gunnergoz
Cat Herder
Ok how about this one: explorer units provide a % based combat bonus against alien life to all adjacent units. This percentage increases for each hive the individual scout clears out. This would encourage scouts being escorted by military units while giving them a more militarized role albeit a support one similar to a great general from civ 5.
I'd prefer explorers remain non-combat units as much as possible. They have a special role to play that is exceedingly important and there is no need to introduce mission creep into the mix.