Scout Battalions A painting shows members of the Scout Battalions of the 297th Infantry Regiment, Alaska National Guard. Composed primarily of Native Alaskan service members, the battalions were formed during World War II to patrol northern and western Alaska, especially the Bering Sea coastline to provide early warning of enemy activities. Painting by Mort Kunstler for the National Guard Heritage Paintings series SHARE IMAGE: Download Image: Full Size (0.27 MB) Tags: American Indian Heritage Special, Native American History Month Photo By: Mort Kunstler for the National Guard Heritage Paintings series VIRIN: 171023-D-ZZ999-502.JPG Photo Gallery