Pathfinder School

"Army pathfinders mainly provide navigational aid and advisory services to military aircraft in areas designated by supported unit commanders. The pathfinders’ secondary missions include providing advice and limited aid to units planning air assault or airdrop operations."

Source: FM 3-21.38/Ch. 1 Pathfinder Operations (25 April 2006)

During the Pathfinder course, students are instructed in aircraft orientation, aero-medical evacuation, close combat assault, ground-to-air communication procedures, Control Center operations, all three phases of a sling load operation, Helicopter Landing Zone and Pick Up Zone operations, and Drop Zone operations (Computed Air Release Point, Ground Marker Release System, and Verbally Initiated Release System), dealing with U.S. military fixed and rotary wing aircraft for personnel and equipment. -The Sabalauski Air Assault School