Apache Scouts

Apache Scouts
Apache scouts at Fort Apache, Arizona, in the 1880s
Active1860s - 1947
Country United States of America
Allegiance United States of America
Branch United States Army
TypeIndian scouts
RoleCavalry tactics
Charge
Close combat
Desert warfare
Force protection
Guerrilla warfare
Hand-to-hand combat
Maneuver warfare
Patrolling
Raiding
Reconnaissance
Tracking
EngagementsChiricahua War

Navajo War
Yavapai War
Victorio's War
Geronimo's War

Border War

The Apache Scouts were part of the United States Army Indian Scouts. Most of their service was during the Apache Wars, between 1849 and 1886, though the last scout retired in 1947. The Apache scouts were the eyes and ears of the United States military and sometimes the cultural translators for the various Apache bands and the Americans. Apache scouts also served in the Navajo War, the Yavapai War, the Mexican Border War and they saw stateside duty during World War II. There has been a great deal written about Apache scouts, both as part of United States Army reports from the field and more colorful accounts written after the events by non-Apaches in newspapers and books. Men such as Al Sieber and Tom Horn were sometimes the commanding officers of small groups of Apache Scouts. As was the custom in the United States military, scouts were generally enlisted with Anglo nicknames or single names. Many Apache Scouts received citations for bravery.[citation needed]