Army Pathfinder History & Badge

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History US Army Pathfinders trace their origins to the massive airborne operations of World War II. After a series of mishaps involving airborne troops it was decided a force of trained men was needed to help guide transport aircraft and gliders to their intended destinations. The original group of volunteers was selected from the 82nd Airborne Division's 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment. These men were trained to parachute in and mark parachute Drop Zones (DZs) and glider Landing Zones (LZs). The Pathfinders used colored lights, flares, panels, and smoke to mark the DZ/LZ's. They also provided radio check points to aid in aircraft navigation. The experimental Pathfinder group was first used during the Allied invasion of Sicily in 1943. Pathfinder teams jumped in ahead of the main assault force, marked drop zones, and set up radar homing devices to guide aircraft to their targets. The next large scale use of Pathfinder teams occurred during the D-Day operations. Pathfinder teams from the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions were dropped in a few hours before the main parachute assault was to begin. Antiaircraft fire caused many of the aircraft transporting the Pathfinders to veer off course. Because of the disorganized nature of the drop Pathfinder teams were scattered all over the French countryside. Many men found themselves operating alone or in areas they knew nothing about. Many teams were unable to reach their objectives and their missions met with various levels of success. Not long after the Pathfinders landed the main assault force began landing. The Pathfinders linked up with whatever units they could and made their way back to their parent units. Pathfinders went on to participate in every major airborne operation of the war and adopted the motto “First In - Last Out”. With the Army's increased use of helicopters during the 1950's a need was felt to increase the skills and training of Pathfinders. In the 1960’s the 11th Air Assault Division (TEST) was the first Army unit to test and actively utilize the helicopter's mobility in large airmobile operations. This organization’s Pathfinder unit was designated the 11th Pathfinder Company (Provisional). As the US became more deeply involved in Vietnam the Army began to deploy large numbers of combat troops. As these units began to arrive in Vietnam many began to establish provisional Pathfinder units. Pathfinders were usually assigned to their parent organization's aviation unit. Operating in small teams they secured, marked, cleared, and established DZ/LZ's, provided initial aircraft guidance at remote locations, and provided air traffic control capabilities to Army and Air Force aircraft. Today’s Pathfinders are trained in airborne, small boat, vehicle, foot, and sometimes free fall infiltration techniques. These small teams may be parachuted in up to 72 hours in advance of the main assault force. They continue to provide DZ/LZ surveys, site security, initial aircraft guidance, and mark and clear drop zones for follow-on forces. Pathfinders are capable of engaging in demolition operations to clear DZ/LZ's of obstacles. If equipped with laser targeting devices (LTD) they may also designate targets of opportunity for air strikes. Pathfinders may be expected to coordinate aircraft movement, control parachute drops of personnel and equipment, conduct sling-load operations and provide initial weather information to commanders. Badge The Pathfinder Badge is a military badge of the U.S. Army awarded to soldiers who successfully complete the Pathfinder Course at Fort Benning's Army Infantry School. To be awarded the Pathfinder Badge, the soldier must complete instruction in advanced land navigation, advanced scouting, tactical air traffic control in the field, and the control of parachute operations. The badge is awarded on completing a final examination under field training exercise conditions. The first Pathfinder Badge was designed by Lt. Prescott, a navigator in the 9th Troop Carrier Pathfinder Group (Provisional), in May 1944. Besides the paratroopers who earned it, the Pathfinder Badge was worn by IX Troop Carrier Command air crews who guided paratrooper transports and towed gliders. It was worn four inches above the left sleeve cuff on the service coat. The current Pathfinder Badge, originally made of felt, was approved on 22 May 1964. The badge began being made of enameled metal on 11 October 1968. The badge's wings symbolize flight and airborne capabilities, while the torch represents leadership and guidance.