I was a scout (Cubs and BSA) from 1957-1968.
My BSA adult leaders were almost all WW II veterans. They taught us how to live in camp, how to forage, how to cook and clean, how to stay healthy and safe in all conditions. In 1964 or 65, we stayed out two nights with a low of -34F. We ran rapids on the Delaware where the canoe editor of Field and Stream managed to drown. We were rifle marksmen (.22LR) and skilled with map and compass. I wouldn’t call it paramilitary, but those who stayed until age 16 clearly were being prepared for service as well as personal adventuring.
Interestingly, both long-term scoutmasters (as opposed to Dads in leadership) turned out to be homosexual molesters. One was fired, one (after my time) actually went to prison. The language to talk about this didn’t exist in 1964-1968, and I really believe some of the older male leaders seriously couldn’t imagine such a thing (which BTW is the basis for my understanding of Joe Paterno).
Anyway, BSA formed me in a lot of ways, I still try and don’t always succeed to follow the Scout Law daily.
I agree that BSA is basically finished. Where are the 18-year olds who will have to beat ISIS going to come from?
Yes, indeed, BSA can prepare you well for military. My only point is that BSA itself never was “paramilitary.”
Boy scouts still learn marksmanship, wilderness survival, and all those things you mentioned.
Two of my sons were at BSA summer camp a few years ago. One son had to sleep in the wilderness overnight there with no tent or anything; he had to construct his own structure somehow.
However, I always wanted to see competing boys’ organizations. Competition never hurts.