What are some things to study before attending Pathfinder School?

Sat, 23 Jan 2021 09:17:31 -0500

Hope everyone is doing well,
I should be attending Pathfinder coming up soon. I know it's a highly academic school and I am always up for a challenge. What advice and lessons learned can you tell me before going and also somethings I should study specifically before going.
Thanks All

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2021 11:50 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Jan 2021 11:50:25 -0500

Yes there is. You can go to the schools page and there is material for you. I would start with your nomenclature. I believe that was the first test that I took when I went. There is also a pathfinder handbook on the webpage. This will give you everything you need to be successful.

https://home.army.mil/campbell/index.php/tsaas/pathfinder

Pathfinder :: FORT CAMPBELL

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,...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2021 12:20 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Jan 2021 12:20:25 -0500

You're very lucky getting a chance to go before they shut the school down. It's a great loss in my opinion.
We used to teach the Airborne operations portion of the Pathfinder class in our USASOC Jumpmaster course. The single hardest thing the students had trouble with was any problems where bundles were mixed with jumpers. Easily the most commonly failed questions. Also, you will want to memorize some of those important tables like the NANAS chart and the DCAV formula, drop altitudes of common parachutes for personnel and equipment (which are different). That's about half of the course. Then there's a whole Landing Zones portion that we never got into.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2021 7:36 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Jan 2021 19:36:16 -0500

Nomenclature and tensile strength associated with each item is about as much as you want to concern yourself with. Also, learn aircraft load capacities. It will pay off when you get to sling loads. Anything beyond that will look like Chinese to you. Get ready to drink from the fire hose. Once in the school, find some guys to get together with and make a study group. It will help

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Jan 24 at 2021 1:26 AM

MSG John Duchesneau — Sun, 24 Jan 2021 01:26:49 -0500

I suggest you find the field manual for Pathfinder Operations and study it. It would also help to talk to someone who has been through the course.