I'm 17 and I just joined the Army. I've decided to pick 19D and I was just wondering, would I have to fight in the front during a war?

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 09:49:01 -0500

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Nov 7 at 2018 9:50 AM

SSG Robert Perrotto — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 09:50:46 -0500

welcome to combat arms Abigail. You are going to be a Cav Scout, guess what - you will go out in front of the tanks and scout for enemies, routes, and a host of other things - basically trying not to be seen by the enemy. So , it is likely that contact can and will be made, and yes, you will be required to shoot back at the enemy.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2018 11:06 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 11:06:48 -0500

There aren't really any fronts in our current Wars and conflicts. You will usually be operating out of a remote combat Outpost. If you have seen Restrepo, that is a good example.
I'm sure some other Cav Scout we'll get on here and explain the details of your job more in depth. Basically, you will be the eyes on a Target or enemy position. That could be inside of a Bradley Fighting Vehicle, or laying in the dirt on the side of a hill. In fact, your job should have very little fighting if you are successful. Ideally, the scouts do not come in direct contact with enemy forces, but instead observe them from a distance and possibly Direct other assets towards the target.

Response by SGT Mark Estes made Nov 7 at 2018 12:09 PM

SGT Mark Estes — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 12:09:33 -0500

Now of days there is no front of war!

Response by SGT Mark Estes made Nov 7 at 2018 12:12 PM

SGT Mark Estes — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 12:12:58 -0500

Have you even been through basic and AIT? You’ll learn a lot there, then even more when you get to your unit.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 7 at 2018 2:03 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 14:03:17 -0500

Many MOSs have been relegated to the back seat during the wars on insurgencies. For example, Tankers conducting patrols in HUMVEES.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2018 4:23 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 16:23:32 -0500

Yes

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Nov 7 at 2018 5:01 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 17:01:02 -0500

If you are concerned with actually fighting in a war I would say that you should not enlist at all. ALL SOLDIERS have a possibility of being involved in "front line" fighting; this is primarily because of the nature of the current conflict that we find ourselves in. That being said, you should really do your homework on what we scouts do before you make that choice. You may come to find that you want nothing to do with such a specialty.

Response by SSG David Palomarez made Nov 7 at 2018 5:46 PM

SSG David Palomarez — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 17:46:36 -0500

You need to different job then

Response by LTC Scott O'Neil made Nov 8 at 2018 10:20 AM

LTC Scott O'Neil — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 10:20:00 -0500

You have selected a Combat Arms Branch. You would be on the front line when taking the fight to the enemy

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Nov 9 at 2018 2:38 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 14:38:54 -0500

How did you arrive at the 19D decision? Yes...out “front”...looking for the enemy, key terrain, routes, bridges etc. https://m.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-categories/combat/cavalry-scout.m.html

Cavalry Scout (19D) | GoArmy.com

Learn about becoming a Cavalry Scout, who serves as the eyes and ears of the commander during battle. Scouts engage the enemy in the field and track their activity.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2019 9:43 AM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 09:43:33 -0500

I just spoke to my recruiter a few days ago and he said that he'll send me back to MEPS within the month to renegotiate my contract.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2020 11:07 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 11:07:33 -0400

Yes