Philippine Scouts: The Use of Indigenous Soldiers During the Philippine Insurrection, 1899

The Philippine Scouts originated during the Philippine Insurrection that began in 1899 after American forces occupied the Philippine Islands as a result of the Spanish-American War. After a quick review of the British and U.S. Army's use of indigenous soldiers prior to 1899, the background and military situation in the Philippines during the first year of the Insurrection are covered in detail. Finally, an in depth look at the operational tactics employed by the U.S. Army in the Philippines, particularly with Generals Lawton and Young, the Scouts are examined with a close look at the tactics and methods utilized to defeat the Philippine revolutionary army under Emilio Aguinaldo during the conventional portion of the fighting.