In the mid-1870's, the U.S. Army often employed Crow scouts to help patrol the western territories. Terpning presents a scene that might have been repeated many times during those years: soldiers and scouts pausing to rest under the midday sun. "The scout is sitting on the ground," Terpning says, "has unfolded an elk hide and is recounting his war deeds painted there. The officer listening beside him and the trooper in the background wear civilian hats. Military issue tended not to hold up to the rigors of army life."