Purpose: Army Pathfinders are trained to 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.  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.

PACKETS MUST BE TURNED IN TO TSAAS 10 BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE COURSE START DATE. PACKETS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED WITHIN THAT 10 DAY WINDOW.

Documents:       

PFDR PACKET REQ   CAO 27 APR 21
PFDR PRE REQ MEMO   CAO 27 OCT 21
BILLETING WAIVER   CAO 12 APR 21
GT WAIVER   CAO 12 APR 21
MOS WAIVER    CAO 12 APR 21
REQ FOR LOST ORDERS   CAO 12 APR 21

 

It is recommended to only study the Sling Load Deficiency list on page 66-67 and the
Nomenclature's.  Do not study anything in the handbook for HLZ's or DZ's as this will
confuse you. Wait for the block of instruction from the PFDR cadre!