Does anyone have suggestions (or experience) for writing a justification to attend Pathfinder school as a 68W?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2020 15:57:11 -0400

I recently had a discussion with my CO CDR regarding my company having justification for sending a Soldier to Pathfinder School as a 68W. He said he believed that a Charlie Med in a BSB is authorized one Pathfinder qualified Soldier due to HLZ operations. I looked in FMSWeb and didn't find anything. Does anyone know if a Charlie Med in a BSB has the justification (or on the MTOE) to send a 68W? Thanks for your assistance.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2020 4:25 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2020 16:25:56 -0400

If it's not in FMSWeb it likely isn't a thing. It also isn't one for the Pathfinder school either for a 68W. Obviously you can apply for a MOS waiver, but it's not a likely necessity. You can "what if" anything to throw in HLZ operations but the big thing is that the medic shouldn't be doing the HLZ ops, they should be working the patient, while the 11Bs/19Ds do the HLZ ops. If it's on the receiving end of the patient the HLZ would already be set up by a qualified person.
11B, 11C, (11Z must be assigned to a Pathfinder Billet), 15Q, 19D, 88M, 92R (skill levels 3 and 4 only), and 92Y (skill levels 1 through 3).

It's a pretty badge...everyone wants it.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made May 20 at 2020 6:03 PM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Wed, 20 May 2020 18:03:12 -0400

I'm not sure there is any legit justification for a Medic to be doing Pathfinder shit. No matter the scenario, they have more important stuff to be doing besides worrying about DZs. "I want the cool looking badge." is probably about as legit as any other reason you could make up.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made May 20 at 2020 7:49 PM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Wed, 20 May 2020 19:49:56 -0400

Surprised that not obsolete. I should think with advances in navigation techniques the aircraft with the paras could find the DZ without advance troops on the DZ on the ground sending RF signals to the aircraft. What is a HLZ?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2020 8:19 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2020 20:19:46 -0400

The most convincing argument would be that you need the knowledge for HLZ site selection for medevacs, and it will allow you to tailor your 9-lines to aircraft capacity and function. If you are planning to fill a future assignment on a small team, you could also state that it would be cross-training that will prepare you to be a productive member of a small team when you are not conducting medic tasks. It will give you a purpose when there are not patients to take care of. As others have said, there is really no great reason, but those examples would be what a higher authority might possibly buy. Best of luck to you on snagging a waiver and a slot, it's a great course and a cool badge.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2020 11:32 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2020 23:32:07 -0400

Just try an MOS waiver. Worst they can say is no. Honestly, it’s a good school, but isn’t really utilized.
I don’t know if Benning has the same Commanding Generals inventive program like Campbell, but if you go to Ranger school and pass they’ll give you a slot to Pathfinder.

Response by CSM Michael Chavaree made May 21 at 2020 5:25 AM

CSM Michael Chavaree — Thu, 21 May 2020 05:25:41 -0400

Did you try calling the school? Dont listen to the folks saying medics don’t need it. Get after it!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2020 9:58 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 May 2020 09:58:39 -0400

ALL about needs of the Army (unit).

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made May 21 at 2020 11:24 AM

SFC Francisco Rosario — Thu, 21 May 2020 11:24:22 -0400

The last time I tried to get in I was told by The Pathfinder branch at Ft. bending, was that it was not open the MOS 68W. However the early part of the course has a Medevac part that is pretty hard for what I understand. I hadn’t to help a friend of mine to be able to past it, he was not a medic.

Try to use that as part of your justification, not to mention you won’t always have a Pathfinder from another section at your disposal. Good luck.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2020 5:07 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 May 2020 17:07:34 -0400

Working on the same thing right now. Like literally the same situation. If my memos get approved I could email them to you!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2020 10:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 May 2020 22:06:26 -0400

the C Co of a BSB has to establish a HLZ for the role 2 according to the METL, pathfinder isnt required but helpful.

Response by MAJ John Vertido made May 22 at 2020 5:13 PM

MAJ John Vertido — Fri, 22 May 2020 17:13:16 -0400

My humble opinion would be if you are the medic assigned to the Pathfinder unit.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2020 6:49 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 18:49:43 -0400