US Pathfinder Patch – US Paratrooper – Airborne – First In, Last Out – Wax Backing (4 5/8″ Diameter)

Description

US Pathfinder Patch – US Paratrooper – Airborne – First In, Last Out – Wax Backing (4 5/8″ Diameter)

Nice 4 5/8″ embroidered patch, with merrowed edge and wax backing

United States Army Pathfinder School

The mission of the United States Army Pathfinder School is to train personnel in the U.S. Army and its sister services in a three-week course, during which the candidate pathfinder learns how to navigate dismounted, establish and operate a day / night helicopter landing zone, establish and operate day / night parachute drop zones (DZs), including computed air release system (CARP) DZs, ground marked release system (GMRS) DZs and Army verbally initiated release system (VIRS) DZs, conduct sling load operations, provide air traffic control (ATC) and navigational assistance to rotary wing (RW) and fixed wing (FW) airborne operations. All training and airborne operations will be conducted in accordance with FM 3-21.220 (Static Line Parachuting Techniques and Training) and FM 3-21.38 (Pathfinder Operations).

The U.S. Army Pathfinder School is operated under the auspices of the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 507th Infantry Regiment. The 1-507th IR also oversees the doctrine and operation of the U.S. Army Airborne School and the U.S. Army Jumpmaster School.

Today’s Pathfinder units (The Blackhats) continue to build upon the outstanding legacy of their predecessors. They proudly wear the Pathfinder Torch and still live by the official Pathfinder motto: SEMPER PRIMUS (Always First). However, in today’s airmobile operations Pathfinders control both landing zones (LZ) and pick-up zones (PZ), which means Pathfinders are always the last ones out during a combat extraction. This led to today’s warrior variation of the official motto: “FIRST IN, LAST OUT!”.