advance scout
Ahead of others
An advance scout is someone sent ahead of a main group to gather information about terrain, conditions, or opposition.
Military units use advance scouts to assess enemy positions before engagement.
Sports teams send advance scouts to observe upcoming opponents.
The term extends to anyone who reconnoiters in preparation for others: She acted as advance scout, checking out apartments before her roommates visited.
- point manAdvance position person
- reconnaissanceInformation-gathering before action
- pathfinderOne who discovers routes
- trailblazerFirst to forge ahead
- lookoutWatcher or vista point
explorer · uncharted territory · spotter · forward · ranger · patrol · recon · recon mission · forward observer · pioneer · outrider · flanker · surveillance · terrain · binoculars · night vision · stealth · intel
- expedition leadersexpedition leader, guide, trail guide, wilderness guide, safari guide
- escortsescort, bodyguard, chaperon, chaperone, guard
- lookoutslookout, watchtower, crow's nest, observation post, guard tower
- sports executivesgeneral manager, GM, athletic director, team owner, owner
advance scoutrear guard
Troops covering a retreat
rearguard · rear echelon · reserve unit · reserve force · stragglers
advance, scout, advanced, advancing, advances, advancement, scouts, scouting, scouted