Special Operations.Com
5 Airborne Brigade
Pathfinder Platoon
Britain’s original Pathfinder unit
was raised during World War Two. The unit was disbanded
after the war, and its tasks were eventually assigned
to the patrol platoons of the Parachute Regiment.
In 1985 it was decided that 5 Airborne Brigade (5
AB)
needed a dedicated pathfinder unit. A new Pathfinder
Platoon was formed from volunteers.
The pathfinders primary task is
to secure and mark a Drop Zone (DZ) for the main assault
force. The platoon acts as 5 AB
“eyes” during deployment. Their secondary task is
to act as a medium reconnaissance unit for the brigade.
The unit is capable of conducting patrols up to 70km
in front of the brigade. Unit members are trained
to conduct ambushes and demolition operations, in
support of there mission.
Any male member
of the Army is eligible to volunteer for the platoon,
with most members coming from with 5 AB. Prospective pathfinders must complete a five week long selection
course, divided into four phases. Upon completion
of the selection phase, survivors, if not already
airborne qualified attend the basic airborne course
at RAF
Brize Norton. All unit members attain a basic military
free fall qualification. Successful graduates will
then be assigned to the platoon for a one year probation
period. Officers serve a two year tour, while NCO’s
and other ranks (ORs) serve for three years. Upon
completion of his initial tour, a pathfinder may volunteer
to extend his tour for another three years.
Once assigned to the platoon a
new pathfinder will receive training in combat medicine,
demolition, communications, survival, and jungle warfare.
The platoon conducts training in a number of environments,
and various exercises, to keep unit members skills
sharp. Many members use the experience that they have
gained as a stepping stone for joining the SAS.
Approximately
40 men are assigned to the platoon. The platoon is
commanded by a Captain, and subdivided into a headquarters
and two troops; Air Operations Troop and Mountain
Troop. Each troop is commanded by a lieutenant, and
broken down into four or five teams of four men. Air
troop members hold both HAHO
and HALO
qualifications, while Mountain troop members are only
qualified in HAHO operations.
The platoon
is outfitted with a wide range of equipment to help
theme complete there mission. In the event that insertion
by parachute, or infiltrating by foot is impractical,
the platoon is equipped with 12 highly modified Land
Rovers (similar to the SAS
Pink Panthers). Unit members are primarily armed with
US M-16s, M-16/M-203s, and FN MAG 7.62mm
GPMGs.
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