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The Pathfinder Platoon
Pathfinder Platoon Tactical Identification (Colloquially Drop Zone) Flash
Active	1985
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Tri-Service
Type	Advanced Force
Role	Reconnaissance
Size	30+ Men
Garrison/HQ	Colchester, England
Nickname	"The P.F." "Phantom Platoon" "The Finder men"
Motto	First In"

The Pathfinder Platoon is an special reconnaissance force who are an integral element of the UKs rapid deployment force, 16 Air Assault Brigade. Image File history File links Unbalanced_scales. ... Image File history File links Circle-question. ... Image File history File links Pathfinderdzflash. ... 1985 (MCMLXXXV) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Motto: (French for God and my right) Anthem: Multiple unofficial anthems Capital London Largest city London Official language(s) English (de facto) Unification    - by Athelstan AD 927  Area    - Total 130,395 km² (1st in UK)   50,346 sq mi  Population    - 2005 est. ... Mixed reconnaissance patrol of the Polish Home Army and the Soviet Red Army during Operation Tempest, 1944 Reconnaissance is the military term for the active gathering of information about an enemy, or other conditions, by physical observation. ... The 16 Air Assault Brigade (16 AAB) is a unit of the British Army It was formed as part of the defence reforms implemented by the Strategic Defence Review on 1 September 1999 by the merging of 24th Airmobile Brigade and elements of 5th Airborne Brigade. ...

Formed in 1985, to conduct intelligence gathering and battlespace preparation operations behind enemy lines including the identification and marking of parachute drop zones (DZ's) for 5 Airborne Brigade, it now serves a far wider spectrum of roles^{[citation needed]} due to its extreme versitility and is fully capable of taking on any number of mission profiles. The Apollo 15 capsule landed safely despite a parachute failure. ...

Function

Their current roles include:

• Collection of intelligence behind enemy lines as part of the ISTAR matrix.^{[citation needed]}
• Destruction of high priority targets behind enemy lines.^{[citation needed]}
• Protecting senior military dignitaries.^{[citation needed]}
• Training UK and UK friendly armed forces in long range patrol skills.^{[citation needed]}
• Conducting Hearts and Minds doctrine operations.^{[citation needed]}

Intelligence (abbreviated or ) is the process and the result of gathering information and analyzing it to answer questions or obtain advance warnings needed to plan for the future. ... Istar is a fictional city set in the fantasy world of Krynn, in the Dragonlance novels by TSR. Istar is also a type of diagram (sometimes written as i*). Categories: Stub ... Hearts and Minds refers to two separate Vietnam War related subjects. ...

History

World War 2

In 1942, the 21st Independent Parachute company was formed with the task of 'pathfinding' around war torn Europe and was a unique concept at that point. The concept of pathfinding had been pioneered by Major John Lander who set about raising a company of hand picked volunteers drawn from the Parachute Regiment. The operational role of the Pathfinders was to arrive at the drop zones half an hour in advance of the main body of airborne troops in order to set up beacons to pin-point the dropping area for the advancing aircraft, to clear any obstacles from the zone that would impede the gliders, and also to lightly secure the immediate area from enemy interference. During World War II, the Company saw action on a range of theatres including Sicily and Italy, although during Operation Market Garden where the Company awarded the Distinguished Service Order, a Distinguished Conduct Medal, two Military Crosses, five Military Medals, a Dutch Bronze Lion. Lieutenant General Sir Frederick Arthur Montague Browning wrote to the Company Commander and said: "I have heard on every side how outstandingly your Company has done. To have earned this special praise from such gallant a body can only mean one thing - that your unit is unsurpassed by any other in the world. Please tell your chaps what a terrific reputation they have earned."^[1] 1942 (MCMXLII) was a common year starting on Thursday (the link is to a full 1942 calendar). ... The Apollo 15 capsule landed safely despite a parachute failure. ... Look up company in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... World map showing Europe A satellite composite image of Europe Europe is one of the seven traditional continents of the Earth. ... The Parachute Regiments display team, the Red Devils at an American airshow The Parachute Regiment is the main body of elite airborne troops of the British Army. ... Drop zone in Empuriabrava, Catalonia In parachuting, a Drop zone is the area above and around a location where a skydiver or parachutist freefalls and expects to land. ... Look up airborne in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... This page discusses Beacons, fires designed to attract attention. ... An Airbus A380, currently the worlds largest airliner An aircraft is any vehicle or craft capable of atmospheric flight. ... Gliders are un-powered heavier-than-air aircraft. ... Combatants Major Allied powers: United Kingdom Soviet Union United States Republic of China and others Major Axis powers: Nazi Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Harry Truman Chiang Kai-Shek Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tojo Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead... Look up company in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Sicily (Sicilia in Italian and Sicilian, Σικελία in Greek) is an autonomous region of Italy and the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, with an area of 25,700 km² and 5 million inhabitants. ... Combatants United Kingdom United States Poland Germany Commanders Bernard Montgomery Gerd von Rundstedt Strength XXX Corps, 35,000 airborne 20,000 Casualties 17,000 casualties 8,000 casualties Operation Market Garden (September 17-September 25, 1944) was an Allied military operation in World War II. Its tactical objectives were to... Look up company in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... DSO medal The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) is a military decoration of the United Kingdom, and formerly of other Commonwealth countries, awarded for meritorious or distinguished service by officers of the armed forces during wartime, typically in actual combat. ... Source: Veterans Affairs Canada The Distinguished Conduct Medal was (until 1993) a military decoration awarded to personnel of the British Army, and formerly also to personnel of the armies of other Commonwealth countries, below the rank of Warrant Officer, for conspicuous bravery in the battlefield. ... Military Cross The Military Cross is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the British Army, and formerly also to officers of the armies of other Commonwealth countries, for distinguished and meritorious services in battle. ... The Military Medal was (until 1993) a military decoration awarded to personnel of the British Army and other services, and formerly also to personnel of other Commonwealth countries, below commissioned rank, for bravery in battle on land. ... Lieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. ... Browning as Commander, Airborne Corps. ... Look up company in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Look up company in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

1945-1990's

After the war, the 21st Independent Company travelled to Norway with Divisional HQ and the 1st Airlanding Brigade to oversee the German surrender. Look up company in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

Thereafter they joined the 6th Airborne Division to serve in Palestine. The 21st Independent Parachute Company was disbanded here in September 1946, and its men were divided amongst the 6th Airborne Division. The role was then taken up by the Guards Independent Parachute Company up until 1977 when they became augmented into the Special Air Service as G (Guards) Squadron.^{[citation needed]} The 6th Airborne Division was an airborne unit of the British Army during World War II. Formation The division was formed in the United Kingdom on 3 May 1943, during the Second World War. ... The Holy Land or Palestine Showing not only the Old Kingoms of Judea and Israel but also the 12 Tribes Distinctly, and Confirming Even the Diversity of the Locations of their Ancient Positions and Doing So as the Holy Scriptures Indicate, a geographic map from the studio of Tobiae Conradi... The 6th Airborne Division was an airborne unit of the British Army during World War II. Formation The division was formed in the United Kingdom on 3 May 1943, during the Second World War. ... The Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) is the principal special forces organisation of the British Armed Forces. ... A Squadron is a small unit or formation of cavalry, aircraft (including balloons), or naval vessels. ...

In 1981, 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment again saw the need for a pathfinding troops and resurrected C (Patrols) Company, its strength was only that of a platoon.^{[citation needed]} Symbol of the Austrian 14th Armoured Battalion in NATO military graphic symbols A battalion is a military unit usually consisting of between two and six companies and typically commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel. ... The Parachute Regiments display team, the Red Devils at an American airshow The Parachute Regiment is the main body of elite airborne troops of the British Army. ... Look up company in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

16 soldiers took part in a selection cadre for the new Patrols platoon. It had the same role as the original pathfinders of World War II.^{[citation needed]} Platoon is a term from military science. ... Combatants Major Allied powers: United Kingdom Soviet Union United States Republic of China and others Major Axis powers: Nazi Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Harry Truman Chiang Kai-Shek Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tojo Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead...

They were tasked with parachuting into and securing a drop zone, they would then dig in and perform reconnaissance duties. They became the Regiment's "eyes and ears".^{[citation needed]} Drop zone in Empuriabrava, Catalonia In parachuting, a Drop zone is the area above and around a location where a skydiver or parachutist freefalls and expects to land. ... Mixed reconnaissance patrol of the Polish Home Army and the Soviet Red Army during Operation Tempest, 1944 Reconnaissance is the military term for the active gathering of information about an enemy, or other conditions, by physical observation. ... A regiment is a military unit, consisting of a group of battalions, usually four and commanded by a colonel. ...

In 1982, 2 Para's C (Patrols) Company was broken up into two platoons (it was now at company strength): the Patrol Platoon and the Recce Platoon and were used to effect in the 1982, Falklands war.^{[citation needed]} Look up company in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Platoon is a term from military science. ... Look up company in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Platoon is a term from military science. ... Platoon is a term from military science. ... The Falkland Islands are an overseas territory of the United Kingdom in the South Atlantic consisting of two main islands known as East Falkland and West Falkland and a number of smaller islands. ...

In 1985, it was deemed that 5th Airborne Brigade (now 16 Air Assault Brigade) needed its own independent, intelligence gathering troops and so they formed the current 'Pathfinder Platoon' from the best troops within 1, 2 and 3 PARA's Patrol platoons.^{[citation needed]} The 16 Air Assault Brigade (16 AAB) is a unit of the British Army It was formed as part of the defence reforms implemented by the Strategic Defence Review on 1 September 1999 by the merging of 24th Airmobile Brigade and elements of 5th Airborne Brigade. ... Platoon is a term from military science. ...

The Platoon soon started to take shape and flourished in it's independent status although Ministry of Defence would see the arrangement as unofficial and so led to a long period where by they were dependent on the so-called Black Economy.^{[citation needed]} Platoon is a term from military science. ... This articles deals with the British ministry, see defence minister for other countries. ...

Two years after their formation, they came under the command of an ex-Special Air Service officer who redesigned the selection cadre into the version that is still in place today.^{[citation needed]} The Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) is the principal special forces organisation of the British Armed Forces. ... Officer may refer to: Holders of an office Academia Chief Academic Officer · Sabbatical officer Military Officer (armed forces) Officers Training Corps · Reserve Officers Training Corps Corporate Law enforcement Customs officer · Peace officer · Police officer · Prison officer · Probation officer Politics and government Chief medical officer · Political commissar · Presiding Officer · Returning Officer...

His vision was to take recruits from throughout the Airborne Brigade and put them through a process which would be more intensive than the 'aptitude phase' of SAS Selection whilst introduce them to the particluer skills required for Pathfinding.^{[citation needed]}

This led to protests of elitism from some ranks and the pass rate was poor although in time this increased and on reflection, many members went on to Special Forces having passed with relative ease.^{[citation needed]}

During the early 1990's, the net of recruitment was widened to all services within HM Forces although at this time no recruit from outside the British Army has completed 'The Cadre'. The British Army is the land armed forces branch of the British Armed Forces. ...

Operation Agricola, Kosovo

In June 1999, the platoon were the first NATO troops to deploy into enemy territory during the Kosovo war.^{[citation needed]} Platoon is a term from military science. ... NATO 2002 Summit in Prague The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation[1] (NATO), also called the North Atlantic Alliance, the Atlantic Alliance or the Western Alliance, is an international organisation for collective security established in 1949, in support of the North Atlantic Treaty signed in Washington, DC, on 4 April 1949. ... The term Kosovo War or Kosovo Conflict is often used to describe two sequential and at times parallel armed conflicts (a civil war followed by an international war) in the southern Serbian province called Kosovo (officially Kosovo and Metohia), part of the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. ...

Their mission during the initial phase was to act as the "eyes and ears" for NATO commanders. The soldiers deployed onto the flanks along the Kacanik defile to provide early warning and protection in case of any Serbian military counter attacks directed towards the NATO forces heading towards the capital, Pristina.^{[citation needed]} Motto: none Anthem: Bože pravde (English: God of Justice) Capital (and largest city) Belgrade Serbian, cyrillic script1 Government Republic  - Prime Minister Vojislav KoÅ¡tunica  - President Boris Tadić Establishment    - Formation 814   - First Serbian Uprising 1804   - Internationally recognized July 13, 1878   - Kingdom of SCS created December 1, 1918   - SCG dissolved June... NATO 2002 Summit in Prague The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation[1] (NATO), also called the North Atlantic Alliance, the Atlantic Alliance or the Western Alliance, is an international organisation for collective security established in 1949, in support of the North Atlantic Treaty signed in Washington, DC, on 4 April 1949. ... Prishtinë/Prishtina (Albanian indefinite/definite form) or Priština (Приштина) (Serbian) is the capital city of Kosovo, a landlocked province of Serbia located at 42°65′ N 21°17′ E. It is estimated that the current population of Prishtina is...

Troops were then quickly re-roled and tasked to for a defensive screen around Pristina Airfield prior to the arrival of the pro-Serbian, Russian forces.^{[citation needed] [2]}

Operation Pallister, Sierra Leone

The Pathfinder Platoon deployed into Operation Pallister in May 2000 and gained the worlds attention for a gun battle that took place in the village of Lungi Loi located 40 miles (60 km) from the main UN base at Lungi Airport.^{[citation needed]}

The large squad RUF guerrillas approached the village under the cover of darkness unaware of the number of Pathfinders located in defensive positions in and around the village. Using their Night vision goggles (NVG's) the Pathfinders unleashed a wall of fire at the enemy, killing 4. The platoon swept the area at day break following the large number of blood trails but to no avail. Intelligence reports found that the number of dead was far greater than initially thought and numbers in excess of 30 dead RUF were reported.^{[citation needed]} Ruf is an automobile company located in Germany that bases its vehicle designs on Porsche sports cars, namely the 911 and the Boxster. ... Distinguish from the type of ape called a gorilla. ... Experimental night vision goggles. ...

There were no British casualties although one villager was hit by RUF fire but whose life was saved by a PF medic.^{[citation needed]}

A member of the platoon was awarded the Military Cross (MC) for his actions in the gun battle.^{[citation needed]}

Operation Essential Harvest, Macedonia

With the rise in ethnic tension overspilling in to violence in Republic of Macedonia between ethnic Albanian, National Liberation Army (NLA) and Macedonian security forces, the British government sent a force comprising of troops from United Kingdom Special Forces and 16 Air Assault Brigade to oversee a NATO led ceasefire.^{[citation needed]} Anthem: Transliteration: English: Capital (and largest city) Skopje Macedonian, Albanian1 Government Parliamentary republic  - President Branko Crvenkovski  - Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski Independence from Yugoslavia   - Declared September 8, 1991  Area  - Total 25,333 km² (148th) 9,779 sq mi   - Water (%) 1. ... National Liberation Army is the name of several groups: National Liberation Army of Albania Macedoinian National Liberation Army Algerian National Liberation Army National Liberation Army (Bolivia). ... The United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF) is an umbrella directorate overseeing the Special Forces units of the British Armed Forces. ... The 16 Air Assault Brigade (16 AAB) is a unit of the British Army It was formed as part of the defence reforms implemented by the Strategic Defence Review on 1 September 1999 by the merging of 24th Airmobile Brigade and elements of 5th Airborne Brigade. ... NATO 2002 Summit in Prague The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation[1] (NATO), also called the North Atlantic Alliance, the Atlantic Alliance or the Western Alliance, is an international organisation for collective security established in 1949, in support of the North Atlantic Treaty signed in Washington, DC, on 4 April 1949. ...

The Pathfinders worked alongside UKSF to monitor the uneasy truce in the mountainous regions overwatching the capital, Skopje. Skopje (Macedonian: Скопје) is the capital and largest city in Macedonia, with more than a quarter of the population of the country, as well as the political, cultural, economical and academic centre of the country. ...

Operation Veritas, Afghanistan

After the terrorist attack on the twin towers in New York the Pathfinder Platoon readied themselves for the impending retaliational attack on the Taliban heartland of Afghanistan.^{[citation needed]} This article is becoming very long. ... Official language(s) English de facto Capital Albany Largest city New York City Area  Ranked 27th  - Total 54,520 sq mi (141,205 km²)  - Width 285 miles (455 km)  - Length 330 miles (530 km)  - % water 13. ... Flag flown by the Taliban. ...

The troops were augmented into the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and deployed into Bagram Airfield on December 2001. Their role was to establish links with local Warlords, Afghan security force commanders and military figureheads so as to establish nationally led policing structure without leaving a power vacume in the capital.^{[citation needed]} one of many ISAFs military bases in Afghanistan. ... Aromatic vials in the shape of Greek gods, Begram, 2nd century. ...

Operation Telic, Iraq

The platoon deployed en mass into Kuwait desert as soon as it appeared that a war with Iraq was imminent.^{[citation needed]} The primary mission for the teams was to conduct mobile surveillence/fighting patrols into the area known as the Tigris-Euphrates salt marsh in advance of the main UK forces. Once in position, reports would be sent to the UK and US military who were advancing to the north to Baghdad, on the Pathfinders' western flank. Fast jets were on call and should Iraqi forces conduct any counter attacks into the area of the coalition forces, then the Forward Air Controllers within the teams would co-ordinate air strikes onto the enemy positions.^{[citation needed]} The Tigris River (Arabic: دجلة Dijla, Hebrew: חדקל ḥiddeqel, Kurdish: Dîjle, Pahlavi: Tigr, Old Persian: Tigrā-, Syriac: ܕܩܠܬ Deqlath, Turkish: Dicle, Akkadian: Idiqlat) is the eastern member of the pair of great rivers that define Mesopotamia, along with the Euphrates, which flows from the mountains of Anatolia through Iraq (the name Mesopotamia... The Euphrates (the traditional Greek name, Arabic: الفرات Al-Furat, Armenian: ÔµÖƒÖ€Õ¡Õ¿ Yeá¹—rat, Hebrew: פְּרָת Perath, Kurdish: Ferat, Azeri: FÉ™rat, Old Persian: Ufrat, Syriac: ܦܪܘܬ or ܦܪܬ Frot or Prâth, Turkish: Fırat, Akkadian: Pu-rat-tu) is the westernmost of the two great rivers that define Mesopotamia (the other being the... United States may refer to: Places: United States of America SS United States, the fastest ocean liner ever built. ... Baghdad ( translit: ) is the capital of Iraq and of Baghdad Governorate. ...

In the intial outbreak of war, it was planned to drop an 8 man HALO team into the disused airfield, Qal At Sukkar, deep in enemy held territory.^{[citation needed]} They would then orchastrate the insertion of a large scale heli-landing force who could use the site as a platform for the final drive into Baghdad. However this was aborted due to intelligence reports of a high level threat from Surface-to-air missiles (SAM's)in the area.^{[citation needed]} Image File history File linksMetadata Len02. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Len02. ... Look up halo in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Baghdad ( translit: ) is the capital of Iraq and of Baghdad Governorate. ... Akash Missile Firing French Air Force Crotale battery Bendix Rim-8 Talos surface to air missile of the US Navy A surface-to-air missile (SAM) is a missile designed to be launched from the ground to destroy aircraft. ...

In cessation of hostilities in Iraq, the PF carried out a number of tasks including the monitoring and appehension of war criminals in the Maysan province as well as patrolling the porous Iraq/Iran border.^{[citation needed]} Image File history File linksMetadata Len07. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Len07. ...

During the war, the Platoon members were awarded a Military Cross (MC) and five were Mentioned in Dispatches (MID) for bravery behind enemy lines.^{[citation needed]} Image File history File linksMetadata Len06. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Len06. ... Military Cross The Military Cross is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the British Army, and formerly also to officers of the armies of other Commonwealth countries, for distinguished and meritorious services in battle. ... Mentioned in Dispatches (MID) is a military award for gallantry or otherwise commendable service. ...

Operation Herrick,Afghanistan

The Platoon was again, thrust into the relative glare of the media spotlight during the recent deployment to the southen, Afghan province of Helmand alongside the British 3 PARA Battle Group.^{[citation needed]} Helmand province is one of the thirty-four provinces of Afghanistan. ...

The Pathfinders first mission was a five day deployment on a pursuit of Taliban militants across this rugged landscape. The hunt culminated in their first engagement with the Taliban since 3,300 British troops arrived in Helmand province.^{[citation needed]} Flag flown by the Taliban. ... Flag flown by the Taliban. ...

On May 17, they received a distress call from a local Afghan police force consisting of 100 in the town of Musa Qala who had been cornered by a much greater force of Taliban fighters.^{[citation needed]} Flag flown by the Taliban. ...

By May 19, the Pathfinders joined the policemen in a counterattack in Taliban held territory. From there, a US B-1 Lancer bomber and A-10 's were directed by PF forward air controllers onto Taliban positions. They were then supplemented by French Super Etendards from the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier in the Indian Ocean.^{[citation needed]} Flag flown by the Taliban. ... United States may refer to: Places: United States of America SS United States, the fastest ocean liner ever built. ... The A-10/OA-10 Thunderbolt II, often known as the Warthog, is the first US Air Force aircraft specifically designed for close air support of ground forces. ... Flag flown by the Taliban. ... The Dassault Super Etendard is a French carrier-borne strike fighter in service with the French and Argentine Navy. ... The Charles de Gaulle (R91) is the tenth aircraft carrier in service with the French Marine Nationale, and the first French nuclear surface vessel. ...

The men then set out on a four-day mission to a town in the north of Helmand province in Afghanistan ended up spending 52 days under siege by the Taliban. 25 men , who have been first into several Taliban-held areas during the British deployment in southern Afghanistan, came under such ferocious attack that they were forced to stay in Musa Qala fighting almost daily battles.^{[citation needed]}

The group was supposed to be reinforced by a company of 120 paratroops but they had to be diverted to the town of Sangin when they came under heavy assault by Taleban insurgents.^{[citation needed]}

The platoon were finally replaced in Musa Qala when 500 British troops, in a mission codenamed Operation Snakebite — the largest so far in Helmand — broke through Taleban lines.^{[citation needed]}

Command, control and organisation

The Pathfinder Platoon is a Brigade asset and directly attached to Headquarters 16 Air Assault Brigade, with the Officer Commanding reporting directly to the Brigade Commander and operating alongside the Brigade Headquarters element.^{[citation needed]} Brigade is a term from military science which refers to military echelon under a division, above a regiment where that exists as such, nowadays often a group of several battalions (typically two to four), and directly attached supporting units (normally including at least an artillery battery and additional logistic support). ... The 16 Air Assault Brigade (16 AAB) is a unit of the British Army It was formed as part of the defence reforms implemented by the Strategic Defence Review on 1 September 1999 by the merging of 24th Airmobile Brigade and elements of 5th Airborne Brigade. ... The Officer Commanding (OC) is the commander of a sub-unit or minor unit (smaller than battalion size) in British and Commonwealth military usage. ... Brigade is a term from military science which refers to military echelon under a division, above a regiment where that exists as such, nowadays often a group of several battalions (typically two to four), and directly attached supporting units (normally including at least an artillery battery and additional logistic support). ... Brigade is a term from military science which refers to military echelon under a division, above a regiment where that exists as such, nowadays often a group of several battalions (typically two to four), and directly attached supporting units (normally including at least an artillery battery and additional logistic support). ...

OC Pathfinder Platoon is a senior Captain or Major, and an Operations Warrant Officer (WO2) is his second in command. This article concerns the rank and title of Captain. ... Major is a military rank the use of which varies according to country. ... A Warrant Officer (WO) is a member of a military organization holding one of a specific group of ranks. ...

A Captain and the Platoon Sergeant deploy into the field as part of the Field Headquarters team.^{[citation needed]}

Selection and training

Pathfinder Platoon is a tri-service organisation and therefore open for recruitment to all serving members of the British Armed Forces.^{[citation needed]} The majority of the current manning is from the three battalions of the Parachute Regiment although men have been drawn from the following units: The armed forces of the United Kingdom are known as the British Armed Forces or Her Majestys Armed Forces, officially the Armed Forces of the Crown. ...

Candidates from both the Royal Marines and Royal Air Force Regiment attempted the selection course during the mid 1990's but both students were unsuccessful.^{[citation needed]} His/Her Majestys Royal Marines, also known as the Royal Marines (RM), are the Royal Navys Light Infantry, the United Kingdoms amphibious force and specialists in Arctic and Mountain Warfare. ... The Royal Air Force (RAF) is the air force branch of the British Armed Forces. ...

The selection process is known as The Cadre and takes place over 5 consecutive weeks in the Brecon Beacons, South Wales.^{[citation needed]} Part of the Brecon Beacons, looking from the highest point Pen y Fan, 886 m (2907 feet), to Cribyn, 795 m (2608 feet) The Brecon Beacons (Welsh: Bannau Brycheiniog) are a mountain range located in the south-east of Wales. ... Motto: (Welsh for Wales forever) Anthem: Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau Capital Cardiff Largest city Cardiff Official language(s) English, Welsh Government Constitutional monarchy  - Queen Queen Elizabeth II  - Prime Minister Tony Blair MP  - First Minister Rhodri Morgan AM Unification    - by Gruffudd ap Llywelyn 1056  Area    - Total 20,779 km² (3rd in...

All candidates are already experienced personnel, with the majority already Parachute Qualified or having completed Pre Parachute Selection Course, Pegasus (P) Company.

The Cadre includes 4 phases:

Fitness and Navigation - Group

Phase 1 begins with the standard British Army fitness tests including Battle Fitness Test and swimming proficiency and includes the tests undertaken during P Company; '2 Miler' (3 km), '8 Miler' (13 km) and '10 Miler' (16 km) speed marches carrying SA-80 rifle and Bergen but with more demanding time objectives and at greater weight loads.^{[citation needed]} British soldier with L85 in the 1991 Gulf War British soldier with L85 SA80 (Small Arms for 1980s) is a family of related arms that include the British Armys standard combat rifle. ...

Candidates are trained in navigation and signals in the HF, VHF and UHF ranges, enabling them to proceed onto the next phase. ^{[citation needed]}

Fitness and Navigation - Individual

Phase 2 consists of a series of long, solo marches over the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains and Elan Valley carrying heavy weights.

This phase is based on that carried out UKSF selection^{[citation needed]} with progress hampered by inclement weather and poor conditions underfoot. United Kingdom Special Forces Selection is the selection and training process for members of the United Kingdoms three Special Forces formations; Special Air Service, Special Boat Service and Special Reconnaissance Regiment. ...

Progress is at a minimum 4 km/h with patrols covering an average of 29km with a 60 pound bergen and rifle.

Foot injuries and blisters are common, creating a psychological challenge and the loss rate at this stage in training is high.

The final challenge in this phase is a 40 mile (60 km) tab taking in all the highest peaks in the Southern Wales region.^{[citation needed]} Yomp is Royal Marines slang describing a long distance march carrying full kit. ...

Patrol Skills

Following the physical buildup candidates enter the skills phase, starting with a revision of basic fieldcraft and tactics before progressing onto reconnaissance training.

Candidates will be introduced to the operation of a 4-6 man team in a deep reconnaissance, rather than infantry fire team, role; moving with covertly inside hostile territory, establishing and sustaining an observation post(OP).^{[citation needed]}

Other skills taught include an introduction into small group contact drills, basic demolition comprising of improvised Claymore mines, entry, shaped and cutting charges., covert helicopter procedures, ambushes and direct action tasks.

These skills build on the candidates existing military skills as an experienced individual.

Live Firing/Demolition Training

A consolidation of the patrolliong and engagement skills is undertaken in the final operations phase, using live ammunition and munitions.

Starting with 1-2 man drills before moving to patrol drills of 4-6 and culminating in platoon-sized direct action assaults and ambush drills.^{[citation needed]}

Combat Survival and Resistance to Interrogation

The final stage is a Combat Survival package, introducing personnel to survival skills, escape and evasion (E & E) tactics and resistance to interrogation.^{[citation needed]}

The final element is an escape and evasion exercise with personnel dressed in greatcoats to slow them down.comprises of improvised Claymore mines, entry, shaped and cutting charges. For the Walt Disney Company film, see Trenchcoat (movie). ...

Personnel seek to avoid capture by the Hunter Force, usually comprising Parachute Regiment or Gurkha soldiers. The Parachute Regiments display team, the Red Devils at an American airshow The Parachute Regiment is the main body of elite airborne troops of the British Army. ... Gurkha, also spelt as Gorkha, are people from Nepal who take their name from the eighth century Hindu warrior-saint Guru Gorakhnath. ...

Personnel captured, or on reaching the final objective, are subjected to a tactical questioning activity by qualified interrogators.

Completion

Upon successful completion of the Cadre personnel are presented with their Pathfinder flash and join the trained strength of the Platoon.

The first twelve months are probationary and involves significant levels of continuation and development training in order to fully contribute to the Platoon.

Those who are deemed not to be achieving the standard required are returned to their parent unit.^{[citation needed]}

Security

Due to the nature of operating behind enemy lines, Pathfinders along with UKSF, other deep battlespace patrol units and aircrew are designated 'Prone to capture'. Should these troops fall into enemy hands, all affiliations with the unit are denied.^{[citation needed]} For this reason the platoon strives to avoid courting publicity and keep serving soldiers faces out of the lens.

Insertion Skills

Basic Para

Upon completion of the Cadre, non-Parachute trained troops are sent to RAF Brize Norton to complete the All Arms Basic Parachute course, jumping with the Irvin GQ L.L.P. (Low Level Parachute) at between 800 and 1,000 ft both day and night. RAF Brize Norton is a Royal Air Force station in Oxfordshire about 50 miles west of London, England, United Kingdom. ...

Once completed, troops are awarded their Basic Parachute Wings Badge.

HALO Parachuting

Personnel are now eligible to attend the Military Freefall (M.F.F.) course along with RAF jumpmasters and SAS Air Troop soldiers. RAF is an three letter acronym for: Royal Air Force -- the Air Force of the United Kingdom (see also Air Ministry) Red Army Faction (Rote Armee Fraktion) -- a German terror organisation Rigas Autobusu Fabrika -- a factory making buses in Riga, Latvia Rapid Action Force in India Računarski Fakultet RAF... The Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) is the principal special forces organisation of the British Armed Forces. ...

This 6-week course takes place in the UK, South Africa or the USA and starts with an introduction into basic skydiving at 12,000 ft, before progressing onto the HALO phase where soldiers are dispatched out of a C-130 Hercules transport plane at an altitude of up to 25,000 ft, using a Irvin BT-80 multi-mission parachute carrying training loads of upto 80+ pounds of equipment. Look up halo in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop cargo aircraft and the main tactical airlifter for military forces worldwide. ...

Due to the high altitudes, all the soldiers and the aircrew are fitted onto an oxygen system once they pass above 12,000 ft, with the soldiers moving onto their own bottled system prior to jumping.

As the course advances, the soldiers master the ability of landing in tight groups at both day and night, in all weathers.

Upon completion of the HALO course, the Pathfinder then becomes an Advanced Military Parachutist. Look up halo in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

HAHO Parachuting

HAHO parachuting was introduced into the military as a way of inserting airborne troops into a location where there was a possibility that enemy air defence assets were in place. HALO/HAHO is a term used by the United States armed forces to describe a method of delivering personnel, equipment, and supplies from a transport aircraft at a high altitude via free-fall parachute insertion. ... Look up airborne in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

The HAHO method of insertion allows troops to be dispatched from an aircraft at an altitude in excess of 30,000 ft (9000 m) and glide via GPS to a pre-designated position at distances of up to 40+ miles (60 km) (dependent on wind speeds). HALO/HAHO is a term used by the United States armed forces to describe a method of delivering personnel, equipment, and supplies from a transport aircraft at a high altitude via free-fall parachute insertion. ... Over fifty GPS satellites such as this NAVSTAR have been launched since 1978. ...

Tandem Parachuting

Experienced jumpers are then given the oppertunity to attend the Military Tandem course upon completion of minimum of 200 decents. This course normally run alongside the MFF package. Jumpers have to master jumping with other personel and the progressing onto increasingly larger and heavier loads both day and night.

Mobility

Pathfinder troops are issued with the British Army, Land Rover 110 WMIK. The British Army is the land armed forces branch of the British Armed Forces. ... 80-inch Series I The Series I, II, and III and Defender are 4x4 models from Land Rover (except for a few 4x2 variants built for the Dutch Army, Royal Air Force and British Army). ...

These were introduced into the order of battle (ORBAT) so as to keep up to speed with the fast-flowing, modern battlefield.

These gunships are armed with 7.62 mm General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), MILAN Anti-Tank missiles and .50 inch (12.7 mm) calibre Heavy Machine Guns; which enables the teams to defend against an aggressor or be used as a fighting platform in an assault or fire support mode. Milan (Italian: Milano; Milanese: Milán (listen)) is the main city of northern Italy, located in the plains of Lombardy. ...

Training is carried out in a number of theatres including West Africa, Canada, Egypt, Jordan, Oman and Kuwait. Image File history File linksMetadata TELIC_029. ... Image File history File linksMetadata TELIC_029. ...

All members of the Pathfinders have to be proficient in cross-country driving and maintenance of all the vehicles in the fleet.^{[citation needed]}

Continuation Training

Due to the versatility of the platoon, many skills must be honed to perfection including medical, demolitions and signals.

Medics reach the highest level of proficiency as they can be used in many roles; from hearts and minds tasks to trauma management.

These skills are also put into practice in hospital placements around the UK.^{[citation needed]}

Sniping has become another recent additional skill and used in DZ/LZ defence and high-priority stikes.^{[citation needed]}

The learning process is on-going and new methods and skills are constantly being learned.

Pathfinders, especially in the early years, are constantly attending courses throughout the world and spend little time in the UK.

Moving on

Most Pathfinders stay in the platoon for 3-4 years before attempting UKSF selection.^{[citation needed]}

The Platoon has the highest pass rate of any unit in the British Army,^{[citation needed]} which is mainly due to the similarities between the two units including the selection process and tactics. The British Army is the land armed forces branch of the British Armed Forces. ...

Training with foreign units

The Pathfinders have forged special ties with many foreign units throughout the years. Cross training between many of the NATO armies is commonplace.

The platoon has worked closely with the Danish Jægerkorpset, Swedish Rangers, German Pathfinders, the U.S. Army's Rangers and the Pathfinders (or LRS) of the 82nd Airborne Division. Another close tie is with the GCP of the French Foreign Legion. Jægerkorpset (translated from Danish as The Hunter Corps or The Ranger Corps) is a Danish special forces unit, a part of the Royal Danish Army. ... The Army is the branch of the United States armed forces which has primary responsibility for land-based military operations. ... In general, a ranger is a keeper, guardian, or soldier that ranges over a region to protect the area or enforce law. ... The 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army was formed originally as the 82nd Infantry Division on August 25, 1917, at Camp Gordon, Georgia. ... The French Foreign Legion (French: Légion Étrangère) is a unique unit within the French Army established in 1831. ...

Miscellaneous information

In 1994, 2 of the Platoon's Mountain Leaders where sent in Low's Gully, Borneo (known as the 'Place Of The Dead) on a mission to rescue a 10-man British Army expedition team.^{[citation needed]} Borneo (left) and Sulawesi. ... The British Army is the land armed forces branch of the British Armed Forces. ...

The Pathfinders were the stars of the BBC television series, Defence Of The Realm, in 1996.

See also

• British Army
• Parachute Regiment
• British 16 Air Assault Brigade

The British Army is the land armed forces branch of the British Armed Forces. ... The Parachute Regiments display team, the Red Devils at an American airshow The Parachute Regiment is the main body of elite airborne troops of the British Army. ... The 16 Air Assault Brigade (16 AAB) is a unit of the British Army. ...

References

1. ^ http://www.pegasusarchive.org/arnhem/unit_hist.htm
2. ^ http://www.kosovo.mod.uk/brief170699.htm