The Scout

One of the least used classes for its lack of power. He wields the rather piddly Nailgun, and has minimal armor, making him easy anything-bait. His special ability, scanning, isn't really sexy, as it does no physical damage. However, the Scout is extremely fast, making him a popular flag runner. Used correctly, the Scout can be a real boon to team coordination and scoring.

As the Scout ...
Use your speed to your advantage. You can literally run circles around opponents before they even know what's happening. Thus, circle-strafing is VERY important. However, remember that your primary job isn't to attack, but to inform or run for the flag/key. Anyway, if you hang around in one place for too long, you're inevitably going to get killed.

Scanning is deceptively hard to use. It can take a while to get a feel for the tool. Also remember that the enemies you scan may move. Thus, you'll have to be quick in order to tell your teammates where to go and whatnot. Remember, it takes teammwork to use scanning effectively.

Scouts make great flag carriers because of their speed (especially on LAN games). They are especially useful in keeping a flag or key "alive" once dropped. True, you'll be sacrificing yourself for your team, but you're giving your slower teammates time to catch up with the real firepower. If you do manage to survive with the flag, don't stop running. Try to go around corners as to avoid long range missle/nail attacks. Once far enough, you should be home free.

Also, remember you can defuse detpacks as the Scout. Try to stop any enemy detpacks you encounter. Your teammates will be most grateful. Remember as well, that you can uncover enemy spies just by touching them. If your team is constantly being infiltrated by spies, it might be wise to have a Scout or two at checkpoints in your base.

Against the Scout ...
It can be really annoying trying to catch the Scout in your crosshairs, laser sight, or whatever. If you're a Soldier, try to use radius damage to knock the Scout away, or perhaps even kill him. Sometimes firing at my feet has resulted in success. Painful, yes, but it's better than being killed (embarrassingly I might add) by a Scout. :)

If you see a Scout running towards the flag, make sure you aim not at him, but towards his destination. It doesn't take much to kill him, but if you miss, there's a good chance you won't be able to catch him.