Defence Instructions and Notices (Not to be communicated to anyone outside HM Service without authority)

Title: Selection Process and Service with Pathfinders (PF), 16 Brigade’s Advance Force Audience: All Service Personnel Applies: Immediately Expires: When rescinded or replaced Replaces: 2015DIN01-207 Reference: 2019DIN01-014 Status: Current Released: January 2019 Channel: 01 Personnel Content: Information about service in Pathfinders, including the Application and Selection process. PF is a Tri Service unit. Sponsor: Pathfinders 16X Contact: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Keywords: Pathfinders; Pathfinder; Advance Force; Course Dates; Selection; PF; Local PFPC, PFSC Keywords: Supplements: N/A (Please click on the links to access >>>> ) Related Info:

Classification: OFFICIAL

Background

1. The Pathfinders (PF) were formally established in 1985 having existed in various forms as far back as 1942. They provide the Advance Force (AF) to facilitate Theatre Entry and subsequently form a Long Range Patrol (LRRP) capability working direct to (16X) HQ. PF are a small unit who are constantly at very high readiness as part of the Air Assault Task Force (AATF).

General

2. PF are currently based in Merville Barracks, Colchester and applications to join are accepted from soldiers and officers from all three services and all cap badges and trades. Within each PF patrol there exists a range of specialist skills including Forward Air Controllers, Snipers, Demolitionists and Medics. In addition all soldiers are trained in HAHO and HALO parachuting, Heavy Weapons, Mobility and SERE. Operating as an AF requires high calibre soldiers and officers who are well motivated, mentally and physically robust, reliable, determined and capable of working at significant distances from supporting forces. PF are at the forefront of the Army 2020 Reaction Forces and as such are well resourced to conduct a diverse array of tasks.

3. Equality and diversity. PF operates in accordance with Government policy on the employment of women in the armed forces. In line with extant Equal Opportunities policy,

1 there are no restrictions on any ethnic group serving with the PF.

4. Career Profile Soldiers. On successful completion of the PF Selection Course (PFSC) a PF soldier will be expected to serve a minimum tour length of 3-5 years. This is to allow for a return of service on specialist courses. On completion of this initial tour a typical PF soldier will be posted back to their parent unit before returning to the PF as either a Patrol Commander or specialist training cell head. For subsequent tours there are more senior NCO positions within PF that broadly equate to those found in an Inf Rifle Coy.

5. Career Profile Officers. Officers will typically serve a 2 year tour in the PF in one of the posts detailed below. There is no cap badge stipulation for officer candidates and a posting to PF is the rough equivalent of a Regt Duties posting in MS terms. A 24 hour officer selection phase is held during the final weeks of the PFSC.

a. OC PF (Maj): Commands PF on operations and in camp.

b. PF 2IC (Capt): Commands the PF Forward HQ on operations, may also be required to act as a PF LO to other HQs. Responsible for day to day running of PF in camp and soldier career management.

c. PF Ops Offr (Capt): Responsible for PF operational planning, may also be required to act as a PF LO to other HQs or command a single field patrol. Responsible for PF routine and specialist training and soldier career management.

6. Pay and Conditions. The following specialist pay awards and conditions are open to PF Officers and soldiers.

a. Once the volunteer has qualified as a parachutist, and is in date, he will receive parachute pay of £5.751 (before tax) per day for the duration of his tour with the unit.

b. On successful completion of the HAP course a PF soldier will lose his basic parachute pay and instead receive High Altitude Pay of £10.841(before tax) per day for the remainder of his tour.

Pathfinders Preparation Course (PFPC)

7. PF run a five day PFPC that is conducted in and around the Brecon Beacons. The PFPC is run concurrently with the PFSC and thus there are usually two a year. The aim of the PFPC is as follows:

a. To allow potential PF soldiers and officers to gain an insight into service in PF and understand the opportunities available within the unit.

b. To give guidance on how best to prepare for PFSC.

c. To conduct a basic fitness and navigation assessment.

1 Correct rates as at Jan 19 2 d. To provide potential PF soldiers and officers with a safe training environment in which to conduct hills navigation practice and hills fitness training.

e. To increase candidates desire to pass PFSC and provide clarity as to what they need to do to prepare for the course.

f. To provide the opportunity to ask any questions.

8. The PFPC is not a selection course and does not contain any pass or fail tests. It has been designed to help individuals prepare for PFSC by giving advice and guidance. Attendance is mandatory for those wishing to attempt PFSC however attending the Preparation Course does not commit an individual to attending the following PFSC.

Pathfinder Selection Course (PFSC)

9. The PFSC normally takes place twice each year and is 6 weeks long. It is designed to assess an individual’s suitability for service as an Advance Force soldier. It consists of 5 phases each of which has an element of training followed by assessment or test. Prior to phase 1 there are two entry tests that must be passed. The first is an 8 mile CFT over an unfamiliar route carrying 44lbs, less food, water and rifle. . This must be completed in 2 hours. The second is a 2 mile speed test carrying 44lbs, less food, water and a rifle which must be completed in 18 minutes or less. Failing either entry test will result in RTU.

10. Phase 1 – Assessment. This consists of a number of lessons spread over several days and followed by written tests to gauge a candidate’s level of understanding of each subject. In addition there are the following physical assessments:

a. 8 mile march completed in 1hr 35min carrying 50lbs, less food, water and a rifle.

b. 10 mile march completed in 1hr 45min carrying 44lbs less food, water and a rifle.

11. Phase 2 – Hills. This consists of several days of practical hills navigation training both day and night followed by 4 test marches that must be completed within set times.

12. Phase 3 – SOPs. This phase introduced candidates to PF SOPs and culminates in a short exercise that is used to assess each candidates understanding and application of the material that has been taught on all three phases.

13. Phase 4 – Ranges. This phase begins with zeroing shoots and culminates in 6 man live contact drills.

14. Phase 5 – Final Exercise. An arduous final test exercise where candidates are expected to demonstrate all of the skills that they have been taught on the course within a realistic PF patrol mission.

3 15. Those who successfully pass the PFSC then join the unit and complete a short induction cadre followed by a number of further training courses during their first year in PF to make them a useful asset to their patrol.

Pre-Course Standards

16. All candidates must be Medically Fully Deployable (MFD) on arrival at the PFSC and prepared for what is a progressive but none the less arduous course. There is no requirement to have passed P Coy prior to the cadre. All successful students will be granted an overall pass for Pre-Parachute Selection by Comd 16X.

17. Comprehensive physical preparation advice will be given on the PFBC. Candidates wishing to attempt the PFSC need to be in date for WHT on SA80, and a variety of pyrotechnics prior to the start of the course. Full details are contained within the joining instructions.

Application Procedure

18. Soldiers and Officers who wish to attend a PFBC should contact the PF HR Clerk in the first instance on XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. Out of hours this is an answerphone and those leaving their details will be called back.

Summary

19. Selection for service with the PF is highly demanding and requires determination and motivation in excess of that required in normal service. The selection course is however more than achievable and the rewards are significant. The PF provides an opportunity to work within a unique, independent organisation that takes pride in its heritage and professionalism. For those seeking a greater opportunity to soldier, a broad range of skills or the desire for greater responsibility, little can offer more than a tour of duty with the Pathfinders.

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