The Imperial Scouts were a group of individuals who were originally the Old Republic's exploratory and scientific organizations. When they were changed to be Imperial Scouts, they were primarily used for intelligence work. Their data archives contained maps and records of most known worlds, everything needed to prepare for covert operations. When more information was needed, the Scouts would generally infiltrate an area disguised as merchants, pirates, or—since the birth of the Rebel Alliance—Rebels. Many of their missions were the prelude to an invasion.
The Scouts had greater apparent freedom than most other Imperial organizations, and were often out of touch with their commanders for long periods of time, trusted to loyally serve the Empire. Most Scouts were highly paid, and so highly motivated. Their teams typically consisted of between four and six operatives who were transported in a nondescript small craft, usually a stock light freighter, with no military markings. Most of these craft were equipped with concealed compartments and weapons. A legend persisted that the Millennium Falcon was originally built for this service by the Old Republic variant of the Imperial Scouts, as few civilian shipyards had the ability to create a ship with so many undetectable compartments.