A little help understanding my Son's new Army position

[jhynesrockmtn]

My son has been in Afghanistan with the 3rd Cavalry on a security mission at a Forward Operating base near Kabul. He's a 1LT with a Stryker platoon out of Ft. Hood. He is Ranger and Airborne qualified and has been on active duty for 2 years after going through ROTC in college.

I received a text from my daughter in law yesterday. She's a 2LT also at Hood in nursing. She said he'd been selected to be a Scout Platoon leader and was moving locations. She didn't know where he was going or when we would get more information.

Any insight from those in the know as to what this means in terms of his new duties or what a Scout Platoon does? My ex/his Mom is freaked out. I've tried to remind her that this is what he's been working for and training for the last 6 years. I've worried about him during this deployment but less so knowing that up until now he was running security behind the wall so to speak.

Any insight would be appreciated. I only know what I've been able to find on the web which isn't too much.

Ranger school graduation summer of 2015.

[Rikao4]

he's going to the other side of that wall you mentioned...

the Scout's have their scheisse together..
as they normally have a few season under their belt..
before moving into those positions..

and do thank them..
having 2 of your childrens serving these days is ..
awesome..
but worrisome none the less..

Rika

[stomachmonkey]

Recon, sniper, anti-sniper.

As a 2 LT not sure he'll end up in a forward position.

Ask Reiver, he'll have a better more informed answer.

Thank your son for his service.

We are all pulling for his safe return.

Bump

[MRM]

Don't worry, it's a good thing. My nephew was an enlisted cavalry scout and served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was in the 10th Mountain Division. As the name implies, cavalry scouts are mounted, which separates them from infantry scouts. They conduct patrols, primarily for reconnaissance and report their findings back to the main base communications headquarters. This can put them in harms way, but they're prepared for it and since they're mobile, they should be able to get out of harms way as fast as they got into it. Their job is to scout, which in today's terms means reconnaissance. They're not supposed to stand and fight but they're prepared to fight through anything that's between them and home if necessary. Their real purpose is to observe and report.

The nice thing about being a cav scout is that everyone is more highly trained, equipped and professional than line units. There is some thought that being in harms way with the scouts is actually safer than being in a rear echelon unit because you're surrounded by more highly trained fighters who are prepared for combat and know exactly how to respond in an emergency. Also, being mobile, they're not sitting ducks for an attack on the rear elements, although they are open to ambush while on patrol. But for the most part, they know when they're going into harms way and take precautions.

My nephew enjoyed it, particularly because it gives a great amount of freedom and allows individual initiative. If your son was doing base security, he is probably eager to get into the scouts. Scouts is a lot better duty and more fun than regular base security. That tends to devolve into standing at a guard post checking ID papers. Scouts get to play with fun toys, and the Stykers are the best there is. I think he'll be OK and it sounds like a good fit for him.

[Craig T]

First, you must be very proud of him. We all should be. I took care of tactical fighter planes in the USAF, so I know little about his upcoming scouting role, but please tell him thank you for me.

[tevake]

First of all Jerry, big thanks to you and your family for making the commitment , effort and sacrifices to keep our country safe. You post shows that it impacts many in the circle around our troups.

I can't share much about the relitive risks vs bennifits of different assignments in the Middle East conflicts.

Way back in time and in a much greener place, I observed the uncanny knack of soldiers to feel the best doing the job that and their mates were trained and prepared for.
One example that comes to mind was carrying a small squad of scouts out to near the Laotian boarder. Way far from any fixed US positions or much quick support for that matter.

Our tanks seemed to us a very imposing and sheltering presents.

These scouts with their hundered + pound packs, couldn't wait to get off and away from us and all of our noise. Ha,
this seemed to be very prevalent, helo crews totally felt they had the job to have. Most everyone felt this way regardless of the risk others saw in their situation.

I hoping the best for your son and all of the folks out there living in risk for our bennifit.

Cheers Richard

[ckelly78z]

He's probably leading a platoon back to the U.S. to maintain control after the elections ?

[Arizona_928]

I think you got all the information already. Ask him what ft. Hood's deployment schedule looks like. I bet he knows where he's going especially after srp... Slim chance on going to Korea, high chance for ME...

[jhynesrockmtn]

I assume he is staying in Afghanistan. He is 4 months into a 9 month deployment.

[Arizona_928]

Might be going back to Iraq... I have some friends preparing for That Deployment.
Shame he didn't get Germany after the airborne school.

[M.D. Holloway]

Jerry,
You and your wife did well. Fine offspring. Thank them for us.

[aap1966]

Congrats mate.
I don't know what you did, but you did something right.........

Tell your son "Thanks".

[widgeon13]

He's doing what he was trained to do and sounds like he knows his schit!

My speculation is that he is leading a specialized unit in some work that can't be divulged. Good for him. I'm confident he is with some really skilled and well trained personnel that can all cover each other's backsides.

Sounds like a fine young man, give him our best regards!

[speeder]

I don't know much about jobs in the military but I'll pray for his safe return.

[Hard-Deck]

PM me, I can explain