What Does a Cavalry Scout Do?
The cavalry scout is a critical member of the US Army’s armor and cavalry units, playing a vital role in providing reconnaissance and intelligence to the commander. In this article, we will delve into the responsibilities, duties, and skills required to be a successful cavalry scout.
Job Summary
A cavalry scout is responsible for conducting reconnaissance missions to gather intelligence on enemy forces, terrain, and weather conditions. They use a variety of methods, including visual observations, photographic surveillance, and electronic intercepts, to gather information that is vital to the commander’s decision-making process.
Responsibilities
Some of the key responsibilities of a cavalry scout include:
- Conducting reconnaissance missions to gather intelligence on enemy forces and terrain
- Using sensors and cameras to gather photographic and video intelligence
- Conducting electronic intercepts to gather communications intelligence
- Analyzing and reporting intelligence findings to the commander
- Participating in missions to gather human intelligence
- Operating and maintaining scout vehicles, including tanks, armored personnel carriers, and Humvees
- Working with other units to gather and disseminate intelligence
- Conducting security and reconnaissance missions in support of ground and air operations
Key Skills
To be a successful cavalry scout, you will need to possess the following key skills:
- Excellent Observational Skills: The ability to observe and record enemy movements, terrain, and weather conditions is critical to the cavalry scout’s success.
- Communication Skills: The ability to effectively communicate intelligence findings to the commander and other units is essential.
- Physical Fitness: Cavalry scouts must be physically fit and able to operate in harsh environments for extended periods.
- Technical Skills: Familiarity with sensors, cameras, and other technical equipment is necessary for conducting reconnaissance missions.
- Teamwork: Cavalry scouts must be able to work effectively as part of a team to gather and disseminate intelligence.
Job Requirements
To become a cavalry scout, you must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Be between the ages of 17 and 35
- Citizenship: Be a US citizen
- Education: Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- ASVAB Score: Score a minimum of 105 on the Army Administrative, General Technical, and Mechanical Comprehension tests
- Physical Requirements: Meet the Army’s physical fitness standards
Training and Education
Cavalry scouts undergo extensive training and education to prepare them for their role. This includes:
- Basic Combat Training: Complete 10 weeks of basic combat training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina
- Advanced Individual Training: Complete 22 weeks of advanced individual training at Fort Knox, Kentucky
- Sapper School: Complete a 28-day sapper school at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
- Additional Training: Complete additional training in sensors, cameras, and other technical equipment
Job Outlook and Career Advancement
The job outlook for cavalry scouts is excellent, with the Army always needing highly skilled and trained individuals to fill this critical role. With experience and additional training, cavalry scouts can advance to leadership positions or transition to other roles within the Army, such as:
- Intelligence Officer: Advise commanders on intelligence matters and lead intelligence teams
- Reconnaissance Platoon Leader: Lead a team of cavalry scouts on reconnaissance missions
- Squad Leader: Lead a team of soldiers in combat operations
- Tank Commander: Command a tank in combat operations
Conclusion
Being a cavalry scout is a challenging and rewarding career that requires excellent observational skills, communication skills, physical fitness, technical skills, and teamwork. If you are interested in becoming a cavalry scout, you must meet the Army’s requirements and undergo extensive training and education. With experience and additional training, you can advance to leadership positions or transition to other roles within the Army.
