What are your opinions on 19D (Cavalry Scout)?

PFC Tyler Grissom — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 07:07:37 -0500

So im working on reenlisting active duty this time cav scout is something that has always intrested and jumped out at me. What are your experiances in or with this MOS?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2015 9:26 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 09:26:18 -0500

Best god dam mos there is 1/509 gman all the way

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2015 9:32 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 09:32:13 -0500

Been in for close to three years and I love being a 19D. Going to the field can suck sometimes bc we are the eyes and ears of the battlefield. But I wouldn't want to do anything else other than what I'm doing right now as a Scout

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 6 at 2015 9:39 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 09:39:51 -0500

Any time you ponder reclassification, ask yourself "what skills, credentials, or certifications is this job going to give me that are transferable to the civilian world". If the answer is little to none, it's a waste of your time...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2015 9:47 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 09:47:52 -0500

Back in my Engineer days, we had to work with Cav Scouts.........my impression then was not of a good opinion.

Response by SGT William Howell made Nov 6 at 2015 11:31 AM

SGT William Howell — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 11:31:31 -0500

So here is my opinion of Cav Scouts. I was an MP with the 16MP BN in Iraq in 2005. I got task with becoming an MP liaison with a field grade and a senior NCO to the 2nd Armored Calvary Regiment in Najaf. We were at Camp Duke in the middle of nowhere. I was not happy about being stuck with a bunch of Cav guys for the next 3 months.

Those guys were the most kick ass warriors I had ever seen. Every night was a firefight. Drones, Bradleys, Abrams, Specter Gun Ships. They took it to the enemy and they took it hard. I earned my Spurs with those guys. I am authorized to wear 5 combat patches. I only own one. The 2ACR. Cav Scouts were on the front lines of the 2ACR every night and they killed the enemy in bunches.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 6 at 2015 2:37 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 14:37:28 -0500

I love the little bastages. When I was rolling around in my Bradley as an 11M grunt, we would get comingled with the 19D's in their M3 Bradleys. The same equipment but with only one or two dismounts and twice the ammo load. To hear them called POG's was laughable. We got the CIB, they got the green weenie.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Nov 6 at 2015 9:12 PM

1LT William Clardy — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 21:12:41 -0500

In my time in the Cav, I never had a problem with the scouts.

It probably helped that I was already a little tetched in the head when I got there, in an infantry kind of way...

Response by SFC Donald Neal made Nov 7 at 2015 3:48 AM

SFC Donald Neal — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 03:48:48 -0500

I was a 19D for 20 years of my life and it served me well in and out of the service. I've stewed on the other responses and can say. All career fields have dirt bags, so someone's unfavorable opinion about 19Ds based on an old event are probably that, which is an unfavorable opinion. Regarding skills and credentials for a scout in the civilian world? There are no direct ones, but a well seasoned scout makes for a find candidate in law enforcement. The skills you develop with observation, mounted and dismounted patrolling, reconnoitering different areas and people, interacting with locals, discipline, independence in action, and being a part of a values based organization; are those hard to describe attributes, but not less important to have.

I received the direct opportunity to grow and lead others early on in my career. Learning to motivate others, form the backbone of an organization, grow younger leaders, enforcing standards, leading by example, training, developing training, planning and execution of training and real world operations, managing a maintenance program, gunnery programs, record keeping and all that have a correlation to many civilian jobs. If nothing else your people skills aren't just a branch qualified minimum with some quotes out of a regulation or smarmy poster on a wall. You'll have soaked it in for a lot more time than other more technically (civilian like) career fields. I am certain I got a lot more troop leading time in than had I been a low density MOS.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2015 9:47 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 21:47:31 -0500

I've been a scout for 4 years, I know one thing for sure, there are differences in what you'd be doing as a scout depending on what kind of unit you are in, I was in an armored brigade, so we were in Bradley's 99% of the time, I have a few buddies who were in light units so they did more light infantry type training when they did training, so it all depends on what you type of unit you get into. Either way you're always going to do scout missions.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2015 11:46 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 11:46:48 -0500

You need to love Braleys and its main gun. Get used to multitasking, when other MOSs are not available to do there job, we are here to save the day.

Response by SFC Dave Wynn made Nov 9 at 2015 3:32 PM

SFC Dave Wynn — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 15:32:35 -0500

Like SFC Neal I was scout all my life. I spent 20yrs as a scout with different units like Divisional Cav. Squadron being the eyes and ear of the division. Or Battalion scouts went to war with the 3rd ACR when they were in Ft Bliss. All that time from E-1 - E-7 I grew in my abilities. From having to depend on other people to learning how fix and improvise myself. It helped greatly in my great work ethics I have now. Like other people I found other Mos's I didn't care for but in the end we were all part of the same team. When it came to push and shove I knew we all would do our jobs. So in short go be a Scout and enjoy it I used to say we were the jack of all trades and master of none.

Response by CPL Alan Klock made Nov 10 at 2015 6:03 PM

CPL Alan Klock — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 18:03:54 -0500

This was the MO.S. that I held when I was in. I loved it but, if you are a family man, it can be tough on the family, as you spend a lot of time in the field. It is a GREAT M.O.S. because you learn so many different things about other MO.S.'S due to being out on the front lines all alone doing recon. You will learn demolition , E.O.D. become proficient in and navigation, correctly gathering intel, among many other things. Very exciting.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Nov 10 at 2015 6:23 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 18:23:33 -0500

Cav scouts are great. Not a lot of use for the direct skills outside of the military, but I wouldn't personally pass up the opportunity to hold a combat MOS. That said, as an infantryman gone tanker, this has me in fits.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2015 2:54 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 02:54:05 -0500

I used to be a 35F (formerly 96B in my day) Intelligence Analyst and this is, by far, the best job I've ever had. I have met some incredible people over the years and the competence and versitility of many of the men in this MOS is simply astounding. You have to bring your A game though, or you will fail. Al the best to you on your future endeavors.

Response by SGT Scott Henderson made Nov 11 at 2015 7:38 AM

SGT Scott Henderson — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 07:38:59 -0500

Jack of ALL trades; master of none

Response by SPC Lucky Willis made Nov 19 at 2015 10:00 AM

SPC Lucky Willis — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 10:00:42 -0500

I loved bein a cab scout. I drove Bradleys mostly but I did other stuff 2. If I hadn't been a 19d I woulda jumped and been 11b. I'm very proud of my spurs. I earned my spurs and no 1 can take them away.

Response by PFC Timothy Ahern made Feb 23 at 2016 12:24 PM

PFC Timothy Ahern — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 12:24:18 -0500

I don't know about other folks but myself I always had a great time as a scout also we usually got to play with some great stuff more than anyone else did. Also I realized that it was an extremely important job being the eye's and ear's for an entire unit. All I can say is that was a hard earned title and I always had a great experience with my crew.

Response by SFC Gregory Flom made Jul 28 at 2016 10:40 AM

SFC Gregory Flom — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 10:40:28 -0400

Best job I ever had! 1978-1999 (11 ACR, 3 ACR, 4-7 CAV, Bradley MG)

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2017 4:20 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 May 2017 16:20:47 -0400

Cavalry is more than an MOS, it is a state of mind. Cav units are the eyes & ears of the Commander. First out and typically last in. Never have all the equipment you want and always over worked. If you choose this MOS, you will become skilled in multiple specialties.

As a former 19D and 12C for 20+years I loved it, but I thrive in a challenging environment. This is a career path only for those who want constant challenges.

Response by Nelson Ormsby made Jul 7 at 2017 3:03 PM

Nelson Ormsby — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 15:03:15 -0400

CavDad, a life-long tree-hugging civilian, loves his 19Deltas, and was first honored to rub shoulders with them at Ft. Benning's OSUT four years ago. It was however immediately following a 3rd Cav redeployment to Ft. Hood and an informal two-week embed with the Troopers that CavDad came to a fuller and deeper appreciation of both Cav tradition and how these modern-day warriors serve as the commander's "eyes and ears" in shaping the battle space. Then later at Ft. Drum, CavDad was fascinated to observe how his 1-89 19D's work with the 11Bravos, and as an outsider looking in, how the seemingly brutal ribbing with and from the "blue cords" actually a sign of the deep mutual professional respect shared by these brothers in arms. Truly One Team One Fight. CavDad now has love for his Infantrymen, too. CavDad honored, privileged, and most grateful to be given these opportunities for such intimate personal and professional access to these Troopers and their "Queen of Battle" counterparts. Every civilian should have the some opportunity. Then they would know, like CavDad, why we civilians sleep so soundly in our beds each night as they stand "READY NOW". Scouts Out!

Response by SSG Don Brookins made Jul 10 at 2017 11:05 PM

SSG Don Brookins — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 23:05:36 -0400

As a 19D you need to be flexible abd ready to give it everythng you have. Scouts have to be proficient in several different specialties to be able to accomplsh the different types of missions they can be expected to accomplish. ANything frommanninga forward abserver post to classifying roads and bridges for the rest of the devision to follow or reporting on enemy movements while remaining undetecected themselves. The Mission of the 19D encompasses many facets of military operations and is a very challenging choice of carrer choices.

Response by PFC Wo Jones made Jul 14 at 2017 6:32 PM

PFC Wo Jones — Fri, 14 Jul 2017 18:32:46 -0400

Good mos, a lot of time in the field, but fun job, must be able to speak infantry , because you will be leading them out front! Eyes and ears of the army! Scouts out! HHC 1st 30th, inf, recon plt, 3rd inf, div, Germany 86 to 89

Response by SSG Rick Reeder made Jul 16 at 2017 4:24 PM

SSG Rick Reeder — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 16:24:44 -0400

They like to stir shit up for tanks and artillery. They make the enemy easier to find.

Response by SPC Kent Wise made Jul 17 at 2017 7:06 PM

SPC Kent Wise — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 19:06:52 -0400

Scouts LEAD THE WAY.

Response by SPC Kent Wise made Jul 17 at 2017 7:09 PM

SPC Kent Wise — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 19:09:13 -0400

Scouts ALWAY LEAD THE WAY. AIRCAV

Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made Jul 26 at 2017 7:42 AM

SGT Thomas Lucken — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 07:42:12 -0400

Was a Scout from 82 to 91. Did time on 113's, Bradley's, and even Blue's (Air Cav).... Blue's Platoons in the old Air Cav disappeared in the latter 80s....

Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made Jul 26 at 2017 7:43 AM

SGT Thomas Lucken — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 07:43:57 -0400

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCymBVughNk

If You Ain't Cav.....................

The video is dedicated to all those who have served in the United States Cavalry, past and present!!!!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2017 7:59 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 19:59:14 -0400

It is an unnecessary MOS and their mission and positions can be filled by infantryman.

Response by SPC James Mathis made Sep 13 at 2017 5:10 AM

SPC James Mathis — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 05:10:33 -0400

Some of the greatest times of my life started at basic in Ft Knox as a 19D, the bonds I made and the adventures we shared. Go for it.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Sep 14 at 2017 10:25 AM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 10:25:53 -0400

I've met (their words) ex-airborne, ex-Rangers, ex-SF and ex-Seals but... :D

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2017 11:24 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 23:24:36 -0400

Cavalry Scout is a great job. As others have said, not much for it on the civilian side, but you will get to play with the most weapons this side of being an 18B. Your military license will be packed full of all the vehicles you could want. The job has struggled a little in identity, given the nature of the past two wars and not defined line between friendly and enemy territory, but it is also the most stubborn branch ever. We hang on to our Stetsons and Spurs no matter what the Army throws at us. The Cav has so much pride its sickening, and the comradery is amazing. It is fun, chalenging, a little rewarding, and you get tons of training.
I can't let this go without also mentioning CA. If you can get SPC and BLC, you can try out for Civil Affairs, absolutely amazing job. 19D actually helped me a lot when I made the switch, both jobs do a lot of reconnaissance. Either way you'll be in a great MOS. Scouts Out!!!!

Response by SPC Justin Ritzema made Oct 15 at 2017 9:19 PM

SPC Justin Ritzema — Sun, 15 Oct 2017 21:19:07 -0400

Did everything you could imagine as a Scout, you just need to stay motivated.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2018 11:33 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 11:33:46 -0500

I work with 19Ds all the time - they provide me with information that I can then use as intelligence to aid operations. They're essential to my mission completion.

Response by SGT Tomas "Huey" Husted made Nov 16 at 2018 6:18 PM

SGT Tomas "Huey" Husted — Fri, 16 Nov 2018 18:18:27 -0500

1st one out last one in. Proficient in various MOS's drawn into one. Proficiency in all types of weapons, personal protection and crew served. Schooled in explosives, plastic, tnt, det cord. We were taught how to make flame propellants for flame throwers. Fu gas, excellent for trip wires and staged booby traps/ambushes. Generally volunteered for every crap detail there is. Running Tank Gunnery doing every tasks from targets ( night targets suck ) to Commo TOC. With 5 or six radios trying to communicate at once. I know it's not in the travel brochure but that's how it went for myself and all my scout platoon. But when it got down it to the training was outstanding. I was trained by Vietnam vets and believe me training was intense. You will be trained by Iraqi war veterans and Afghanistan war veterans. Do something unique listen, learn, emulate. Absorb all that is put forward to you. You may not only learn to save your ass and your squads but it could grow bigger than that. I loved being a 19D20, it may sound crazy to some. But I was told just going Combat Arms was crazy. But it was my kind of crazy. GOOD LUCK!!!!!

Response by PV2 Gary Weller made May 20 at 2019 9:31 AM

PV2 Gary Weller — Mon, 20 May 2019 09:31:06 -0400

We are proud.

Response by CPL Tobias Schultz made Sep 7 at 2019 8:02 PM

CPL Tobias Schultz — Sat, 07 Sep 2019 20:02:54 -0400

As many others have said, being a Scout is being a jack of all trades. Infantry often gives Scouts a hard time due to the fact that we do all the things they wish they did. However I find that the Scout experience is highly dependent on whether your high level leadership understands your capabilities. More than one command has needed training about Scouts when they started treating us like Infantry. Which makes for bored and irritated 19D's. My last NTC rotation was a perfect example of this. The powers that be didn't know what to do with us. So our green to gold Lt convinced them to let us coordinate our own missions. However that also meant our intel wasn't making it up the chain. When the final day's "attack on a defensive position" was over my Sergeant and I found ourselves between a General and Coronel trying to answer why our maps where full of coordinates they didn't have. They had parked near our OP and were surprised when we popped up after the "game over" had been called. Just to note our battalion had it's backside kicked in that mission.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2019 11:53 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 11:53:01 -0400

So far so good. Being Cav is a awesome experience. What was your previous MOS?

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2020 10:32 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 22:32:19 -0500

Get ready to pull security

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2020 3:28 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 03:28:39 -0400

Adding to the discussion because somebody else asked a similar question and it was merged here.
I’m PMOS 19D, SMOS 11B. I’ve completed OSUT for both and served as both, and these are probably the two jobs that excite those with fire in their heart the most. First, I’ve only been 19D in Hawaii, so my experience is limited to one organization. It’s a light unit with Humvees, and because of the terrain and vegetation, you can’t really use them, so you’re walking everywhere anyway. In areas like this, there is a very large amount of overlap between the two jobs. If you want to kick in doors and clear buildings, be infantry. Being a scout is fun, but I miss the excitement of the Infantry at times. Scouts are very proficient at fighting in the wilderness, they’re creative in their tactics, and they can and often win when outnumbered. Until it comes to urban ops. It’s just a lack of training on it, really, and from my understanding scout units will get more urban ops training pre-deployment, but I’ve still seen plenty of scouts with multiple deployments be terrible at it. The infantry trains it regularly, and scouts do not. Another issue with being light, as much as I do recommend it, is that you’re in a Cavalry Squadron. You will likely get armor officers. You can be lucky and get an infantry officer, which is usually ideal when you don’t actually have armor. There are great armor officers that are adaptable and pick it up easily, but I’ve also had a finance officer on branch detail who was not good at all. As a light scout, your unit is smaller, and you need to be very careful not to compromise yourself, every decision needs to be very well thought out or your mission will fail, you don’t have the firepower to always fight and win. All of that may seem negative, but it feels great to watch the enemy try to fight an invisible force. A five man team of well trained scouts can potentially destroy an entire company of infantry. A platoon easily. All without being seen or firing their weapon, IF every aspect of their mission is executed perfectly. Often times we’re called to assist the Infantry, not because they couldn’t do it alone, but rather just because more firepower is always better. Scouts are up front until the infantry comes, we pass our information and positions to them, and we wait for our next mission. In my experience, that mission is usually to swoop in with our vehicles and catch the enemy off guard after the infantry has secured the roads and begun engaging the enemy. The mission set is entirely different if you’re in a unit with different vehicles. I have zero knowledge of how it is being a heavy scout. Because there are less people in my unit, we’re much closer. There aren’t cliques, discipline (in some aspects), customs and courtesies, and rank mean less in the cav than they do in the infantry. Also, since there are less people, it’s easy to stand out if you can carry your weight, a little extra, and prove yourself to be good at your job.