In preparation for field training, Spc. Jackson Roberts

In preparation for field training, Spc. Jackson Roberts learns to preform maintenance on a Bradley Fighting Vehicle under the watchful eyes of Instructor Staff Sgt. Tyler Hunter.
During the second week of training, the scout trainees are being introduced into a variety of weapons. The Idaho Army National Guard’s 204th Regional Training Institute are tasked with training soldiers who have been reclassified from one military occupational specialty into the 19D Cavalry Scout mos.
For some soldiers this is the first time handling weapons like the Mark 19 Grenade Launcher, the 50 Caliber Machine Gun and 25 mm Bushmaster Gun. Also new is learning specifics of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, a designated scout vehicle in many units throughout the Army.
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.