Boy Scouts Names Robert Gates Volunteer President

Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has been named the next president of the Boy Scouts of America.

The organization announced Gates' appointment to the volunteer position Wednesday. His two-year term begins next May, once he's formally approved by the voting members of the Boy Scouts' National Council.

Gates is a former Eagle Scout who served as director of the Central Intelligence Agency and secretary of defense to two presidents. He stepped down as secretary two years ago.

Gates would lead the Boy Scouts' National Executive Board, which consists of dozens of former Scouts and business executives. The board guided the process that led to the group's decision earlier this year allowing openly gay Scouts.

As defense secretary, Gates oversaw the end of the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.