An idea from the British inspired the 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion and 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, to create an elite force to go in before the main assault with visual and electronic signaling devices to guide aircraft to the drop zone and gliders to their landing zones.

WWII-era Pathfinders are most remembered for their jump into Normandy during the invasion of June 6, 1944, when they led Allied forces into Europe.

They were employed throughout southern France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, in the course of Allied airborne operations until the end of the war in Europe.

The Vietnam War saw the largest use of Pathfinders due to the developments of helicopter insertion and resupply which were pioneered by the 11th Air Assault Division (Test).

After the Vietnam War, Pathfinders were embedded in the major Airborne units and various combat aviation battalions and groups.

[4] Many conducted joint task force missions in Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East.

Operations during the 1989 Panama invasion and the 1991 Gulf War showed that Pathfinders were important to airborne success and that the Army needed more of them.

The 82nd Airborne Division followed suit by converting its LRSD to a Pathfinder company under the 2d Battalion, 82nd Aviation Regiment.

Foreign students: Applicants must have a signed letter of intent, a waiver from HQDA, and U.S. government release for training.

Units that sponsor foreign students must ensure they meet all course prerequisites before reporting for Pathfinder training.

A hands-on inspection of four different sling loads will be conducted where each Pathfinder student will clearly define each deficiency within the time limit.

Students will be taught to establish day/night DZs (CARP, GMRP, and VIRS) for the insertion of personnel and equipment.

Students will complete the Basic Airborne Refresher (if applicable) and will be taught how to perform the duties of the GTA during a VIRS drop.