How Lockheed Martin, Raytheon & BAE Systems are propagandizing children to support war through STEM

Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and BAE Systems have been accused of using educational initiatives targeting children to promote militarization under the guise of fostering interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). These allegations emerged from investigative reporting by MintPress News, which detailed how these defense contractors are leveraging youth-focused programs to shape public perception and cultivate future generations of military personnel and technologists. According to the report, Raytheon, now known as RTX Corporation, has long invested in STEM education through partnerships with prominent youth organizations. Since 2009, the company has sponsored MATHCOUNTS, a nationwide initiative that offers math enrichment programs and competitive events for middle school students. Additionally, Raytheon launched the MathMovesU program in 2005, aiming to inspire young learners with resources and opportunities in math and science. The company has allocated millions of dollars toward scholarships, grants, and study awards, supporting students, educators, and volunteers across the country. Raytheon's outreach extends to international markets, with its MathAlive! traveling exhibit visiting countries such as Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, nations that are major buyers of Raytheon’s advanced weaponry. The company also maintains a longstanding collaboration with the Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA). In 2017, Raytheon introduced the GSUSA’s first national computer science program and cyber challenge, targeting middle and high school girls. The initiative emphasized empowering young women to enter fields like robotics engineering and cybersecurity. Thomas A. Kennedy, then-Raytheon CEO, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating that the collaboration would help girls envision themselves as leaders in technological advancement. The GSUSA highlighted a former scout who now works at Raytheon as a success story, providing a roadmap for others interested in pursuing similar careers. Furthermore, Raytheon developed the “Think Like a Programmer” project, encouraging girls to engage with artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, and contributed to the creation of programming badges for scouts. The connection between Raytheon and the U.S. military is further evident in the establishment of four STEM “centers of innovation” with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in locations near military installations. This proximity underscores the integration of civilian education efforts with military objectives. Historically, the scouting movement, founded by Lieutenant-General Robert Baden-Powell, was designed to prepare boys for military service. While modern scouting has evolved beyond its original purpose, critics argue that today’s partnerships between defense firms and youth organizations continue to blur the lines between education and militarization. BAE Systems, another major defense contractor, has similarly engaged in child-oriented activities, such as reading fairy tales to toddlers, which critics claim serves to normalize military values and technologies at an early age. Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin supports children’s math and STEM festivals, promoting engagement with scientific disciplines while indirectly aligning with the broader goals of the military-industrial complex. These actions have drawn attention from advocacy groups and researchers who warn that such strategies may subtly influence young minds to view warfare and technological advancement as intertwined pursuits. As global conflicts persist and the demand for skilled workers in STEM fields grows, the ethical implications of corporate involvement in youth education remain a subject of ongoing debate.