Keep in mind when reading that these are my personal opinions and don't mean that other guides are wrong [or vice versa]. Also, you should have a good understanding of common soaking terminology or parts of this article may not make sense.


Scouting

Scouting is most effective when used as an auxillary action instead of a sperate position. In other words, do not appoint scouts, let those whom are armed appropriately scout when/if the opportunity/need arises. Departing from common, conventional thinking, a person armed with a heavy gun can still scout. Heavy-fast troopers can move around as easily as light troopers. The weight of the gun matters not, only the skill of the user does. Scouting involves searching the battlefield for the enemy or important locations. Scouts also might need to collect information about the enemy's strength, weapons, etc.

Position Switching:

Heavy-fast Troopers, medium-fast and light troopers bear the most repsonsibility for scouting. However, all but heavy-slow Troopers can scout if they need to. The change in position in this situation is mostly subconscious, you most likely will simply scout and return without recognizing that as a change of role.

Weapon selection:

Almost any gun will work well here. Don't get "caught with your pants down", have a good enough weapon to hold off any enemies if they see you. You could get away with just an XP, but you need to be hidden and far away. You should not have a backpack gun, more than 1 gun, or a QFD only gun. Only use your gun for defense unless you have permission to launch an attack. In that case, a WBL might be good to have. Scout out the enemy, then snipe him/her/them, or maybe lure those suckers into trying to get to you. Position change!

Choosing a place to scout from:

Of course this varies depending on your specific battlefield. In general scout from high ground or any terrain a good distance from your enemy. You'll definately want camo, you don't want to be seen. When observing, a radio might come in handy. If you are far enough away, you could relay the information back to your team in real time. Beats writing down stuff or having it in your head.


Hopefully, these suggestions, tips, etc. were useful and hopefully you can see the faults with some of the common and widely accepted guidelines for scouting. Common sense should be utilized, a tool that can potentially be more helpful than any guide. Like a person with a heavy gun can move just as well as one with a light gun. Radio your info back to base. Bring a WBL and lure them into coming after you. Change positions. Trick your enemy. Do the unpredicted, unconventional, and unexpected when you can use it to your advantage.

Good Luck!

-Duxburian

Another great article! That's what makes SM so unique...it has a differant style than every one else...

No, it has different writers ;)

Dux, I like the article but at the start, I think you need to say that scouts can carry any gun that doesn't compremise (sp?) mobility. That was kind of implied through it I know, but I think you should say it as well because it is fundamental.

Oh yeah and:-

I don't know if skill is quite the right word, it's too broad for the context. It's more strength than skill.

But I like the article, surprisingly (there was an argument a while ago about scouting) I agreed with it.

I tried to touch upon that by suggesting not using backpack guns, more than 1, etc.

Maybe not skill, but not really strength either. I'm not very strong for example, but I can run and have fast reflexes. Perhaps fitness would be a better term.

Yeah, fitness, you need the stamina to run around the battlefield. Fitness is better.

But as for the first bit I would suggest maybe saying it in one line and then your bit expands it well. I was confused as to what you meant when I first read it.

I think the term that should be used is "to each his own" as in what ever gun you find best for scouting is the gun you should use. I would suggest using a smaller weapon. Nothing to large or fancy.