The Pathfinder Platoon (PF Platoon), or Pathfinder Group, is a reconnaissance unit within the British Army's 16 Air Assault Brigade. Pathfinders act as the Brigade commander's eyes and ears typically operate ahead of the Brigade's front line, often deep behind enemy lines, where they perform advance force reconnaissance operations and mark out drop zones (DZ) and helicopter landing sites (HLS) for use by Brigade forces.

Pathfinder foot patrols may be parachuted or helicoptered into position. They may also patrol in vehicles, usually heavily armed WMIK Land Rovers, Pinzgauers or more recently, MWMIK Jackals. A typical Pathfinder mounted patrol comprises of 2 vehicles with 3 men on each.

Pathfinders are highly skilled in insertion by parachute, including HALO and HAHO techniques. They use a range of parachute systems, including the BT80 multi-mission parachute combined with the High Altitude Parachutist Life Support System, which provides oxygen when jumping at high altitude.

The Pathfinder Platoon is around 60-men strong. Many of the unit's ranks come from the Parachute Regiment and from other units within 16 Air Assault Brigade. Although not technically a special forces unit, the levels of discipline and skills required of Pathfinders are close to, if not entirely comparable to, SF. Indeed, a stint in the pathfinders is often a good grounding for those wishing to serve in the Special Air Service.

On operations, the Pathfinder Group may include attachments from other brigade elements such as the Royal Engineers or Light Electronic Warfare Teams so as to carry out specialized reconnaissance.

music: [ Ссылка ]

свернуть