The Cavalry Scout is a position that is very important in Today’s Army. As a Scout you will be the informational eyes and ears for your Commander. When information and intelligence about the enemy is required, it is the job of the Cavalry Scout to obtain it. The Scout uses various equipment to track, observe, follow, and report the activity and movement of the enemy in the field. As a Calvary Scout you will learn about various explosives, mines and weaponry. The Scout is often called to direct fire of various weapons onto enemy positions.
Some of the job related duties of a U.S. Army Cavalry Scout are:
-Serve as a listening or observation post member.
-Perform various navigational duties during combat.
-Prepare and secure ammunition on a variety of vehicles.
-Secure, load, clear and fire crew served and individual weapons.
-Report and gather information of enemy equipment, enemy disposition, weather, and terrain.
-Use and employ various principals of camouflage and concealment.
-Gather and collect data to classify bridges, tunnels and routes.
The training that a U.S. Army Cavalry Scout has to undergo starts with basic training for nine weeks. Then it’s on to Individual advanced training, including Station One Unit Training, for sixteen weeks. Most of the advanced training will be out in the field, with a portion of the training in the classroom setting. Training never really stops for the Cavalry Scout, they are always working to maintain a very high level of mission readiness and battle preparedness.
The job of Cavalry scout requires a person to undergo repeated stress and difficult situations. It is also a job requiring strength and stamina as living heavy objects and performing difficult physical tasks is part of the job. A person, who wishes to be an Army Cavalry Scout should be able to participate successfully as a team member, be in top mental and physical condition, and have a willingness and ability to face danger and accept challenges encountered.
A Cavalry Scout who advances in rank will have the opportunity to supervise and direct other soldiers, and to be in charge of scout vehicle recovery operations, as well as scout vehicle crews. A Senior Cavalry Scout will be called on to oversee maintenance of tracked or wheeled scout vehicles. They can also at times be tasked as a combat Ops Assistant at the Squadron or Brigade level to assist a senior Commander.