Scout Local launches app for military families and steps in to fill a communication gap.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FORT POLK, La., August 1, 2026 - Scout Local, a free directory and events platform built for military families, today launched its mobile app and makes its public debut at Scout Quest at The Warrior Center, arriving just as most official Army social media pages go dark at installations nationwide.

Under Army Directive 2026-17, "Optimizing Digital Media," signed June 30, 2026, the Army is consolidating its official social media presence and directed most installation-level pages, including MWR, ACS, CYS, EFMP, and unit pages, to deactivate and archive by July 30, 2026. Official information is shifting to installation websites, distribution lists, and the My Army Post App.

Scout Local was not aware of the directive or the closures when it began building. The platform's development started roughly a year ago, designed for a simpler purpose: to help military families discover the events, resources, and local businesses near them, base by base, in one place. The overlap between that mission and this week's page deactivations was entirely unplanned.

"We built Scout Local to make every move a little easier - to help families find what is around them without having to piece it together from a dozen different places."

"We never expected to become a bridge that families would suddenly need this urgently. This situation is unprecedented, and we are going to do our best to help fill the gap for the communities that give the most," said Leanna Baker Williams, founder of Scout Local.

The company emphasized that Scout Local is an independent, unofficial resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Army. For official installation information, families should continue to use their installation's website, official distribution lists, and the My Army Post App.

Scout Local's launch timeline for additional bases has not changed. However, given the scale and timing of the nationwide deactivations, the company is actively evaluating how it can support more installations on an expedited basis.

The Scout Local app is available now for free:

Apple App Store: Download Scout Local for iPhone
Google Play Store: Download Scout Local for Android

At Fort Polk, Scout Local makes its in-person debut today at Scout Quest, August 1 at The Warrior Center, bringing together local businesses that serve the military community. Families can also find it online at joinscoutlocal.com.

"We are so grateful for the support we have received, and for the chance to show up for military families - the ones who give so much and ask for so little."

"That is who this has always been for," Williams added.

About Scout Local

Scout Local™ is a product of Novalyse LLC. Scout Local is a free mobile app and local directory built for military families, helping them find verified businesses, current information, and community events near each installation. The service is designed for military families and the local businesses, nonprofits, and community partners who serve them. Learn more at joinscoutlocal.com.