The Wall Street Journal on September 30, 2024, featured an article detailing how young men in America are struggling. Badly. They are struggling with independence, education, manhood, self-image, being an adult and achievement. Young women on the other hand are in the fast lane — moving forward in all departments. Why is this happening?

According to the Pentagon’s 2020 Military Available Study showed that more than 71% of young Americans (mainly young men) are ineligible for military service due to obesity, criminal history, drug and alcohol abuse, physical and mental health and other reasons. What’s going on?

If you Google the issue, you will find an abbondanza of articles, reasons and solutions. One solution I have not (yet) seen in any of the on and off line treatises is to get your son/grandson to join the Boy Scouts of America. Some here will know that being a Boy Scout – and Eagle Scout – was pivotal to my being the person I am today. Scouting instills discipline, values, character and an education on a wide-ranging spectrum of topics. While it is always better if a father can be involved, Scouting is key. I am still in an email chain with more than a dozen Eagle Scout friends from 60+ years ago (doctors, lawyers, veterinarians, pilots, publishers, entrepreneurs, teachers, clergy).

Oh and as to the “abuse” claims? I wouldn’t be too concerned. While some are legitimate, there was a good deal of fraud peppered into the claims. Check it out. I blame the lawyers who are concerned only with the money.