United States Army Pathfinder School
Encyclopedia
The mission of the United States Army Pathfinder School is to train personnel in the U.S. Army
and its sister services in a three week course, during which the candidate Pathfinder
learns how to navigate dismounted, establish and operate a day / night helicopter landing zone, establish and operate day / night parachute drop zones (DZs), including Computed Air Release System (CARP) DZs, Ground Marked Release System (GMRS) DZs and Army Verbally Initiated Release System (VIRS) DZs, conduct sling load
operations, provide air traffic control
(ATC) and navigational assistance to rotary wing (RW) and fixed wing (FW) airborne operations. All training and airborne operations will be conducted in accordance with FM 3-21.220 (Static Line Parachuting Techniques and Training) and FM 3-21.38 (Pathfinder Operations).
The U.S. Army Pathfinder School is operated under the auspices of the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 507th Infantry Regiment. The 1-507th IR also oversees the doctrine and operation of the U.S. Army Basic Airborne Course
and the U.S. Army Jumpmaster School
.
(ASUs) and a subdued version on their Army Combat Uniforms
(ACUs).
and Air Assault
missions.
The Pathfinders were created in World War II
when American paratrooper units needed a way to mark areas and guide aircraft to a specific spot. Early airborne operations resulted in scattered drops up to 7 miles from the target. Darkness and inclement weather made it extremely difficult for aircraft to find the drop zone. The 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion and 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment
, 82nd Airborne Division were working on an idea they had learned from the British. An elite force would go in prior to the main assault with visual and electronic signaling devices to guide aircraft to the drop zone and gliders to their landing zones. Their first use in combat was 13 September 1943 during combat jumps into Italy.
WWII-era Pathfinders are most remembered for their heroic jump into Normandy
during the invasion of 1944 on June 6th
, when they led the way for Allied forces into Europe. They were employed throughout Southern France, Holland, Belgium, Germany in the course of Allied airborne operations until the end of the war in Europe. They were also used in the Pacific theater with the 11th Airborne Division during the liberation of the Philippines.
The Korean War
saw limited use of the Pathfinders by the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team during two combat jumps and operations. The Vietnam War
saw the largest use of Pathfinders due to the developments of helicopter insertion and resupply which were pioneered by the 11th Air Assault Division (Test). Nearly every Army aviation battalion had a Pathfinder detachment and deployed them on nearly every mission. Setting up helicopter landing zones, medivacs, resupply points, slingloads in full view of the enemy displayed great bravery and coolness under fire. The most successful missions were those when Pathfinders were in control; however, due to the small size of their units, very little recognition was given to the Pathfinders.
After the Vietnam War Pathfinders were with the major Airborne units and various combat aviation battalions/groups. They also saw a growth in Army National Guard
and Army Reserve
Pathfinder platoons during the 1970s and 1980s. Pathfinders were used in many ways and not always correctly . Many conducted Joint Task Force missions in Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East.
In the late 1980s through 1990 the Army started disbanding its Pathfinder units in the belief those skills could be learned by regular troops attending Air Assault School
and by individuals within the unit who were Pathfinder qualified. Operations during the Panama invasion
and the Gulf War
showed that Pathfinders were an important factor in successful airborne operations and the Army needed more of them. The 101st Airborne Division
(Air Assault), which had retained a Pathfinder unit during and after the Vietnam War, expanded its existing company and raised a second in 2005 by converting its long range surveillance detachment (LRSD) into another pathfinder company, giving each of its two aviation brigades a company. The 82nd Airborne Division followed suit by converted its LRSD to a pathfinder company under the 2d Battalion, 82nd Aviation Regiment. Additionally, the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) at Fort Drum, New York, and the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii have formed provisional pathfinder companies (e.g., they are not reflected in the units' Tables of Organization and Equipment) and conduct combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Pathfinder units today still live by the motto of "First In-Last Out" and proudly wear the Pathfinder Torch.
a. Active Army, Reserve, or National Guard Officers (O-1 / 2LT - O-3 / CPT) assigned to or enroute to a billet requiring Pathfinder skills. Officer Branches: IN, AR, EN, FA, AV, QM, LG, TC.
b. Active Army, Reserve, or National Guard Enlisted personnel (E-4 / SPC - E-8 / MSG) assigned to or enroute to a billet requiring Pathfinder skills. Enlisted MOS: 11B, 11C, 11Z, 12B, 13F, 15Q, 19D, 68W, 88M, 92R, 92Y.
c. Must have passed a valid physical within five years, Physicals for airborne qualified personnel must indicate, "cleared to participate in airborne operations".
d. Have a minimum profile serial of 111121 and no speech impediment.
e. Applicants must have one-year service remaining on active duty upon completion of the course.
f. All waivers should be processed through the Pathfinder School protocol, to ensure the prospective Student will be able to attend the School.
(ATC), including Ground to Air Map Marking. Pathfinder students will be taught proper MEDEVAC Procedures and be capable of calling in a 9-Line MEDEVAC request. Students will be taught the proper application of Close Air Support
(CAS) and learn how to implement it in the Ground Unit Commander's Tactical Plan. The student will be taught the fundamentals of Sling Load Operations and be certified to rig and inspect Sling Loads
. Students will be taught how to plan and establish Helicopter Landing Zones (HLZ) for day and nighttime operations.
and the duties and responsibilities of the Drop Zone Support Team Leader (DZSTL). Students will complete the Basic Airborne Refresher
(if applicable) and will be taught how to perform the duties of the GTA during a VIRS drop.
and will be able to perform the duties in every position of the Sling Load Hook-up Team. Students will demonstrate the knowledge they have been taught during the course during the FTX, during which they are evaluated as a Team Leader/Assistant Team Leader and Ground to Air/Internal Net Recorder. Students will demonstrate proficiency in all areas of Pathfinder Operations and meet all graduation requirements.
. It is important to note that in addition to all the requirements for completing the course, there is an additional requirement to be awarded the Pathfinder Badge: the candidate Pathfinder must view “a suspended object falling from the sky” (i.e. a door bundle, jumper, heavy equipment, etc.). Failure to meet this requirement will result in the student graduating with a certificate instead of a Pathfinder badge.
The Col. Robert L. Howard Award is awarded to the Distinguished Honor Graduate (DHG) of the Pathfinder class will be awarded to graduate with the highest overall grade point average with first time "gos" in every event.
Instructor of the Cycle
The title of Instructor of the Cycle will be awarded to the Instructor that the students and Instructors vote had the greatest positive impact throughout the course of training. The selection will be approved by the HHC 1-507th Company Commander and Company First Sergeant.
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
and its sister services in a three week course, during which the candidate Pathfinder
Pathfinder
-Aerospace:* Pathfinder , orbiter vehicle simulator for the U.S. Space Shuttle program* Mars Pathfinder, a space exploration probe* NASA Pathfinder, an unmanned solar-powered aircraft* Piper Cherokee Pathfinder, a light, piston-powered aircraft...
learns how to navigate dismounted, establish and operate a day / night helicopter landing zone, establish and operate day / night parachute drop zones (DZs), including Computed Air Release System (CARP) DZs, Ground Marked Release System (GMRS) DZs and Army Verbally Initiated Release System (VIRS) DZs, conduct sling load
Cargo hooks
Cargo hooks allow helicopters to transport external loads while in flight. Common terms for this kind of work include slingwork, underslung loads, external loadwork, external load operations, among others...
operations, provide air traffic control
Air traffic control
Air traffic control is a service provided by ground-based controllers who direct aircraft on the ground and in the air. The primary purpose of ATC systems worldwide is to separate aircraft to prevent collisions, to organize and expedite the flow of traffic, and to provide information and other...
(ATC) and navigational assistance to rotary wing (RW) and fixed wing (FW) airborne operations. All training and airborne operations will be conducted in accordance with FM 3-21.220 (Static Line Parachuting Techniques and Training) and FM 3-21.38 (Pathfinder Operations).
The U.S. Army Pathfinder School is operated under the auspices of the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 507th Infantry Regiment. The 1-507th IR also oversees the doctrine and operation of the U.S. Army Basic Airborne Course
United States Army Airborne School
The United States Army Airborne School — widely known as Jump School — conducts the basic paratrooper training for the United States armed forces. It is operated by the 1st Battalion , 507th Infantry, United States Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia...
and the U.S. Army Jumpmaster School
United States Army Jumpmaster School
The United States Army Jumpmaster School trains personnel in the skills necessary to jumpmaster a combat-equipped jump and the proper attaching, jumping, and releasing of combat and individual equipment while participating in an actual jump that is proficient in the duties and responsibilities of...
.
History
The Pathfinder's distinctive winged torch symbol comes from ancient Greece where runners opened up the Olympic Games, bearing the Olympic Torch. The Pathfinder torch signifies the Pathfinder's function to "Light the Way" for Airborne forces following behind. The red backing worn on original Pathfinder Badge was changed to black in 1964 to signify night operations. Pathfinders wear the full-color winged torch on their Army Service UniformsArmy Service Uniform
The U.S. Army service uniform is the military uniform worn by personnel in situations in which non-formal dress is called for. It is worn in most workday situations in which business dress would be called for...
(ASUs) and a subdued version on their Army Combat Uniforms
Army Combat Uniform
The Army Combat Uniform is the current combat uniform worn by the United States Army. It is the successor to the Battle Dress Uniform and Desert Camouflage Uniform worn during the 1980s and 1990s. It features a number of design changes, as well as a different camouflage pattern from its...
(ACUs).
Development of the Modern U.S. Army Pathfinder
The modern U.S. Army Pathfinders are an elite force making up less than 1% of the total Army. Their primary mission is to infiltrate areas and set up parachute drop zones and helicopter landing zones for AirborneAirborne forces
Airborne forces are military units, usually light infantry, set up to be moved by aircraft and 'dropped' into battle. Thus they can be placed behind enemy lines, and have an ability to deploy almost anywhere with little warning...
and Air Assault
Air assault
Air assault is the movement of ground-based military forces by vertical take-off and landing aircraft—such as the helicopter—to seize and hold key terrain which has not been fully secured, and to directly engage enemy forces...
missions.
The Pathfinders were created in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
when American paratrooper units needed a way to mark areas and guide aircraft to a specific spot. Early airborne operations resulted in scattered drops up to 7 miles from the target. Darkness and inclement weather made it extremely difficult for aircraft to find the drop zone. The 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion and 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment
504th Infantry Regiment (United States)
The 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment is an airborne infantry regiment in the United States Army, first formed in 1942 as part of the 82nd Airborne Division.-Organization:...
, 82nd Airborne Division were working on an idea they had learned from the British. An elite force would go in prior to the main assault with visual and electronic signaling devices to guide aircraft to the drop zone and gliders to their landing zones. Their first use in combat was 13 September 1943 during combat jumps into Italy.
WWII-era Pathfinders are most remembered for their heroic jump into Normandy
American airborne landings in Normandy
The American airborne landings in Normandy were the first United States combat operations during Operation Overlord, the invasion of Normandy by the Western Allies on June 6, 1944. Around 13,100 paratroopers of the U.S. 82nd Airborne and 101st Airborne Divisions made night parachute drops early on...
during the invasion of 1944 on June 6th
D-Day
D-Day is a term often used in military parlance to denote the day on which a combat attack or operation is to be initiated. "D-Day" often represents a variable, designating the day upon which some significant event will occur or has occurred; see Military designation of days and hours for similar...
, when they led the way for Allied forces into Europe. They were employed throughout Southern France, Holland, Belgium, Germany in the course of Allied airborne operations until the end of the war in Europe. They were also used in the Pacific theater with the 11th Airborne Division during the liberation of the Philippines.
The Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
saw limited use of the Pathfinders by the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team during two combat jumps and operations. The Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
saw the largest use of Pathfinders due to the developments of helicopter insertion and resupply which were pioneered by the 11th Air Assault Division (Test). Nearly every Army aviation battalion had a Pathfinder detachment and deployed them on nearly every mission. Setting up helicopter landing zones, medivacs, resupply points, slingloads in full view of the enemy displayed great bravery and coolness under fire. The most successful missions were those when Pathfinders were in control; however, due to the small size of their units, very little recognition was given to the Pathfinders.
After the Vietnam War Pathfinders were with the major Airborne units and various combat aviation battalions/groups. They also saw a growth in Army National Guard
Army National Guard
Established under Title 10 and Title 32 of the U.S. Code, the Army National Guard is part of the National Guard and is divided up into subordinate units stationed in each of the 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia operating under their respective governors...
and Army Reserve
United States Army Reserve
The United States Army Reserve is the federal reserve force of the United States Army. Together, the Army Reserve and the Army National Guard constitute the reserve components of the United States Army....
Pathfinder platoons during the 1970s and 1980s. Pathfinders were used in many ways and not always correctly . Many conducted Joint Task Force missions in Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East.
In the late 1980s through 1990 the Army started disbanding its Pathfinder units in the belief those skills could be learned by regular troops attending Air Assault School
United States Army Air Assault School
The Sabalauski Air Assault School is a FORSCOM TDA unit located at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Its primary task is training leaders and soldiers assigned to the 101st Airborne Division , other US Army units and US armed services in several courses annually.- Background :Air Assault School qualifies...
and by individuals within the unit who were Pathfinder qualified. Operations during the Panama invasion
United States invasion of Panama
The United States Invasion of Panama, code-named Operation Just Cause, was the invasion of Panama by the United States in December 1989. It occurred during the administration of U.S. President George H. W...
and the Gulf War
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
showed that Pathfinders were an important factor in successful airborne operations and the Army needed more of them. The 101st Airborne Division
101st Airborne Division
The 101st Airborne Division—the "Screaming Eagles"—is a U.S. Army modular light infantry division trained for air assault operations. During World War II, it was renowned for its role in Operation Overlord, the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944, in Normandy, France, Operation Market Garden, the...
(Air Assault), which had retained a Pathfinder unit during and after the Vietnam War, expanded its existing company and raised a second in 2005 by converting its long range surveillance detachment (LRSD) into another pathfinder company, giving each of its two aviation brigades a company. The 82nd Airborne Division followed suit by converted its LRSD to a pathfinder company under the 2d Battalion, 82nd Aviation Regiment. Additionally, the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) at Fort Drum, New York, and the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii have formed provisional pathfinder companies (e.g., they are not reflected in the units' Tables of Organization and Equipment) and conduct combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Pathfinder units today still live by the motto of "First In-Last Out" and proudly wear the Pathfinder Torch.
Course Requirements
In order to attend United States Army Pathfinder School, the applicant must meet the following standards:a. Active Army, Reserve, or National Guard Officers (O-1 / 2LT - O-3 / CPT) assigned to or enroute to a billet requiring Pathfinder skills. Officer Branches: IN, AR, EN, FA, AV, QM, LG, TC.
b. Active Army, Reserve, or National Guard Enlisted personnel (E-4 / SPC - E-8 / MSG) assigned to or enroute to a billet requiring Pathfinder skills. Enlisted MOS: 11B, 11C, 11Z, 12B, 13F, 15Q, 19D, 68W, 88M, 92R, 92Y.
c. Must have passed a valid physical within five years, Physicals for airborne qualified personnel must indicate, "cleared to participate in airborne operations".
d. Have a minimum profile serial of 111121 and no speech impediment.
e. Applicants must have one-year service remaining on active duty upon completion of the course.
f. All waivers should be processed through the Pathfinder School protocol, to ensure the prospective Student will be able to attend the School.
Pathfinder Course Schedule
Week 1
Students will in-process and receive Pathfinder orientation. Students will be taught the fundamentals of Air Traffic ControlAir traffic control
Air traffic control is a service provided by ground-based controllers who direct aircraft on the ground and in the air. The primary purpose of ATC systems worldwide is to separate aircraft to prevent collisions, to organize and expedite the flow of traffic, and to provide information and other...
(ATC), including Ground to Air Map Marking. Pathfinder students will be taught proper MEDEVAC Procedures and be capable of calling in a 9-Line MEDEVAC request. Students will be taught the proper application of Close Air Support
Close air support
In military tactics, close air support is defined as air action by fixed or rotary winged aircraft against hostile targets that are close to friendly forces, and which requires detailed integration of each air mission with fire and movement of these forces.The determining factor for CAS is...
(CAS) and learn how to implement it in the Ground Unit Commander's Tactical Plan. The student will be taught the fundamentals of Sling Load Operations and be certified to rig and inspect Sling Loads
Cargo hooks
Cargo hooks allow helicopters to transport external loads while in flight. Common terms for this kind of work include slingwork, underslung loads, external loadwork, external load operations, among others...
. Students will be taught how to plan and establish Helicopter Landing Zones (HLZ) for day and nighttime operations.
Week 2
Students will be taught how to establish and operate HLZ/PZs. Students will be taught to establish day/night DZs (CARP, GMRP, and VIRS) for the insertion of personnel and equipment. Students will understand the 8 Selection Factors for selecting a Drop ZoneDrop zone
A drop zone is a place where parachutists or parachuted supplies land. It can be an area targeted for landing by paratroopers, or a base from which recreational parachutists and skydivers take off in aircraft and land under parachutes...
and the duties and responsibilities of the Drop Zone Support Team Leader (DZSTL). Students will complete the Basic Airborne Refresher
United States Army Airborne School
The United States Army Airborne School — widely known as Jump School — conducts the basic paratrooper training for the United States armed forces. It is operated by the 1st Battalion , 507th Infantry, United States Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia...
(if applicable) and will be taught how to perform the duties of the GTA during a VIRS drop.
Week 3
Students will gain technical competence on the static load/unload procedures for a UH-60Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk
The UH-60 Black Hawk is a four-bladed, twin-engine, medium-lift utility helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft. Sikorsky submitted the S-70 design for the United States Army's Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System competition in 1972...
and will be able to perform the duties in every position of the Sling Load Hook-up Team. Students will demonstrate the knowledge they have been taught during the course during the FTX, during which they are evaluated as a Team Leader/Assistant Team Leader and Ground to Air/Internal Net Recorder. Students will demonstrate proficiency in all areas of Pathfinder Operations and meet all graduation requirements.
Graduation
Graduates from the US Army Pathfinder School are awarded the coveted Pathfinder BadgePathfinder Badge (United States)
The Pathfinder Badge is a military badge of the United States Army awarded to soldiers who successfully complete the U.S. Army Pathfinder School at Fort Benning, Georgia...
. It is important to note that in addition to all the requirements for completing the course, there is an additional requirement to be awarded the Pathfinder Badge: the candidate Pathfinder must view “a suspended object falling from the sky” (i.e. a door bundle, jumper, heavy equipment, etc.). Failure to meet this requirement will result in the student graduating with a certificate instead of a Pathfinder badge.
Special Recognition
Col. Robert L. Howard AwardThe Col. Robert L. Howard Award is awarded to the Distinguished Honor Graduate (DHG) of the Pathfinder class will be awarded to graduate with the highest overall grade point average with first time "gos" in every event.
Instructor of the Cycle
The title of Instructor of the Cycle will be awarded to the Instructor that the students and Instructors vote had the greatest positive impact throughout the course of training. The selection will be approved by the HHC 1-507th Company Commander and Company First Sergeant.
Instructors
Instructors at the U.S. Army Pathfinder School are the famed and feared "Black Hats," named for the Black Baseball caps they wear as a part of their garrison uniform. The Black Hat is a symbol of expertise, awarded to Airborne, Jumpmaster and Pathfinder Instructors who are certified to teach others how to properly conduct airborne operations.Students
Pathfinders students are drawn primarily from the U.S. Army, but its sister services send students as well. For all prospective students, an assignment in a billet requiring Pathfinder skills is generally required. In the Army, prospective students would most likely be assigned to Pathfinder units, like those found in the 101st and 82nd Airborne. In the Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps, prospective students would most likely be assigned to a units conducting drop zone operations, helicopter operations or special operations units.See Also
- PathfinderPathfinder-Aerospace:* Pathfinder , orbiter vehicle simulator for the U.S. Space Shuttle program* Mars Pathfinder, a space exploration probe* NASA Pathfinder, an unmanned solar-powered aircraft* Piper Cherokee Pathfinder, a light, piston-powered aircraft...
- 1st Battalion (Airborne), 507th Infantry Regiment
- U.S. Army Basic Airborne CourseUnited States Army Airborne SchoolThe United States Army Airborne School — widely known as Jump School — conducts the basic paratrooper training for the United States armed forces. It is operated by the 1st Battalion , 507th Infantry, United States Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia...
- U.S. Army Jumpmaster SchoolUnited States Army Jumpmaster SchoolThe United States Army Jumpmaster School trains personnel in the skills necessary to jumpmaster a combat-equipped jump and the proper attaching, jumping, and releasing of combat and individual equipment while participating in an actual jump that is proficient in the duties and responsibilities of...
- U.S. Army Command Exhibition Parachute Team - Silver Wings
External links
- US Army Pathfinder School Official Websitehttps://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/199th/airborne/pathfinder.htm
- Fort Benning Official Websitehttp://www.benning.army.mil/
- 199th Infantry Brigade Official Websitehttp://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/199th/
- U.S. Army Official Accessions Websitehttp://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/199th/
- U.S. Army Official Homepagehttp://www.army.mil
- Lineage & Honors for the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 507th Infantry Regimenthttp://www.history.army.mil/html/forcestruc/lineages/branches/inf/0507in001bn.htm
- Insignia of the 507th Infantry Regimenthttp://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Heraldry/ArmyDUISSICOA/ArmyHeraldryUnit.aspx?u=3737http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Heraldry/ArmyBFBT/ArmyBFBTUnit.aspx?u=4927