The Pathfinders 20-years on Arelith

[The Kriv]

[Originally Posted 8/21/14]

The first appearance of the Pathfinders Expeditionary Corps on Arelith was the fall of AR'80. Over that time, many people, places and things have seen their help and aid, and though many have seen their mark and insignia of the single-upturned-arrow, the highest concentration in a single region would be the Bramble Wood or Arelith Forest.

Those who wish to RP they have great knowledge of All Things Arelithian, might know the following organization information, as it is publicly available knowledge:



--The Pathfinders Expeditionary Corps--

Established from a long tradition of finding paths, uncovering information, and infiltrating enemy lines, an elite group consisting of highly decorated scouts were selected for 'special training.'

After a year of intense survival, tracking, combat, communication and leadership training, 200 soldiers emerged as the first elite unit of Combat Specialists, "The Pathfinders."

The mandate of The pathfinders is to have current information on all potential enemies, infiltrate enemy lines in order to harass and confuse the enemy, as well as to make sure that the scouts are constantly being trained in the most current techniques.

A Pathfinder must be able to adapt to any situation. Any member should always be ready with a contingency plan and always capable under the most stressful situations. Harsh elements, fatigue, wounds, hazardous terrain, or impossible odds, are but minor nuisances to the best Pathfinders.


--Primary Duties--

* Tactical Intelligence gathering - determining the location, disposition and intent of enemy formations.
* Counter-Unit Operations - operate behind enemy lines to collapse bridges, interview locals in a clandestine and surreptitious manner, raising and training partisans and generally disrupting the enemy's ability to make war.
* Training - making sure that units and scouts are trained on the latest methods of waging war against an enemy.


--Rank, Heraldry and Symbols--

Rank in the Pathfinders follows a simple progression of Trailblaizer - Marchwalker - Wayfinder - Waycaptain. Each rank includes a 'Senior' status. Trailblazers are the rank-equivalent of Corporals and Marchwalkers are the rank equivalent of Sergeants with Senior-Marchwalkers holding the equivalent of Staff Sergeant.

Wayfinders are rank equivalents of 2nd Lieutenants, and Senior Wayfinders are rank equivalent of 1st Lieutenants. A Waycaptains are Rank equivalent to Captains and Senior Waycaptains are Majors. The highest rank of "Wayfinder" is rank equivalent of Colonel, although so rare are the "Wayfinders" that in the absence of a full regiment of officers, A "Wayfinder" may denotes the acting senior officer of a region.

Pathfinders' insignia is a single upright arrow on a black field. The arrow color/metal denotes the rank within the organization. A red arrow for Trailblazers and a green arrow for Marchwalkers with a hash on the arrow denoting Senior status in both ranks. Wayfinders have a silver arrow and Waycaptains have a golden arrow. The Pathfinders Expeditionary Corps, as an organization, make use of the "Waycaptain" insignia, of the golden arrow.



--Pathfinder Training Information--

Pathfinder training begins at unit headquarters where all candidates are given temporary training rank of "Weed." This rank is equivalent to "Recruit." Training is purposefully challenging to "weed out" undeserving candidates. Failed weeds dismissed from training are not invited for a second try.

Training is divided into three distinct phases. The first is physical and mental fitness-conditioning along with rigorous tactics, diplomacy and deception. All candidates must complete various timed runs of differing lengths conducted in full gear. The instructor's consistent harassment about the lack of qualified individuals causes many candidates to leave training voluntarily. Those who complete this phase will by necessity have the requirements to complete the other two more practical phases.

The second phase teaches candidates how to operate in small units while sustaining themselves and their subordinates in adverse conditions. Candidates can look forward to not only rugged terrain but hunger and sleep deprivation. Small groups are often sent on training forays deep into the forest, but it is not unheard of for groups to be sent to swamps, mountains or even jungles.

Third and final phase teaches candidates to operate independently and in complete isolation from command. As candidates complete the second phase, they are portaled to an unannounced testing location, often outside of territorial boundaries, with minimal gear and no identifying uniform. Rumor has it particularly promising candidates are dropped deep into contested territory. Candidates are given a detailed list of objectives to accomplish while making the return trip to headquarters. Scores are based on the length of time it takes to return and the accuracy of their final report.



--Pathfinders Expeditionary Corps Philosophy and Credo--

"Pack all of your gear. Always report the truth. Track an enemy. Find your target. Hide the passage of troops. Survive in the wilderness. Choose the most direct route. never get lost. Don't take the road. Infiltrate the enemy. Find a way out of anywhere, anyplace, anytime. Retreat fast and last, but see the enemy FIRST!"

Pathfinders were created to provide all of these capabilities. The Corps of Pathfinders provides a military with all its expeditionary needs. Whether invading a neighboring country, escorting VIP's or harassing invading forces. The Pathfinder gets the job done.

A Pathfinder must be able to adapt to any situation. Any member should be always ready with a contingency plan and always capable under the most stressful situations. Harsh elements, fatigue, wounds, hazardous terrain or impossible odds are but minor nuisances to the best Pathfinders.


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