Scouts

I'm interested by the suggestion scouts need armour. I can see this 
versus small arms, but since pretty much every infantry force in DS 
terms (and in SG often) bears either IAVRs, GMS/P, GMS/L or a 
combination of the above (and some have APSWs), I don't think armour 
1 or even armour 2 scouts are protected that well. 
Ferrets/Dingos/Scimitars/etc.... they might stop small arms, but they 
won't stop an IAVR or GMS/P. 

I think what you would want would be highly manouverable, fast, quiet 
scouts - stealthy in most spectra. This implies small (size 1) grav 
vehicles (probably with stealth on top, though DS limits target die 
size...) and good sensors. Maybe think grav buggy or enclosed grav 
bike. Armour 1 by default... enough to stop most rifles, but not 
enough to convince the scout personel to act like tankers. Armed? 
Maybe an HMG(APSW). Enough to deter some infantry found close in 
(maybe an argument for APFC belts) but not much else. The main thing 
for the scout would be great sensor suites and that would be aided by 
a stealthy vehicle (providing less noise/interference to the 
sensors). 

These kind of picket-buggies would have a crew of 2 (sensor 
operator/driver). They'd have some detachable sensors and 
spotter/designator gear. This would allow them to do FAO/FAC taskings 
and to check out buildings and such. If engaged, they'd rely on their 
low signature, their high speed (EVASION!), decoys, ECM, smoke, etc 
to break contact and escape. The APSW would only serve to defend them 
if they really putzed it and found enemy infantry right on top of 
them.

Organized in 3 vehicle patrols, a platoon might include 3 of these 
and a command vehicle (10 buggies) for a total of 20 scouts. 

Sniper teams could get a version of the two man buggy that has the 
stealth, but slightly downgraded sensor suites (leaving room for the 
HAMR or LasRifle). But these units could still do FAC/FAO ops would 
also only want to see the enemy "at a distance". Put in one three 
vehicle patrol of snipers for 6 more men. You're up to 26 men in your 
scout/sniper platoon. 

Don't give them anti-armour capability - you don't want to encourage 
them to try to take on tanks. Don't give them heavier weapons than 
self-defense ones to engage infantry. Their purpose is to see the 
enemy and not be seen, to call arty or air assets into play, to 
execute sniper missions against enemy personel and equipment, etc. 

Their light size/capability also reduces the odds of them being used 
as a "commander's guard". 

T.