In the closing days of scout training, Staff Sgt. Tyler

In the closing days of scout training, Staff Sgt. Tyler Hunter teaches the trainees how to handle and detonate C4 explosives.

The last week of training begins on a cold rain swept day trip to the Orchard Combat Training Center. The scout trainees will take turns driving a Bradley Fighting Vehicle. On the range the trainees will fire the Mark 19 machine grenade launcher, the 50 Cal. Machine gun and the 240B machine gun. During the remainder of the week, they learn how to boresight the 25mm gun; the fundamentals of reconnaissance and security; how to establish an observation post; and how to handle and detonate explosives.

U.S. Army Cavalry Scouts act as the eyes and ears on the field, gathering information about enemy positions, vehicles, weapons, and activity. The scouts often operate in small groups gathering intelligence. With the information they gather, commanders can make informed decisions about how to move troops and where and when to attack. Their scouting duties include conducting mounted and dismounted navigation, collecting data about tunnels and bridges, and serving as members of observation and listening posts. In addition to basic soldiering skills, cavalry scouts learn to secure and prepare ammunition on scout vehicles, load, clear and fire individual and crew-served weapons.