An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir March / April 2026 www.military.ie/magazine T he ability to locate, observe and understand the enemy before contact is made has always been a defining capability of the Cavalry Corps. Modern day reconnaissance demands soldiers who can operate independently, think critically under pressure and gather accurate intelligence in challenging environments. The Cavalry Scout Tactical Course, conducted in the Cavalry School, is designed to develop precisely these qualities. The four-week programme sees students introduced to the core skills required to operate as an effective Cavalry Scout, culminating in multiple training exercises that tests both their tactical proficiency and resilience. Week One: Understanding Combat Tracking The opening week of the course focuses on one of many skills within the Cavalry Corps Scouts portfolio, Combat Tracking. Although the methods and equipment used by modern forces continue to evolve, the ability to read the ground sign left by an ENFOR remains an invaluable reconnaissance capability. Students begin by gaining a fundamental understanding of how to locate, identify and pursue ground signs left by individuals or groups moving through terrain. These signs may include disturbed soil, broken vegetation, displaced stones, footprints or subtle indicators of recent movement that may otherwise go unnoticed. Learning to identify such indicators requires patience, attention to detail and disciplined observation. Combat Tracking goes far beyond simply following footprints. It involves interpreting patterns and forming logical assumptions about the enemy's movement, numbers, equipment and intentions. Students are trained to analyse the environment and piece together information that can feed into future taskings. By the end of week one, students understand that the primary purpose of combat tracking is not just to pursue an ENFOR, but to exploit every possible piece of information. Accurate and timely information gathered through tracking allows superior commanders to develop a clearer understanding of enemy activity and to have a clearer battlespace picture. Week Two: Tactical Skills Refresher With the fundamentals of combat tracking established, the second week broadens the students' skillset and reinforces essential fieldcraft required of cavalry scouts. Training during this phase focuses on operational readiness and ensuring that each student can operate confidently as part of a reconnaissance detachment. A key component of the week involves training in reporting procedures. In reconnaissance operations, the ability to deliver clear, concise and accurate reports is critical. Intelligence gathered within operations must be communicated quickly and effectively so that higher headquarters can build a comprehensive understanding of the operational environment. Students practice structuring ARTICLE BY LT SHANE MCGRATH 24 | FORGING FORGING THE CAVALRY SCOUT THE CAVALRY SCOUT

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