Pathfinder Platoon

Pathfinder Platoon
Superior Department	Battalion HQ
HQ Staff
Lead	{{{DepLead}}}
Pathfinder Platoon Leader	2LT E. Geneva
Pathfinder Team Leader	[]
Pathfinder Team Leader	[]
3IC	{{{DepNCOIC}}}
Aide to S1 Administration	{{{DepAide}}}
Reporting Units

Pathfinders are the elements inserted before combat operations begin within an Area of Operations (AO) to perform reconnaissance, mark landing zones, and completely special mission-specific objectives that may arise during a deployment. Pathfinders are expected to be well-versed in enemy identification, stealth, land navigation and map reading along with military freefall skills. Prospective Pathfinders go through Pathfinder School in order to become qualified and capable members of the Pathfinder Platoon.

Mission

To be awarded the Pathfinder Badge, the soldier must complete Pathfinder School. The school instructs advanced land navigation, advanced reconnaissance, tactical air traffic control in the field, and the control of parachute operations; the badge is awarded on completing several examinations under Field Training Exercise (FTX) conditions. Examinations include proficiency in sling load rigging and execution, planning and execution of Helicopter Landing Zones (HLZ), Drop Zones (DZ), air traffic control operations, aerial delivery of troops and supplies, and several others various tasks. Pathfinders are expected to be capable of advanced military freefall and combat dives to infiltrate behind enemy lines, and prepare Alpha Company for Air Assault and Airborne operations. Pathfinders also brief Hotel Company before these operations and provide details on possible terrain and Anti-Aricraft Artillery (AAA) threat considerations.

Pathfinder Platoon Positions

The Pathfinder Platoon is structured to ensure proper chain of command is followed during combat operations.

Pathfinder Platoon Leader (2LT)

The Pathfinder Platoon Leader is responsible for ensuring the Pathfinder Platoon's mission is secure and the lines of communication to command are secure. Platoon Leaders shoulder the responsibility for the planning and make executive decisions on the ground in regards to the mission and objectives. This position is usually held by a Second Lieutenant or higher.

Pathfinder Team Leader (SGT)

Pathfinder Team Leaders execute the orders of the Platoon Leader and ensure that orders are followed. The situation within AOs change rapidly and the Team Leaders are responsible for ensuring that the Pathfinders themselves understand the situation and can properly adapt to them. Team Leaders are tasked with mapping out and communicating enemy positions and marking the any required helicopter landing zones. This position is usually held by a Sergeant or higher. This positions report directly to the Pathfinder Platoon Leader.

Pathfinder (PFC)

The Pathfinders are team members that are responsible for the actual reconnaissance and scouting that goes into a Pathfinder Operation. Pathfinders are expected to be well-versed in everything related to reconnaissance, scouting, stealth, and land navigation whilst also displaying high levels of competency and comprehension of their mission and objectives. This position is usually held by a Private First Class or higher.

Aviation

Warrant Officers

Aviation School

WO1 CW2 CW3 CW4 CW5 The Warrant Officer ranks within the unit are the symbol of Aviation. The symbol of one's winged pilot status. Those that hold the Warrant Officer rank are now the go-to when someone needs an aviator. It is their job to ensure they have the skills to accomplish this task. This is one's primary duty. Senior Warrant Officers' further responsibilities are to aid in the training of new aviators. To aid in their endeavors of becoming a Warrant Officer. Just as others gave you their aid in your training.

The U.S. Army Aviator Badge shall be awarded to soldiers who successfully complete flight training with the MOS 153A Rotary Wing Aviator and are inducted into the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). As an Aviation Trainee, you will be trained to a superior standard higher than regular forces, establishing and building upon your experience and expertise. You will be cross-trained in the craft of flight planning, advanced formation, all facets of communication, and all the roles of each airframe under your command!

Policies and Procedures

Pathfinder Platoon utilizes documents and procedures related to proper conduct in the field.

Document Number	Policy or Standard Operating Procedure
2NDRB-PP-001
2NDRB-PP-002

Regimental Policies and Procedures

2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment unit wide policies and procedures governing all personnel.

Document Number	Policy or Standard Operating Procedure
2NDRB-R-01	General Orders
2NDRB-R-02	Ranks & Insignias
2NDRB-R-03	Medals & Awards
2NDRB-R-04	Multi-Clan Policy
2NDRB-R-05	Attendance Policy
2NDRB-R-06	Discharge Policy
2NDRB-R-07	Disciplinary Policy