Pathfinder Platoon encyclopedia topics

Role

Roles include:

Covert Reconnaissance
Special reconnaissance
Direct action or capture
Reconnaissance of the deep battlespace
Offensive operations in the deep battlespace
Battlespace preparation in transition to war
Infrastructure disruption
Capture of subjects of interest
Human intelligence (HUMINT) collection
Defence diplomacy
Training of other nations armed forces
Intelligence collection in the deep battlespace
Battlespace preparation by sabotage and offensive raiding in the medium and deep battlespace
Hearts and Minds activities

History

World War 2

In 1942, the 21st Independent Parachute company was formed with the task of 'pathfinding' around war torn Europe and was a unique concept at that point. The concept of pathfinding had been pioneered by Major John Lander who set about raising a company of hand picked volunteers drawn from the Parachute Regiment.

The operational role of the Pathfinders was to arrive at the drop zones half an hour in advance of the main body of airborne troops in order to set up beacons to pin-point the dropping area for the advancing aircraft, to clear any obstacles from the zone that would impede the gliders, and also to lightly secure the immediate area from enemy interference. During World War II, the company saw action on a range of theatres including Sicily and Italy

Lieutenant General 'Boy' Browning wrote to the Company Commander and said: "I have heard on every side how outstandingly your Company has done. To have earned this special praise from such gallant a body can only mean one thing - that your unit is unsurpassed by any other in the world. Please tell your chaps what a terrific reputation they have earned..

Post World War 2

The pathfinder role was continured post war by the Guards Independent Parachute Company in the Regular Army and by 16 (Lincoln) Independent Parachute Company for the Territorial Army. The Guards Independent Parachute Company was formed in 1948 on the disbandment of Composite Guards Parachute Battalion. The company was sent to Borneo in 1963 and its personnel later formed the nucleus of G Sqn, SAS on its formation in 1966. The Company was disbanded in October 1975 on the breakup of 16 Independent Parachute Brigade.

Post "Operation Corporate"

Following the 1982 Falklands War (Operation Corporate) 5 Airborne Brigade was established as a light, rapid reaction force for similar requirements. The brigade was formed from the Parachute Regiment, and associated airborne support assets. The Brigade Commander identified a requirement for an independent intelligence collection capability, deployable into a hostile or non-permissive environment ahead of the main force. In 1985 the Pathfinder Platoon was established with personnel drawn initially from the patrols platoon of each of the three Parachute Battalions. For many years it was not an officially established unit, being financed from other parts of the Brigade's budget (the so-called 'Black Economy'). The primary role of the platoon was battlefield preparation, identification and marking of airborne insertion points (parachute Drop Zones and Landing Zone/Point) and carry out reconnaissance tasks on targets prior to the delivery of the main body.

In 1999, 5 Airborne Brigade merged with 24 Airmobile Brigade to form 16 Air Assault Brigade with the platoon remaining attached to the Brigade headquarters. In 2006 a new rate of Parachute Pay (High Altitude Parachute Pay) was introduced for members of the Pathfinder Platoon following the recommendations of the Armed Forces’ Pay Review Body

Operations

Operation	Country	Year
Operation Agricola	Kosovo	1999
Operation Palliser		2000
Operation Essential Harvest		2001
Operation Veritas		2001 - 2002
Operation Telic		2002 - 2003
Operation Herrick IV		2006
Operation Herrick VIII		2008

Operation Agricola, Kosovo

June 1999, the platoon is deployed into Kosovo providing reconnaissance and the forward air control of air assets, behind enemy lines, for NATO command several days prior to the main land offensive. Once NATO forces had entered Kosovo, the Platoon were re-tasked to provided a defensive screen around Pristina International Airport prior to the arrival of the Russian forces.

Operation Palliser, Sierra Leone

The Pathfinder Platoon deployed into Freetown in May 7 2000 to assist the UNAMSIL efforts and gained the world's attention for a gun battle that took place in the village of Lungi Loi located 40 miles (60 km) from the main UN base at Lungi International Airport. Revolutionary United Front guerrillas, numbering between 40-100 men, approached the village under the cover of darkness unaware of the number of Pathfinders located in defensive positions in and around the village. Using their Night vision goggles (NVG's) the Pathfinders instantly killed four men.

The platoon swept the area at day break following the large number of blood trails but to no avail. Intelligence reports found that the number of dead was far greater than initially reported and military analysts estimated that it was this engagement that led the ceasing of hostilities from the rebels in the country.

There were no British casualties although one villager was hit by RUF fire but whose life was saved by a PF medic. A member of the platoon was awarded the Military Cross (MC) for his actions in the gun battle.

Operation Essential Harvest, Macedonia

With the rise in ethnic tension overspilling in to violence in Republic of Macedonia between ethnic Albanian, National Liberation Army (NLA) and Macedonian security forces, the British Government sent a force consisting of troops from United Kingdom Special Forces and 16 Air Assault Brigade to oversee a NATO-led ceasefire. The Pathfinders, alongside UKSF, oversaw the uneasy truce in the mountainous regions over-watching the capital, Skopje and were used to establish links between the warring factions and monitor any hostile activities.

Operation Veritas, Afghanistan

The platoon deployed into Bagram Air Base Airfield on December 2001 to assist NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). The platoon were believed to have assisted the SAS and SBS in the hunt for Osama Bin Laden

Operation Telic, Iraq

The primary mission for the teams was to conduct mobile surveillance/fighting patrols behind enemy lines into the Iraqi provinces of Dhi Qar, Maysan and Al Basrah in support of UK and US forces. After the hostilities, the unit were re-roled onto the Iraq/Iraq border as well as 'snatch squad' tasks on suspected Ba'athist war criminals in Maysan.

Operation Herrick, Afghanistan

The Platoon was deployed to the southern Afghan province of Helmand alongside the British 3 Para Battle Group in 2006. The Pathfinders first mission was a five day deployment on a pursuit of Taliban militants across the rugged landscape. The hunt culminated in their first engagement with the Taliban since 3,300 British troops arrived in Helmand province. On May 17, they received a distress call from a local Afghan National Police force consisting of 100 in the town of Musa Qala who had been cornered by a much greater force of Taliban fighters.

By May 19, the Pathfinders joined the Afghan National Police (ANP) in a counterattack in Taliban held territory. From there, a US B-1 Lancer bomber and A-10's were directed by PF Forward Air Controllers (FACs) onto Taliban positions. They were then supplemented by French Super Etendards from the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier in the Indian Ocean. The men then set out on a four-day mission to a town in the north of Helmand province in Afghanistan ended up spending 52 days under siege by the Taliban. 25 men, who have been first into several Taliban-held areas during the British deployment in southern Afghanistan, came under such ferocious attack that they were forced to stay in Musa Qala fighting almost daily battles. The group was supposed to be reinforced by a company of 120 paratroopers but they had to be diverted to the town of Sangin when they came under heavy assault by Taliban insurgents. The platoon were finally replaced in Musa Qala when 500 British troops, in a mission codenamed Operation Snakebite — the largest so far in Helmand — broke through Taliban lines.

Command, control and organisation

The platoon work under the command of the Brigade Headquarters in Colchester, Essex. Officer Commanding Pathfinder Platoon is a senior Captain or Major with an Operations Warrant Officer (OPSWO) is his second in command. The Platoon can operate independently or as part of a larger forward element under a field headquarters headed by a captain, supported by a sergeant. The teams operate with 4-6 persons and are commanded a by senior patrol commander whose rank can range from sergeant to private.

Selection and training

The Cadre includes:

Fitness and navigation as a group

Phase 1 begins with the standard British Army fitness tests including Personal Finess Test (PFT) and Military Swimming Test (MST) and includes the tests undertaken during P Company; '2 Miler' (3 km), '8 Miler' (13 km) and '10 Miler' (16 km) speed marches carrying SA-80 rifle and Bergen but with more demanding time objectives and at greater weight loads.

Candidates are trained in navigation and signals in the HF, VHF and UHF ranges, enabling them to proceed onto the next phase.

Fitness and navigation as an individual

Phase 2 is similar to the hill phase of UKSF selection; a series of long, solo marches over the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains and Elan Valley carrying personal equipment, leading to a heavy individual load. Routes are traversed at a minimum 4 km/h, covering an average of 29 km with a 60 pound bergen and rifle. Progress can be impeded by poor weather and poor conditions underfoot. Foot injuries and blisters are common, adding to the psychological challenge of individual performance. The loss rate at this stage in training is high. The final challenge in this phase is a 40 mile (60 km) tab taking in the highest peaks in the south Wales.

Patrol skills

Following the physical buildup candidates enter the skills phase which begins with revision of basic fieldcraft and tactics before progressing onto reconnaissance training. Candidates are introduced to the operation and mechanics of a 4-6 man team in a deep reconnaissance theatre whilst moving covertly inside hostile territory.

Live firing/demolition training

A consolidation of the patrolling and engagement skills is undertaken in the final operations phase, using live ammunition and munitions and introducing students to the Colt Canada C8 rifle and Sig P226 pistol. Live firing tactical training is undertaken starting with 1-2 man drills before moving to patrol drills of 4-6 and culminating in platoon-sized direct action assaults and ambush drills. Other skills taught include an introduction into basic demolition comprising of Claymore mines, entry, shaped and cutting charges.

Combat survival and resistance to interrogation

The final stage is a combat survival package, introducing personnel to survival skills, Escape and Evasion (E & E) tactics and resistance to interrogation (R2I). The initial phase shows the students how to live off the land, erect improvised shelters and navigate using the stars. The final element is an escape and evasion exercise where the troops are stripped of all their personal items then dressed in ill-fitting fatigues and greatcoats to slow them down. Personnel seek to avoid capture by the 'Hunter Force'. Personnel captured, or on reaching the objective, are subjected to questioning by MoD interrogators.

Completion

Personnel completing selection are placed on probation for 12 months and undergo specialist and continuation training appropriate to their employing troop or more general training such as languages or first aid. This training will include mountain, jungle, desert, urban and other specialist courses.

Security and secrecy

Pathfinders, similar to other 'prone to capture' troops, avoid publicity. Medals awarded to personnel, such as the Military Cross (MC), are publicised in the normal manner; officially and formally via The London Gazette and attributed to their Corps or Regiment. The circumstances surrounding personnel killed in action are not routinely disseminated.. The platoon avoids publicity and keep serving soldiers faces out of the lens although in 1996 a number members of the unit due to leave the army were used in a BBC television production, Defence of the Realm: Phantom Platoon.

Insertion skills

Basic para

Upon completion of the Cadre, non-parachute trained troops are sent to RAF Brize Norton to complete the All Arms Basic Parachute course, jumping with the Irvin GQ L.L.P. (Low Level Parachute) at between 800 and 1,000 ft both day and night. Once passed, troops are awarded the Parachute Badge With Wings.

HALO Parachuting

Personnel attend the High Altitude Parachute Course (HAPC) course to conduct 'High Altitude, Low Opening' (HALO) training alongside RAF jumpmasters and SAS Air Troop soldiers. This 6-week course takes place in the UK, South Africa or the USA and starts with an introduction into basic skydiving at 12,000 ft, before progressing onto the HALO phase where soldiers are dispatched out of a C-130 Hercules transport plane at an altitude of up to 25,000 ft, using an Irvin BT-80 multi-mission parachute carrying training loads of up to 80+ pounds of equipment. Due to the high altitudes, all the soldiers and the aircrew are fitted onto an oxygen system once they pass above 12,000 ft, with the soldiers moving onto their own bottled system prior to jumping. As the course advances, the soldiers master the ability of landing in tight groups at both day and night, in all weathers and increasingly heavier payloads. Upon completion of the HALO course, the Pathfinder then becomes an Advanced Military Parachutist.

HAHO parachuting

HAHO parachuting is a way of inserting airborne troops into a location where there was a possibility that enemy air defence assets were in place. The HAHO method of insertion allows troops to be dispatched from an aircraft at an altitude in excess of 30,000 ft (9000 m) and glide via GPS to a pre-designated position at distances of up to 40+ miles (60 km) (dependent on wind speeds).

Tandem parachuting

Experienced jumpers are then given the opportunity to attend the Military Tandem course upon completion of minimum of 200 descents. This course normally runs alongside the MFF package. Jumpers have to master jumping with other personnel and then progress onto increasingly larger and heavier loads both day and night.

Mobility

Pathfinder troops are issued with the new British Army Jackal MWMIK . These were introduced into the order of battle (ORBAT) so as to keep up to speed with the modern battlefield and has seen operational service in Afghanistan in 2008. These 'gunships' can be armed with 7.62 mm general purpose machine guns (GPMG), MILAN anti-Tank missiles, Mk 19 Grenade Launcher or .50 Cal L2A1 HMG; which enables the teams to defend against an aggressor or to be used as a mobile fighting platform in an assault or fire support mode.

Training is carried out in a number of areas including Mauritania, Canada, Egypt, Jordan, Oman and Kuwait.

Roll Of Honour

10 Dec 1993 - Lance Corporal P T Calaghan. Died in a climbing accident in Glencoe, Scotland
10 Dec 1993 - Private P F Reed. Died in a climbing accident in Glencoe, Scotland
15 Apr 1994 - Corporal F M Rennie. Died on operations in Gorazde, Bosnia
08 May 1999 - Sergeant R D Lyon. Died in a road traffic accident outside Prozor, Bosnia
20 Oct 1995 - Corporal N Bajic. Died in a road traffic accident outside Brecon, Wales
20 Oct 1995 - Corporal T J Melville. Died in a road traffic accident outside Brecon, Wales
21 Nov 1997 - Private Graham Carter. Died in a road traffic accident outside Staffordshire, England
20 Aug 2006 - Corporal B J Budd, VC. Died on operation in Helmand, Afghanistan.
05 Sep 2007 - Sergeant E Collins. Died on operations in Baghdad, Iraq
26 Ma 2008 - Trooper N Brown. Died on operations in Baghdad, Iraq

Alliances

External links

References

Additional Reading

Kent, Ron (1979). First in!: Parachute Pathfinder Company: a history of the 21st Independent Parachute Company. B.T. Batsford. ISBN 0-7134-2199-1.

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Last updated on Saturday September 06, 2008 at 07:44:44 PDT (GMT -0700)
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