What is a cavalry scout?

What is a Cavalry Scout?

The cavalry scout is a highly skilled and specialized warrior in the United States Army, responsible for providing real-time reconnaissance and intelligence gathering to support ground commanders. In this article, we will delve into the world of cavalry scouts, exploring their role, responsibilities, and qualifications.

Job Description

A cavalry scout is a member of an armored cavalry regiment, equipped with advanced reconnaissance vehicles, such as the M3 Cavalry Fighting Vehicle or the M1117 Armored Security Vehicle. Their primary mission is to gather information about enemy forces, infrastructure, and terrain, and to conduct reconnaissance operations behind enemy lines.

Responsibilities

Cavalry scouts are responsible for:

• Reconnaissance: Conducting reconnaissance operations to gather information about enemy forces, infrastructure, and terrain.
• Intelligence Gathering: Collecting and analyzing intelligence to support ground commanders’ decisions.
• Combat Operations: Participating in combat operations as a dismounted scout, using their skills and equipment to conduct reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.
• Survival and Evasion: Training to survive and evade capture in hostile environments.
• Teamwork: Working closely with other elements of the armored cavalry regiment, including tanks, artillery, and infantry units.

Qualifications

To become a cavalry scout, you must meet the following qualifications:

• Age: 17 years old (with parental consent up to 18 years old) to enlist or 18 years old to enlist in the Army National Guard or Army Reserve.
• Citizenship: Be a U.S. citizen.
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• ASVAB Scores: Minimum scores of 105 in General Technical (GT) and 90 in Armored and Field Artillery Operations, Knowledge (AA).
• Physical Requirements: Meet the Army’s physical fitness standards.

Training

Cavalry scouts undergo rigorous training at the United States Army Armor Center at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The training includes:

• Basic Combat Training (BCT): 10 weeks of basic training, focusing on physical fitness, first aid, and combat skills.
• Advanced Individual Training (AIT): 22 weeks of advanced training, focusing on reconnaissance and intelligence gathering techniques, marksmanship, and leadership skills.
• One Station Unit Training (OSUT): 20 weeks of combined basic and advanced training, focusing on combat skills, tactics, and techniques.

Specialized Skills

Cavalry scouts are trained in a variety of specialized skills, including:

• Marksmanship: Training in marksmanship skills, including rifle and machine gun marksmanship.
• First Aid: Training in basic first aid and trauma care.
• Land Navigation: Training in land navigation, including map reading and compass skills.
• Radio Communication: Training in radio communication, including radio operations and encryption.
• Driving: Training in vehicle operations, including driving and maintenance of armored vehicles.

Table: Cavalry Scout Specialized Skills

Conclusion

Cavalry scouts are highly skilled and specialized warriors, responsible for providing real-time reconnaissance and intelligence gathering to support ground commanders. They undergo rigorous training at the United States Army Armor Center, focusing on combat skills, tactics, and techniques. With their specialized skills and equipment, cavalry scouts are an essential part of the armored cavalry regiment, supporting ground operations and ensuring success on the battlefield.