Eagle Scout Leadership: A Phenomenological Study

December 3, 2025

Eagle Scout Leadership: A Phenomenological Study

Robert LaFontaine | 2025

Abstract

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) depends on its Non-commissioned Officers (NCO) to be the backbone of its enlisted force. This requires developing leadership skills as enlisted personnel increase rank and take on more responsibilities. Since the enlisted force comes from civilian society, youth development programs could help enlisted personnel develop into leaders faster. One youth development program that is recognized for developing sting leaders is Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America). To explore how Scouting prepared USAF NCOs, this phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of USAF NCOs who attained the rank of Eagle Scout regarding their leadership development, leadership styles, and the importance of spirituality to leadership. Using a phenomenological research design, this study analyzed and themed nine interviews of participants who were both Eagle Scouts and NCOs in the USAF. The study found that Scouting leadership development prepared Scouts for leadership, gave them a foundation for life and career, prioritized taking care of followers, exposed them to diverse cultures, cultivated a love of the outdoors, and improved their communication skills. Furthermore, participants felt that shared values were an essential part of leadership and that the most important values of leadership are integrity and trust. The participants described their leadership style as participative leadership, caring about followers, being decisive decision makers, taking action, and leading by example. The leadership style positively correlated with servant leadership. Finally, participants suggested that spirituality was essential to their leadership. They believed community service was critical, spirituality was a foundation to build on, Scouting supported spiritual growth, and they learned to respect other faiths.

Keywords: Development, Eagle Scout, Leadership, Non-commissioned Officer, Scouting, United States Air Force

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