Comments on: So You So Want My Job: Army Scout

By: Hiwayman

Hiwayman — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 03:57:28 +0000

My war was Nam. Southern I Corp,Americal Div. 1/1 Cav 11d.1970. IF YOU AIN’T CAV…….YOU AIN’T CHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!………..BLACKHAWKS!!!

By: Ben Maddox

Ben Maddox — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 02:13:51 +0000

I’m an old man of 65, and I served as a draftee in 1965-67. I can say that the Army was boring, and I was happy to get out 5 days after my unit shipped out for Nam. The other side is that I sometimes wish I had enlisted to stay with my company, 2nd Bn., 506th Inf., 101st Airborne. That being said, after the war protests died down; and I got over being pissed off about the way they treated men who answered their call to duty and served honorably–I have no regrets. I’m proud, and this young soldier will become more proud than I for his service. He and others like him deserve our respect, because they choose to follow the tradition of those who don’t look for the easiest way to live. Willingly doing their duty to protect and preserve our wonderful country. Scoffers, cynics and self-proclaimed patriotic protestors still find themselves aligned with malingerers and cowards.

By: Keith

Keith — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:28:17 +0000

Hey Chris,

I remember seeing the First Sergeants and other senior NCO’s in my unit. They were 40 and as a young guy they looked old. I don’t mean through 20 year old eyes either. They were beat up. The combat arms field is a tough way to make a living. Lots of field time, lots of body abuse. Going in as an E-4 at 43 expecting to get another 8 years, if that is your intention in a combat MOS, is going to be rough. I would push cargo for my final 8. But on the upside. You are prior service attempting to go back in, in war time. Try to keep your stripes. You might be able to keep them but you might have to fight hard. Even if you can’t. You have all that time in service so they can always waive the time in grade for your next promotion.

Best of luck whatever you decide to do.

By: Keith

Keith — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:18:09 +0000

You guys are making me feel old. I served three years as a cavalry scout, got out in 1980. Served mostly in 1/6 Inf but was attached at times to 11th Cav. Back then we were called Armor Reconnaissance Specialists, that was the official title, but every called us scouts or recon. The MOS designation then was 11D. The MOS and name changed to 19D around 1979. I eventually became a SGT and those three years were the best of my life. The job can be dangerous as hell there are definitely easier ways to make a living but if you love excitement and having a job that is different every day and requires you to think on your feet or at a full run. This is the job. Great training and a job that will hold your attention and doing things that most people can’t even imagine.

Thanks to all of you that have served for your service.

By: Bill Lemaster

Bill Lemaster — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:22:21 +0000

I just read your post. I know exactly what your saying. I spent 11 years as a Cavalry Scout. 1/10 Cav.-1/9 Cav.-3/5 Cav.-1/72 Armor-1/35 Armor. I hope you are doing well.-BILL