Manage everything and then write up everything (after action review). Furthermore, it has to then be approved by several committees, all before their 18th birthday . Yes, highly valued. I might add that with the caliber of today’s youth, the Rank of Eagle Scout should be valued even more. Even if a parent is non stop riding a scouts ass, they still have to do it themselves. You can’t do it for them, for Boys and Girls of this age, this is huge amount of responsibility and management. My hat goes off to any Eagle Scout. Boys more than girls because honestly at this age, it is extremely difficult for boys to manage and thus why the award and rank is a feat to be awed by! I hope this educates why this rank is so respected.

Response by SPC Brian Pritchard/Hall made Mar 15 at 2020 4:13 PM

SPC Brian Pritchard/Hall — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 16:13:51 -0400

So depends on the leadership which he had during its earning. I think eventually it may mean less.