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The mission of the United States Army Pathfinder School is to train personnel in the U.S. Army and its sister sevices 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 the Computed Air Release System (CARP), the Ground Marked Release System (GMRS) and the Army Verbally Initiated Release System (VIRS), establish and operate parachute drop zones (DZ), 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 1-507th Parachute Infantry Brigade (PIR). The 1-507th PIR also oversees the doctrine and operation of the U.S. Army Basic Airborne Course and the U.S. Army Jumpmaster School.



Course Requirements
In order to attend United States Army Pathfinder School, the applicant must meet the following standards:
 * 1) Active Army / Reserve Component or National Guard Officer 2LT (O1) – CPT (O3), assigned to or en route to a billet requiring Pathfinder skills.
 * 2) Active Army / Reserve Component or National Guard enlisted personnel SPC (E4) – MSG (E8), assigned to or en route to a billet requiring Pathfinder skills. Applicant must have one of the following MOS codes: 11B, 11C, 11Z, 15Q (PFC – SFC), 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E, 19D, 21B, 68W, 77F, 88M, 92R, 92Y.
 * 3) Active Army / Reserve Component or National Guard Warrant Officers WO1 – WO3, assigned to or en route to a billet requiring Pathfinder skills. Applicants must have one of the following MOS codes: 180A, 921A.
 * 4) Active and Reserve Marine Corps Officers in logistics or combat arms, 2LT (O1) – CPT (O3), assigned to or en route to a billet requiring Pathfinder skills.
 * 5) Active and Reserve Marine Corps enlisted personnel in logistics or combat arms, SGT (E5) – GNSGT (E7),  assigned to or en route to a billet requiring Pathfinder skills
 * 6) Active and Reserve Air Force enlisted personnel serving as combat control team / forward air controllers, SGT (E5) – MSGT (E7).
 * 7) All applicants must have passed a valid Airborne Physical within the past five years with a minimum profile serial of 111121 and have no speech impediment.
 * 8) All applicants’ physical profiles must indicate they are “cleared to participate in airborne operations.”
 * 9) All applicants must have one year of service remaining on active duty upon completion of the course.

Course Pre-test
The applicant must complete the Pathfinder Pre-test, found in ATRRS (course number 071T01). Successful completion with an 80% or higher is required for admittance into the course. Once the applicant has completed the test he / she will have 180 days to attend the course. After 180 days the applicant must successfully retest. Reference material for the test is FM 3-21.38 (Pathfinder Operations).

Week 1
Students will in-process and receive Pathfinder orientation. Students will be taught the fundamentals of Air Traffic Control (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 certificed to rig inspect Sling Loads. 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 Zone 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.

Week 3
Students will gain technical competence on the static load / unload procedures for a UH-60 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 Badge. 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
Distinguished Honor Graduate (DHG) The title of Distinguished Honor Graduate 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.