FM 57-35 Airmobile Operations - Survival Books

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMAPPENDIX IIPATHFINDERS1. Generala. Missions. Pathfinders are especially selected and trainedArmy personnel, whose mission is to aid in the terminal navigationand control of Army aircraft. Pathfinders are trained and equippedto(1) Establish and operate electronic and visual navigationaids to assist aircraft in locating a designated facility(drop zone, helicopter landing site, or landing strip)within a landing area.(2) Furnish ground-to-air voice radio communication to aircraft for the purpose of providing information, guidance,and control.(3) Reconnoiter for and recommend suitable drop or landingzones.(4) Assist in the assembly of air-landed forces.(5) Conduct radiological monitoring or survey of areas subjected to nuclear attack and report conditions whichwould influence military operations.b. Employment of Pathfinders.(1) It should be recognized that with the use of pathfindersin advance of the assault echelon, the element of surprise may be reduced.(2) Pathfinders may be employed in teams, reinforced asrequired for a particular mission.(3) In airmobile operations, teams may precede or accompanythe assault echelon.(a) When they precede the assault echelon, 10 to 30 minutesare required to establish navigation and assembly aidsand pathfinder communication nets.(b) When they accompany airmobile forces, they move asa part of the first element of the assault echelon andassist in the control of subsequent deliveries of personnel and equipment.(4) In air supply operations, pathfinders may be employedwith advanced, isolated, or inaccessible units to insureand facilitate accurate air delivery.84 AGO 2294B