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I have done extensive research and studies into this area of my expertise. This is what I have found to be the case both historical accounts and modern applications. This is what makes a great scout and what I would look for in a scout if I was selecting one, which I have had to do.

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1.         Carry out orders with silent obedience (this does not mean blind                                ignorance). Duty is paramount.

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2.         With new experiences they take desperate chances with a pioneering spirit              of high adventure.

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3.         Attitude to live simply with sufficient money as enough.

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4.         Looks at nature as bountiful with miles to see and boundaries dim.

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5.         There pulse is easily stirred by conflict and battle.

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6.         A high endurance threshold.

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7.         Takes pleasure in wandering in mountains and wilderness.

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8.         Love to explore and hunt alone with solitude, which makes sharp the                        perceptions and enables concentration of mind for hours on one thing                      without change.

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9.         Ability to see what is natural and unnatural in an environment. Thus, a great              observer.

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10.       Can use all senses naturally as outlets to information.

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11.       Love to hear tales of fighting and scouting and seek out role models that                  are scouts.

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12.       Have known failure to act and use this as motivation to act quickly when                    help is needed.

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13.       They harden themselves to the point of feeling no pain or tears when                        experiencing pain.

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LESSONS LEARNED IN SCOUTING AND TRACKING HISTORICALLY

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1.         Must desire instruction, yearn for it.

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2.         Learn details of trailing and hunting, which makes up a scouts work.

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3.         In the simplest of things there is a right way and a wrong way. This must be              applied to everything a scout does. Such as, making a bed, protection from              snakes and other such critters, from falling trees, how to ascend and                          descend precipices, how to double and cover a trail, how to time self at                    night, how to travel in a desired direction, how to find water, how to filter                  and purify water, how to build a fire, creation of a shelter, etc. all this with                  endless detail. Paying attention to detail.

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4.         Willing to learn lessons around campfire related to stories and scout                          incidents all bearing on a scout’s life. It is there words that should ring loud              in your mind when an emergency occurs, so that they will be a deciding                    factor between destruction and survival.

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5.         Must recall methods of meeting problems day by day and deep ideals                      where in a teacher entrenches his heart.

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6.         Intimate knowledge of a quarry’s mode of life. I mean everything. Know the              quarry ways, whys, hows, whens, etc. therefore, a scout must know history,                traditions, religion, social customs, and superstitions of whatever people                  they are called to work among. Certain people do certain things almost                    without fail and certain things, perfectly feasible they will not do.

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7.         Must know the mental habits of a quarry. Do not underestimate or                            overestimate their capabilities. Everyone has fear and courage within their                being and it makes its appearance by different and diverse means.

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8.         Must be able to learn to sleep at will even amidst danger. Thus, relax mind              and body.

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9.         The scout has no use in requiring stimulants or sedatives because a scout                needs all his five senses and most times the sixth. Thus, all senses and full                facility of the mind at all times for highest efficiency. Frisson the French call              it. The CTT of Vietnam learned to rely on it to save their lives. It would                      inform them of danger.

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10.       Solitude intensifies the scouts perceptions but too much destroys the scout.

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SHARPENING THE SENSES (BURNHAM)

   

11.       Must be able to adjust stomach when necessary.

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TEMPERING THE STOMACH

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12.       Must be able to procure water, anywhere.

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13.       A scout, when training is deficient, can overcome the lessons by courage                  and endurance.

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14.       Must be able to harden the mind, nerve and body in close combat with just              hands as need be and with blades, and through improvised tools.

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15.       Must be able to quick-shoot up close with both hands individually and on                the move and engage long-range with ease knowing light, shadows,                          elevation, and windage.

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16.       Must be able to use all craft and cunning and know your skill and                                equipment in detail.

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17.       Must know how to use cache everywhere you go.

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18.       To move a foot for long distances and swiftly do it.

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19.       To never boast; hide your skill, and knowledge of arms.

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20.       To blend in to any circumstance in wilderness and multiple social gathering              places.

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21.       Must know how to go to ground and work at night for limited visibility                      covers movement. Thus, be hard to track during the day and at night...well              impossible to track even with flashlight, fire, etc. The night is a shield of the              scout and he becomes a ghost in the darkness.

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22.       To the hunted the first question is who is in pursuit? Responses are all                        based for the scout on this question. They all have different agendas they                follow.

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23.       Must be able to know how all people respond in nature and be able to pick              up trail anywhere.

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INDIAN SCOUT, SOLITUDE, AND PATIENCE

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24.       Must be hunted to the point where fear becomes dead in the scout and                    desire to finish the quarry grows inextinguishable.

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COMMS

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25.       Must be able to communicate through multiple means.

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OUTLOOK

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26.       Must have a supreme indifference to death. Must not let the dominance of              fear like other men overpower the senses so their heart will give in and                      fail them when needed the most.

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