| Pathfinders | |
|---|---|
 Logo of the Pathfinder Platoon | |
| Active | March 1985–present[1] |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  British Army |
| Type | Special Operations Forces Paratrooper |
| Role | Pathfinder Special Reconnaissance Special operations Direct Action Foreign Internal Defence Mobility Operations |
| Size | 40 men[2] |
| Part of |  16 Air Assault Brigade |
| Garrison/HQ | Colchester Garrison |
| Nickname(s) | "The PF", "The Finders", "X Platoon", "Ghost Platoon" |
| Motto(s) | First In |
| Engagements | List
|
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Maj. Lawrence E. Thorne |
| Insignia | |
| Drop Zone Flash |  |
The Pathfinder Platoon is a pathfinder unit of the British Army, and an integral part of 16 Air Assault Brigade. The Pathfinder Platoon acts as the brigade's advance force and reconnaissance force. Its role includes locating and marking drop zones and helicopter landing zones for air landing operations. Once the main force has landed, the platoon provides tactical intelligence and offensive action roles for the brigade.[3]
- ^ "The Formation of Pathfinder Platoon For 5 Airborne Brigade". Airborne Assault: ParaData. Retrieved 2 September 2018.
- ^ Della-Ragione, Joanna (1 June 2012). "Revealed: Britain's secret soldiers". Sunday Express.
- ^ "Fact file: 16 Air Assault Brigade". BBC News. February 26, 2003. Retrieved April 7, 2010.