Pathfinders

[theparamancan]

ABI: I dont think they get away without doing p coy . I spoke to a guards bloke who went PF and he had to.

The RAF regt guys that want to serve with 16 aa bde have to do p-coy and theve already got there wings up.

[Greg S]

always wondered can pathfinder selection be likened to sas selection, and would being a pathfinder be a good way to judge if your good enough for the sas

pls relpy

lew :n00b:

Na mate, completly differnet kind of training. PF training, as someone already said is more about doing the training you were taught but at a higher level and under pressure.

Special Forces training is far more in depth and harsher!

PATHFINDERS = SPECIAL FORCES. There are two main sections - Air troop and Mountain troop. Training is similar to SAS and they're trained for HALO (High Altitude Low Opening, jump at 25,000 feet and open up at 1500) and HAHO (High Altitude High Opening which consists of jumping and opening at 25,000 feet!!).

At the moment, Pathfinders needs more men; recruiting takes place twice a year.

Personally I think they're the business!

[surfa35uk]

The p/f selection is done in the brecon,Over the same routes with the same kit weights as is done for the regiment. which is why you will find that most pf guys go on to do selection after they have done there time in pathfinders. my son who has been in the paras for three years is on this febs cadre. the only bit that is not done is anti terrorist trg.

[Greenronnie]

The PF operate with the same SOPs and tactics as SF, just on a smaller scale and with far less funding. Volunteers can come from any branch of the forces, however most come from within 16 AAB. About half of the Platoon are Para Reg. Once a soldier has passed the course he does not have to do P Coy, as PF selection is harder anyway (I have done both). All soldiers go on to do the high altitude para course and various other specialist courses. Weapons used are just standard, as the M16s were withdrawn some time ago. However there is a higher proportion of minimis, sniper weapons and UGLs.

[SO19]

What were the reasons for it being withdrawn Greenronnie?

[Greenronnie]

The M16s were on permanent loan from SF. When the SF changed from M16s to DeMarcos, the PF could no longer send their weapons to Hereford for their annual service or get spare parts etc. The PF were supposed to get the DeMarcos in line with SF, but guess what....

[roman]

It is known Pathfinder selection cadre is run twice a year. I've seen thhe first runs from 1 feb to 12 march. When the second selection in conducted during the year ?

[Greenronnie]

Usually in Oct/Nov, however this year it is in Sept/Oct due to Operational commitments. If you have any further questions ask me.

[harry hackedoff]

Do you have the numbers for next Satdee`s lotto, Ron

[Tab]

I will have to try and find out what is going on with 1 Para in this area when I see them in May. They had turned my old company into a specialist company of pathfinders and snipers.

[Greenronnie]

HH, I take it you're bored!

Tab, each of the Para Bns have a Patrols Pl but the pathfinding role was handed over to the PF when we were formed in 1985.

[Sarastro]

What kind of time/distance do PF tab Green? I've heard you move like greased lightning, but wondering what exactly the bar is.

[81mm]

when the pf were reformed in 85, i think they took about 30 guardsmen on the course, if my old memory is still working ,they all failed the course, most went back to their respective units, but a couple actually transferred to 3 para. Ifit wasnt the original cadre, it was the next one, greenronnie when did you join 3 para ?

[81mm]

when the pf were reformed in 85, i think they took about 30 guardsmen on the course, if my old memory is still working ,they all failed the course, most went back to their respective units, but a couple actually transferred to 3 para. Ifit wasnt the original cadre, it was the next one, greenronnie when did you join 3 para ?

[Greenronnie]

What kind of time/distance do PF tab Green? I've heard you move like greased lightning, but wondering what exactly the bar is.

The first week involves lots of tabbing at mach 10, then you do a couple of weeks on the hills at 4kph (this is not as easy as it sounds). If you're interested in doing PF selection, send me a PM.