Succeeding the clone scout troopers of the Galactic Republic, scout troopers served as a reconnaissance force for the Galactic Empire. They were trained for more independence and adaptability than other Imperial troops. While described as an elite special forces branch that existed outside the rank-and-file Stormtrooper Corps, many scout troopers were often assigned regular deployment alongside standard stormtrooper forces, with one scout trooper, Rick, even working as a door technician in addition to a trooper capacity. Indeed, there existed scout troopers described as "elite" scout troopers, signifying their status as above standard members of their organization: the Ghost Lancers, for example, were an entire company of elite scout troopers who searched for Imperial Academy graduates that met their standards. All the same, scout troopers in general were seen as more elite soldiers than the standard stormtrooper.
Scout troopers were often stationed at Imperial bases, cities, planets, and other points of interest. A famous example was the Death Star's shield generator on Endor, where elite scout troopers were stationed. Utilizing speeder bikes, scout troopers patrolled Imperial areas, maintaining law and order and looking out for possible attackers. This is how they get their nickname of "biker scouts." Scout troopers may also be seen patrolling areas on foot, as seen on planets like Endor and Vardos.
A scout trooper sniper targets enemy forces with a DLT-19x targeting blaster.
Scout troopers fulfilled their reconnaissance role in other ways as well. They were often sent to scout out enemies during a battle to gain information to report back to their commander. Similarly, they may be sent on a reconnaissance mission to gain information on an individual or group when there isn't a current battle going on. Scout troopers also may be tasked with an espionage mission, getting behind enemy lines and gaining secret information. All three of these types of reconnaissance missions may be long term. Also within their ranks were the sniper troopers, who utilized long range rifles for a wide variety of missions. Sniper troopers may provide long range cover for stormtroopers during a mission. Sniper troopers may also be sent on similar reconnaissance missions, so if necessary, they can take out key targets from a distance.
Scout troopers were regarded as the finest marksmen in the Stormtrooper Corps, thus making them the best fit for sniper troopers and were often used as assassins. Scout troopers were also trained in the opposite. When blasters were deemed insufficient, scout troopers were equipped with electrobatons for melee combat. When Jedi were spotted, scout troopers were often sent to use their electrobatons against the Jedi's lightsaber. Scout troopers were stationed on several different planets with electro-batons. They patrolled these planets and fought against any Jedi they spotted. They also often had trouble with the local fauna on planets such as Zeffo and Kashyyyk. A further variant of scout trooper, known as Shield Troopers, used an electro-baton in combination with a physical shield. Scout troopers were also skilled in infiltration, usually using EE-4 carbine rifles to sneak into enemy controlled positions and capture them for the Empire.
Scout troopers find Chelli Lona Aphra on Arbiflux.
During the reign of the Galactic Empire, many scout troopers were deployed throughout Imperial territory. Scout troopers equipped with electrobatons were stationed at Zeffo, at the Imperial Refinery on Kashyyyk, and in the Fortress Inquisitorius on Nur. Many scout troopers, while patrolling with electrobatons, encountered and were killed by Padawan turned Jedi Knight Cal Kestis during the secret mission to rebuild the Jedi Order and subsequent crusade against the Empire. One scout trooper named Rick served as a door technician in Imperial Post 8L-055, where Rick encountered Kestis. Scout troopers served against the Free Ryloth Movement during the Ryloth Insurgency. On Lothal, scout troopers were part of the protection for the excavation of the Lothal Jedi Temple. Padawan Ezra Bridger and Mandalorian Sabine Wren of the Spectres stole armor from LS-412 and LS-515 to infiltrate the Temple.
Scout troopers could be found aboard Darth Vader's personal fleet, Death Squadron. One of the scout troopers' priorities were to aid the Sith Lord in crushing the Rebel Alliance along with its sympathizers and secret allies. Several scout troopers were part of Captain Magna Tolvan's force stationed on the moon of Yavin 4 after the Rebellion abandoned the Great Temple.
A scout trooper riding a 74-Z speeder bike on Endor.
Elite scout troopers, such as the Ghost Lancers company, protected the Death Star's shield generator on Endor in 4 ABY, which shielded the DS-2 Death Star II Mobile Battle Station over the forest moon. While the Empire had first used All Terrain Armored Transports and All Terrain Scout Transports for the reconnaissance of areas that had been cleared, the underbrush and woodland terrain of the moon was inappropriate for the majority of Imperial vehicles due to their large size and stature. Therefore, most of the vehicular patrol duty was conducted by scout troopers on fast 74-Z speeder bikes. Despite the threat that Endor's tall trees posed, the forest's many trails could be used for safe travel. At least six scout troopers encountered Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Leia Organa, and Chewbacca whilst on patrol. Scout troopers later participated in the Battle of Endor.
Scout troopers also participated in the Battle of Jakku. In 9 ABY, Moff Gideon operated an Imperial remnant, which included scout troopers.
A scout trooper with a DLT-19 heavy blaster rifle.
Scout troopers commonly utilized 614-AvA speeder bikes and 74-Z speeder bikes, as well as All Terrain Reconnaissance Transports.
Scout trooper helmets could be retracted up while still being worn, allowing the wearer's face to be revealed unlike regular stormtrooper helmets. Under their armor they wore a body glove. Their cummerbund had two pouches which was commonly used for storing survival rations. On the back of their breastplate they had a power unit backpack which could also store extra gear. In their boot was a holster for their blaster pistol.
A scout trooper sniper team on Tatooine.
- Electrobaton (requires extra gear to be worn, including a battery pack)
- Shock grenades
- Sonic charges
- Laser-tripmines
- Smoke grenades
While they themselves were specialized stormtroopers, further specializations and variants of the scout trooper existed throughout the Imperial Era for various tasks.
- : Scout troopers equipped with heated suits to work in frigid weather, such as on Hoth.
- : Stormtrooper Commanders who served as scout troopers.
- : Scout troopers equipped with both an electro-baton and shield.
- : Scout troopers armed with a sniper rifle.
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