The three hardest schools I accomplished in the U.S. Army in order of difficulty. 1. DLI Basic Spanish Course, it was a BEAST because they expanded the curriculum, including 4 years of University level Spanish, and language immersion training, but keep the course at 6 months (actually 5 months if you take off Indoc, Army Skill training, and out-processing). Only 25% of those who started graduated, I made it by the skin of my teeth. Two classes after mine, they increased it to a 9 month course. 2. U.S. Army Pathfinder school, the first school I actually struggled to keep up with. It as hard a mental challenge as DLI, but at least it was relatively short in comparison. It's ALL about Attention to Detail, and Committing those Details to memory. It was also a lot of fun during sling-loads and the FTX. 3. U.S. Army Sniper School, a physically demanding school and full of teamwork. The single greatest thing to pass, is picking the right teammate to be your Spotter, it will literally make or break you. The mental part is basic math and transferring that to how you dial in the rifle, and keeping an eye on detail, especially during the Stalk Phase. Again FTX was a lot of fun. Any Soldier lucky enough to go through this or other 'high-speed' training should learn one thing beforehand, something Army Special Forces came up with "Luck = Opportunity + Preparation". Do NOT skip on the Preparation. SSG. U.S. Army (Medically Retired) Infantry / Sniper / Pathfinder / SOF Intel (SOT-A), multiple tours
@barak3633632 жыл бұрын
Thanks
@alangwhiteTheBoss2 жыл бұрын
How do I get to go to DLI?
@andygarcia19182 жыл бұрын
@@alangwhiteTheBoss you gotta be qualified to be a linguist, either have a high enough gt score or get a waiver. Right now being peace time your chances of getting a waiver are pretty low. I think the post on top was learning a new language because Spanish is not a hard language, in fact it is one of the easiest in DLI.
@rsggbambino2710 Жыл бұрын
And to think I though green platoon was the hardest thing I’ve ever done😥
@ShaareiZoharDaas Жыл бұрын
Can understand DLI for languages I like like Russian- German but Spanish bot so much..
@Panicscroll692 жыл бұрын
He nailed it. I spent three weeks essentially ignoring my family and my own health while in that school. Got my torch, when you think you’ve studied enough, keep studying.
@joemoore17183 жыл бұрын
1. Nomenclature 2. Sling load inspection/ certification 3. HLZ 4. Drop Zones 5. Practical Exercise/ UH60 jump Note: nothing is open book, exact numbers matter, and studying when you get there is too late. 2015 Graduate.
@eenis12812 жыл бұрын
It sounds easy tbh
@thomasloveless48008 ай бұрын
This is the only school I failed in the Army. Sling load phase in a hangar at Benning in the summer. Hot as hell in that thing.
@jdelphzumba3 жыл бұрын
Just went through Pathfinder, an update on the shutdown on the training. Fort Benning 507th school will be disbanded, but other schoolhouses will pick up the training. So it's not going away...
@GrittySoldier3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the info! 👍
@ScoutSniper31242 жыл бұрын
Good to hear. Unfortunately there's a gradual degradation in "continuity" when various unit run schoolhouses teach their own course. The whole point of a centralized schoolhouse, where Instructors from both Active Duty and Guard teach the same curriculum is that the end product is Soldiers who can ALL operate in the same manner off the same page. We learned this lesson the hard way at a barren stretch of sand called "Desert One". A lesson learned in blood, which led to the creation of U.S. Special Operations Command and training in KEY Skills like Pathfinder from ONE schoolhouse.
@jdelphzumba2 жыл бұрын
OK well what I know is that there are three school houses that teach both Pathfinder and air assault. Two active duty one at Fort Campbell and one at Fort Benning, and a National Guard School. All opinions aside it’s just a fact they are going from 3 to 2.
@micheal494 ай бұрын
@@GrittySoldier Pathfinder is being retained but only for certain designated NG units.
@mretasterhotrod3063 Жыл бұрын
I went back in 2002 and it was very hard. I studied my A$$ off everyday and did nothing but school and studying. Lost a bunch of people on nomenclature test and another bunch more on the following test days. It was so much information that I felt like have a brain stroke. Got my torch and first time go’s every time. You definitely don’t want to be a retest ever. The anxiety stress levels will be too much to handle. Just study, study and study some more. Did I mention to study? First in, last out!
@jdub39993 ай бұрын
Pathfinder graduate 2001. This video provided the best advice. Study, then study more. Flash cards (3x5) work well in your hotel room. Pathfinder and Jumpmaster two academically hardest schools for me.
@austa103 жыл бұрын
Stationed at Ft. Campbell and after fighting to get this course, I'm now getting the opportunity to go. I'm excited and nervous. Thank you for this video and information!
@GrittySoldier3 жыл бұрын
Hell yeah no problem!
@rc591913 жыл бұрын
Good luck to you crohn's disease ruined my shot at going it was always my dream to earn that badge.
@goarmybeatnavy8412 жыл бұрын
Same brother going for Feb Class, get it!
@AznsrFUNNY2 жыл бұрын
I'm at FCKY as well and i'm a medic so it was hard for me as well. In it now on day 3 as of this comment.
@marioreyes93722 жыл бұрын
@@AznsrFUNNY shiii howd it go bro
@harterbob3 жыл бұрын
Great video. I attended as a 15A (Aviation Officer) 1LT Black Hawk driver and graduated #1 in my class. When I attended there was less emphasis on academics and more on practical exercises. We made three jumps and spent several days and nights in the field each week. We also made a couple of tower rappels and a helicopter rappel. I enjoyed the course, and wearing the torch for the rest of my career.
@justingittemeier34122 жыл бұрын
Did you attend the course recently, and did you go right after flight school? I'm a 15A currently at Rucker looking to go to Pathfinder once I complete flight school
@harterbob2 жыл бұрын
@@justingittemeier3412 not recently. 1983; probably before you were born. I went a couple of months after signing into my first aviation unit. At that time, you had to be airborne qualified in order to attend, and I was one of only a handful of officers in our battalion who was airborne qualified.
@dbc6033 жыл бұрын
I went through in 1986 (Class 12-86), and it sounds like much has changed...and much has remained the same. We had a class of 50, and 37 of us graduated. We were basically in the classroom or on the airfield 3 days/week, and went to the field 2 days/week. It sounds like there is much more emphasis on slingloads now, where we focused heavily on DZ/LZ operations. We did laugh at the "Gentleman's Course" characterization. We may not have gotten smoked or done organized PT, but the work was physical and pretty constant. We also pretty much *lived* Pathfinder all our waking hours. If we weren't in class, we were studying...period. Totally "drinking from a firehose" situation. You definitely cannot sham your way through this course, and it is one of my military achievements I am most proud of.
@eightyduece96703 жыл бұрын
I think I went thru in 88-89 from Bragg as a Spc with a 93 series MOS. They were heavy on the DZ portion but we also had Medivac in addition to what he mentioned. Land Nav at night got a lot of members. It was challenging to say the least and I would have been so ashamed to have failed. Had to retest for DZ so didn't even make it for the class photo. LOL. I knda remember that you already had to have jump wings to attend. Most funny part for me as a Spec was when we got a chance to got to the chow hall (we had berets) the Airborne class members would holler "Make a Hole" and part like Moses parting the Sea so we could go to the front of the line. I know they thought we were cadre. LOL
@MrMojo2712 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I was in 86-91 and I thought it was more DZ focused. I never went unfortunately
@TomP-nw4wu Жыл бұрын
Same here, Class 5-86 (March?). Made some good jumps and land navigation was a big part of the course. Junior Enlisted Honor Graduate.
@arzentegc26412 жыл бұрын
I attended Pathfinder school at Fort Benning in January 1977. It was excellent, realistic training.
@curingthenaivete16423 жыл бұрын
There is a book entitled "Pathfinder: First In, Last Out" by MSG Richard R. Burns. It details stories of Burns time in Vietnam when he was just a Corporal making sure LZ's were safe and his experiences as a pathfinder back in the day. He was a walk-on to pathfinder!
@GrittySoldier3 жыл бұрын
That’s awesome!
@NLYS273 жыл бұрын
@@GrittySoldier The book is awesome I just finished reading it. He did some bad ass crazy stuff. Just saying the book has the MAC-V crest on it for a reason too.
@russherron74473 жыл бұрын
excellent book
@ravenpaw952 жыл бұрын
I read that book in basic, Pathfinder is the only badge I want just because of Burns
@ravenpaw959 ай бұрын
@@duffelbagdrag I was part of the new 24 week OSUT cycle, it’s just a typical cycle, nothing news added to it, so take what the usually have in a 14 week OSUT cycle and spread it out between 22-24 weeks, creates a lot of dead time
@EPGunman2 жыл бұрын
One of the best things about your videos is that you are a motivator!! You always let people know that they can do it. It may suck and it may be hard but if you want it you can achieve it!! True sign of a leader of men.
@GrittySoldier2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for that! 🙏 I’m happy to be of help!!!
@EPGunman2 жыл бұрын
@@GrittySoldier Sir yes Sir!!
@bigboyroadhouse51812 жыл бұрын
I loved Pathfinder School! 2005 Grad.. 100% an eye opener..
@jamesarmistead98942 жыл бұрын
I was lucky. When the Army still had Pathfinder units, I was assigned to C Co. (Pfdr/Abn) 509th Inf at Ft. Rucksr, AL. I had already spent 2 yr.s with 1/509th in Vicenza, Italy and went to Pathfinder school as a senior SP4.
@hb2sami4 ай бұрын
SSG Jimmy Bates. A boss. So much respect to our military ! Thank you all. I’m so proud of my nephew. Thank you to all our service members! God bless you all. 🇺🇸 🙏🏼
@Paddlesurfer325666 ай бұрын
Great video! I went through in 1997 as an Air Force JTAC. The only thing different was I'm pretty sure we did sling load inspections first. I remember it because I had to retest. I was a little cocky from being a first-time go on JMPIs a few months earlier at jump master school. I didn't take the sling load test as seriously as I should have...but did pass the retest! I had a great time attending Pathfinder, one of my best military memories.
@kevinjsims17362 жыл бұрын
Currently in PF school now, and I can honestly say I wasn’t as prepared as I could of been. I was a walk-on for the course and I was very surprised I got in. But I’m still studying hard to do my best to stay in the fight. I’ll not leaving campbell until I get my torch 🗽 This is def one of those courses where you HAVE to study and know the nomenclature and deficiencies list prior to be successful. If you start studying day 1 you will not make it
@GrittySoldier2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the insight brother! Good luck man, keep your head in the books and keep practicing your equations!!!
@1anre2 жыл бұрын
Did you pass the course?
@kevinjsims173611 ай бұрын
@@1anreI did! It took me 2 tries but I made it. 2021 graduate
@1anre11 ай бұрын
@kevinjsims1736 well done man. Can you do a short video on your channel with your uniform where you go over what the experience was like and how it's impacted your army career ever since?
@MrGrenade1217 ай бұрын
Did you walk onto Campbell? Are you in the Army reserves? I heard it was hard to walk on a reservist
@marksmusicplace36272 жыл бұрын
LOL. I was a walk on too back in 1992 That day one test is no joke, You are spot on I was glad i had airborne training and air assault training and assisted on drop zone duties and really paying attention to Jumpmasters in my units. I got a hold of a pathfinder handbook study guide. This course is mentally brutal. spent a lot of time burning midnight oil. The black hats cut you no slack on those exams.
@hb2sami4 ай бұрын
My nephew has the pathfinder badge. He said It was one of the toughest coarses he went through. Hs is an air assault instructor. He is a scout sniper unit leader. He’s my living hero. 4x combat tour vet. I’m so proud of him. Bates strong! 🇺🇸
@NoNo-nq6vs Жыл бұрын
Just went through and got my torch at Campbell. I watched this video a million times trying to get anything I could. I appreciate everything!
@GrittySoldier Жыл бұрын
Glad to hear it! Congrats!! 👊
@AAGP361 Жыл бұрын
Any tips for someone going in 2 months? Earned my AA badge in October 2022
@NoNo-nq6vs Жыл бұрын
@@AAGP361 study nomenclature now. Take it all one step at a time. Don’t get ahead. You’ll test that day 2 and day 4/5 you’ll test slings so study deficients right after that and get your reps in on the sling loads. Use the weekend as well to dedicate to study, however works best for you start. HLZ and DZs is when it’s math heavy and studying gets worse. Literally the only way to make it I think is to just study at all times.
@MrJimmycrab3 жыл бұрын
One of the best schools I went to. Many years ago, Day 2 was a killer land nav test, which sent quite a few people home. We made 4-5 jumps during the 3 weeks too. Hope they don't close it down!
@williamjhunter57143 жыл бұрын
I was an Honor Graduate of basic training, always maxed all my PT tests, expert rifleman, top commander recommendation, no gigs at Air Assault...so I was awarded a slot to Jungle Expert School, Panama. Got my Balboa Badge and Jungle Tab. However, i always noticed this Pathfinder badge too and wondered about it, thanks for the video, sounds much more like a college course. Not easy. The Jungle School green hell obstacle course was tough, I dislocated my right knee during it when the troop behind me rushed me. I was in top shape though and it popped back in, finished the course. I graduated Feb 1986. Sadly that school is now gone.
@hope4ourfallen2 жыл бұрын
Path finder was one of them fireside tales back when I was in. Almost like the lock ness monster..Ya would hear about pathfinder, but we only ever knew a guy "who knew a guy" that was an actual Pathfinder😉 Congrats to the warriors who had the chance to earn the torch and carry on the legends❤️🇺🇲❤️Stay safe brothers!
@relicpathfinder2800 Жыл бұрын
More rare are those that were actually in a Torch Wearer in a Pathfinder Unit during conflict.
@sugewhitejacoby86543 жыл бұрын
I went through Basic,AIT, Airborne, Air Assault,RIP,RANGER, PNOC and never had a problem until Pathfinder. I suck at math and was out in week 2 I think. It was 40 years ago. Always wanted to go back and take more serious but never got the chance
@shootingbricks85543 жыл бұрын
I had a coworker who was a former LRST. He went to Pathfinder School for being in that unit and he actually put the preparations into it with those who went. Out of all the schools he's been to, Pathfinder was the hardest. He went in as a SPC which was impressive...and he always let people know that on one test, he was one question away from failing. A good amount of former air assault students failed in his course too which is surprising.
@GrittySoldier3 жыл бұрын
Going as a SPC is very impressive. It’s a tough school and you definitely need solid discipline to get through it. Good on him!
@1anre2 жыл бұрын
@@GrittySoldier what’s an SPC?
@shootingbricks85542 жыл бұрын
@@1anre it's an abbreviation for Specialist in the Army. It's a rank with a pay grade of E4 in the Army.
@1anre2 жыл бұрын
@@shootingbricks8554 ok thanks. I’ve noticed most immigrants with university degrees who join the US army get this SPC rank as they can’t ge commissioned as officers at that point. I guess they feel their degree equates them to an E4 or something.
@shootingbricks8554 Жыл бұрын
@@1anre yeah for certain jobs, warrant and commissioned officers, you need to be an American Citizen to qualify for clearance.
@kevinpalmer886 Жыл бұрын
Cool video, i remember always hearing that math was the hardest part about Pathfinder school (obviously from people who had no clue or possibly badge protectors), but math was the easiest part with rhe aycronyms! Memorization is key, I went at Ft Campbell many years ago! (I've been retired 13 year's now)! I went as a Staff Sergeant! RAKKASAN!
@marcusgrevel68323 жыл бұрын
Great Video! First In Last Out! Sling Load Hands-On: You are on point on performing an 'imaginary' inspection when not at school. Future Pathfinders: PRACTICE YOUR SEQUENCE OVER AND OVER! ..And identify every possible deficiency (VERBATIM) during that imaginary inspection.
@Zrelix3 жыл бұрын
@Gritty Soldier you’re right about them just limiting the number of places that host pathfinder school. Just graduated from air assault school at Benning and this was addressed. The black hats assured us that pathfinder will still be held at Benning
@GrittySoldier3 жыл бұрын
I knew it! Thanks for sharing that!
@ObeyLegit2 жыл бұрын
Earned the torch yesterday! First In, Last Out
@GrittySoldier2 жыл бұрын
Congrats! 🎉
@germanstudent062 жыл бұрын
You could almost combine Air Assault, Pathfinder and the ESB into one. Cheers Gritty, RLTW!
@MaxEPR2 жыл бұрын
Soldier, your flag is hung incorrectly. When hung vertically, the blue field is on the left. You are no-go at this station! Otherwise, good info. ;)
@Nimreitz2 жыл бұрын
My class had over a 50% fail rate. A HALO jump master rigger failed. Nothing stresses me out, and I was having stress headaches for the first time in my life. I would do all the practice problems in the book, consistently get every single one of them wrong, but fortunately from going through them and figuring out what I did wrong I learned enough to pass the tests. I think being a jump master might help, I was not airborne, I was just a regular E5. I get questions from Soldiers all the time about Pathfinder and my advice is always the same: don't go haha A few years later and I'm on an MSS and the only way to get resupplied was through slingloads. I felt very fortunate for having gone through the course.
@kennethforsythe818211 ай бұрын
I got my class slot as a reward for training the first Iraqi Security Company in Mosul (2003). Then, MG Petraeus asked my team what schooling we wanted, I said "Pathfinder". He said that's too easy because the Sabalauski Air Assault School has a Pathfinder course. I was the only alternate, with CG memo, to get in. I first asked to get Pathfinder when I reclassed in January 1994.
@cptyoyo5126 Жыл бұрын
Great video, as I listened to you talk about the course you were saying all of the things my buddy told me after he completed the course, so I hope people listen to what you are saying. Also I want to thank you for your service! My time in the Army got cut short thanks to some mortar blasts but I am alive still, thank God!
@falba20208 күн бұрын
Went to Pathfinder school(Ft. Benning ) in 85 land nav is where most bolo out. Academically we lost a few but I must say it was definitely challenging.As @dbc603 said we had stronger emphasis on LZ/DZ operations to include the ability to call a jump using surface and altitude wind speed and mathematical formulas . I still remember the motto cadre would say “force in left out” in lieu of first in last out
@mikestrohbusch54345 ай бұрын
Graduated from PATHFINDER course in 1971 at Fort Benning
@kibblesemsbits Жыл бұрын
Really great to hear your input as somebody who went through while I was instructing there. You hit it all on the head from an instructors stand point. I was either waiting or had been recently selected for flight school but I probably gave you most of your DZ instruction.
@MrGrenade1213 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the great Vid. I'll probably walk onto Campbell this summer for a slot and hope for the best
@nike3000ca2 жыл бұрын
In the Canadian Army, it's an 11 week grueling school for Elite level soldiers. I think it's the hardest course we have based on what friends have told me.
@sauljahboi59652 жыл бұрын
What about JTF2 or CSOR Selection?
@nike3000ca2 жыл бұрын
@@sauljahboi5965 Great Question! Those aren't course, but selections. Now the courses after, I'm nit sure how difficult they are, but I'm assuming they are hard! I do know operators who have have failed pathfinder course.
@gotmurica622510 ай бұрын
The torch is the only thing I really want!
@GrittySoldier10 ай бұрын
Then go get it!!!! 👊
@gotmurica622510 ай бұрын
@GrittySoldier that's definitely a goal!. I'm just the type that needs a headstart to get the upper hand to guarantee success when I go for it
@micheal494 ай бұрын
Back in the day (seventies), all you had to do was ask. Of course, about half washed out. But it was the most fun I ever had in a combat skills course. Lots of fun!
@CRONKTEZ3 жыл бұрын
Awesome info, I am fortunate enough to have Pathfinder as a reenlistment incentive as a SPC, hopefully one time go!
@GrittySoldier3 жыл бұрын
Awesome man good luck! Just study your ass off and you’ll be good!
@robertkeys513 жыл бұрын
One of the classes that went through when I was at the schoolhouse (Campbell) had a specialist who was the honor grad so you got this!
@vince11harris3 жыл бұрын
That’s actually in your contract tho ?
@CRONKTEZ3 жыл бұрын
@@vince11harris Yeah rog, I already have two good buddy’s, secure hard slots for June here at Campbell as a re-enlistment incentive. both SPCs
@vince11harris3 жыл бұрын
@@CRONKTEZ wow that’s crazy when do you go to pathfinder school
@ejmolloy29542 жыл бұрын
You'll need a F7 waiver which a company commander can type up and sign in a few minutes.
@Rome1sixteen2 жыл бұрын
Have a buddy from my last unit who went and got his pathfinder. Not only did he get this rare badge but he got it as a specialist which is even more rare.
@GrittySoldier2 жыл бұрын
👍
@oneshotnicky2 жыл бұрын
Awesome video, thanks for the insights! Been trying to get to Pathfinder for years - just got my 90A so hopefully soon!
@markcline1839 Жыл бұрын
i remember going to air assault school in 1999 and them integrating pathfinder stuff in our training. they ened pathfinder back then and then restarted it for some reason. this was at fort polk louisiana
@robertgagne8243 жыл бұрын
my NCOs have been trying to get me into this and air assault but NGB keeps saying no.. sad cuz with my MOS (air traffic control), pathfinder operations is (in doctrine) one of our main mission sets.
@GrittySoldier3 жыл бұрын
Both are great schools to get under your belt. I hope you get the chance to go.
@robertgagne8242 жыл бұрын
@@GrittySoldier 10 months after making this comment, i just receiving an email saying my ARTTS slot for pathfinder is ready to go! i attend the ARNG warrior center course next month
@jacoblandrum26812 жыл бұрын
Been out for years but always wanted this school. Never got it thanks to a total malfunction. Liked and subscribed. Keep killing it
@GrittySoldier2 жыл бұрын
💪
@AustinCarterYT2 жыл бұрын
You should start a podcast on all things army. Would be 🔥🔥🔥
@barnabyhoofer80443 жыл бұрын
There are some great books about the British Army's Pathfinder Platoon. Check out Pathfinder by David Blakely, and X Platoon by Steve Heaney MC.
@MrMojo2712 жыл бұрын
Always wanted to go to pathfinder school!
@1anre2 жыл бұрын
The duration of the America Pathfinder course is kinda shorter than the Canadian Patrol Pathfinder Course that’s almost 70+ days & is said to be one of the hardest courses one can take in the Canadian armed forces. Not sure if there’s a similarly difficult non-SOF course in the US Army. But the torch emblem remains same across board.
@shootingbricks85542 жыл бұрын
Ranger School but more of a leadership course. Physically sucks more than mental
@1anre9 ай бұрын
@@duffelbagdrag oh really? Didn't know that's how simple the US' own was. You arill rarely see it on many people's uniforms, making it see as it its almost as difficult as the combat divers school, which you almost never see on anyone's uniform
@MrDunkin2683 жыл бұрын
What he said about asking for rewards (especially for pathfinder)….he could not be more correct.
@tsbchase57023 жыл бұрын
Great vid man super informative!
@noeldickey37362 жыл бұрын
Hello there Blackhawk! Awesome to see a brother, God Bless. Scouts Out!
@GrittySoldier2 жыл бұрын
🤘
@carsongrover992410 ай бұрын
Not to go off topic, but, could you do a video about why you went into the Rangers specifically?
@Michael-42 жыл бұрын
Brilliant information!
@00andrescab003 жыл бұрын
My battery commander told us that Pathfinder School was the gentleman’s school since it was mostly academic lol. Also, not to be picky, and I could def be wrong, but I always thought the flag was suppose to be hung with the field of stars on the viewers left/heart side.
@brianbailey7128Ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing!
@lbcguy87233 жыл бұрын
I served in a LRSD unit within the 82nd and didnt get the chance to attend this school but my brother just graduated last week at benning
@GrittySoldier3 жыл бұрын
Awesome! 🤘
@Starlesslemon3 жыл бұрын
"I'm the best Ranger tab in my unit" "It's not hard to get into Pathfinder School" lmao
@sevenswrld63682 жыл бұрын
Can u go to both path finder and airborne school doing ur service
@mackdyegames30352 жыл бұрын
You had to wait 11 years for pathfinder school? ROFL You going to hate me dawg! I was scheduled to go to pathfinder school during my 5th year as a specialist. I wasn't even combat arms technically. I was unit supply specialist in infantry units. Most notably the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team AKA 1st Brigade 25th ID. I did help my soldiers go on patrol/mission in Iraq when I didn't have logistics stuff to do. I was at Fort Benning already, stuck in a shitty OSUT training unit, when Ranger school and Pathfinder school were offered to me. I could have went airborne and air assault school if I wanted it too. Problem is I never got my fitness to a level I no longer had to worry about. The battalion commander was cool and knew my battalion commander from Iraq deployment well. I was doing the job of three people and helping the drill sergeants in the field. I worked more hours in garrison then I did in the combat zone. Like WTF?! No time off ever. Just work 16+ hour days 6 days a week and maybe a Sunday off on occasion where I would have to sleep. Wife and I lived right on base but I hardly ever got to see her. After a year and a half of just sucking it up I finally broke and got frustrated and decided to just leave service. Sadly I was offered no help and no mentoring. Had people given me the help I needed at the time I could have had one hell of a career. I would have hit retirement next summer.
@warbaby19759 ай бұрын
I see you earned your spurs in 2nd ID as well. I was in the Spur Ride in South Korea at Camp Garry Owen in 2004 when I was in 4-7 CAV 2nd ID and had to do the Spur Ride again at Fort Lewis 2-1 CAV 4th Brigade 2nd ID in 2006. I got my Gold Combat Spurs twice in my Iraq deployments. Where did you earn your spurs at? unit wise?
@mario3804 Жыл бұрын
Hey brother just wanted to let you know the flag is not properly displayed. Hope all is well.
@nicholasboucher39113 жыл бұрын
Thank your SIr this is so clutch 🇺🇸💯
@estherclawson68768 күн бұрын
Study=memorize, if the Marines taught me anything.
@edwardvanduzer428411 ай бұрын
And the first thing I see is that your American flag is hung incorrectly.
@houseofcotes44023 жыл бұрын
Love the videos. Thank you!!!
@GrittySoldier3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the support!
@TheMarines56373 жыл бұрын
Graduated about 3 weeks ago, sounds like they are shutting down active component school houses but the national guard warrior training center one has no plans of closing but they will be doing more mobile training teams and not as many fort Benning classes.
@GrittySoldier3 жыл бұрын
Ok but at least the opportunity is still there. Thanks for the info!
@ShaunsJeep3 жыл бұрын
I got out of the Army back in 2016. Why am I watching this now lol...
@wisemanplagueis4319 Жыл бұрын
I noticed you discussed 1. Nomenclature 2. Sling load inspection/ certification 3. HLZ 4. Drop Zones 5. Practical Exercise/ UH60 jump I thought there was land navigation at Pathfinder?
@Skullduggerous_pirate2 жыл бұрын
Anyway you could post a link to the nomenclature study guide? Like the first thing you text on
@Thejudge45453 жыл бұрын
I am going to be a Infantryman, will I be able to go to all the schools and courses like, ranger school, air assault school, jump school, pathfinder school etc?
@GrittySoldier3 жыл бұрын
You’ll be eligible for all of those!
@ObamaSaidHeLikesMe3 жыл бұрын
3:00 never thought of that. 🤔
@GrittySoldier3 жыл бұрын
Yea man any time you do even the slightest good job at something, ask for more as a “reward.” That’s a good SOP to practice. 👍
@elliotv5354 Жыл бұрын
This man is a model soldier. He's literally done everything .-.
@elliotv53549 ай бұрын
@@duffelbagdrag Very fair point
@DecentPlayerNA3 жыл бұрын
Okay cool I have 30 days to learn sling load nomenclature
@GrittySoldier3 жыл бұрын
Plenty of time!
@stewarttrains983 жыл бұрын
Recently heard They are now leaning towards you must be air assault qualified prior to going to pathfinder
@GrittySoldier3 жыл бұрын
Interesting. I definitely think it help having Air Assault done first, but didn’t think it was really necessary.
@57ryanearl3 жыл бұрын
Also, adding being JM qualified and looking at making a no waiver school as well.
@shootingbricks8554 Жыл бұрын
My buddy said the sling load procedure in Pathfinder School isn't the same as Air Assault's.
@morganrigsbee42742 жыл бұрын
Here before one year
@GrittySoldier2 жыл бұрын
🤘
@kevinbrooks6272 Жыл бұрын
So, 2023 update for anyone trying to go, they have canceled MTTs, they've reduced slots, and it is MUCH harder to get into the school. My unit had me apply 6 times before the schoolhouse finally said yes!
@nicholasboucher39113 жыл бұрын
Can you do a video on your chest candy on your uniform
@GrittySoldier3 жыл бұрын
👍
@johngallagher91513 жыл бұрын
"Chest candy" you mean awards and medals?
@Zrelix3 жыл бұрын
@@johngallagher9151 correct
@johngallagher91513 жыл бұрын
@@Zrelix I could understand a female calling awards and medals "chest candy" but a guy saying that is just weird.
@scottpomygalski607811 ай бұрын
Is it the camera, or is your flag presented the wrong way. Stars are to be presented on the left I believe.
@RickEllis687 ай бұрын
One of the schools I really wanted to go to but never got the chance… On a side note, your flag is displayed wrong…the field should be the the left as you look at it.
@jp4567x10 ай бұрын
Pathfinder school will exist as long as helicopters and fixed wing do, eh? Call traffic, drop bundles... 1979🪖, US Army would jump 4 soldiers out of each UH-1H door; too many accidents stopped that, eh‽🇨🇦No shit, I came in 2nd at graduation; Class# "34 out the door", '79. Roommate @FtRucker, Gomez, was 1st in his class with an award. 👁️👁️ an Infantry CPT quit when a rappeller's quick-release failed and his rucksack prevented his hand from braking... crashed. There was a USMC soldier in the class with a scuba school badge and their gold-wings. Witnessed a tabbed, 1st of the 75th, Ranger flunk the course. I especially liked the enlisted telling the officers what positions they would have, when everyone tested as team leader, or assistant, eh‽ DRT/TRD/D=CAV.... 🇺🇸🇻🇮🇨🇦 📡Ukrainian support to 💣🇷🇺Russia for murdering US MIAs and POWs after the Vietnam war. 🔱🇺🇦🇵🇱🇬🇧🇺🇸🇪🇺🇨🇦🔱🌝🌚💣🇷🇺🚷⚓💣📡💣🛰️
@beretverde86693 жыл бұрын
No landnav? It failed several in 1987.
@JosephCamacho-df1jz10 ай бұрын
Went to Ranger school then straight to Pathfinder school in 89’
@zacharyweiss34883 жыл бұрын
On your most recent community post on his uniform is that a JSOC unit patch? Thank you for your and your friends service!
@GrittySoldier3 жыл бұрын
Technically it’s a SOCOM patch.
@zacharyweiss34883 жыл бұрын
I see thank you!
@bluestreak8082 жыл бұрын
National guard soldier here, completed air assault a couple months ago and have been shooting for more schools and was told I may get pathfinder if I do decent at best warrior competition. What are any TMs and guides I can use to study beforehand?
@fernandooro40193 жыл бұрын
Can you do a video on how to improve on the acft?
@GrittySoldier3 жыл бұрын
Absolutely! I’ll work on it! 💪
@johnrodriguez3870 Жыл бұрын
#1) What U.S. Army MOSs qualify for entrance and eligibility into Pathfinder School? #2) Are Service Men from All 6 Branches of Service ( United States Army,Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard) eligible to earn the Pathfinder Torch?
@GrittySoldier Жыл бұрын
Anyone can go as long as they have a waiver (which is very easy to get)
@johnrodriguez3870 Жыл бұрын
@@GrittySoldier , This 53 Year Old Prior Service USMC and United States Army Veteran ( 1987-1998, with 1 Year and 4 Months in the Army National Guard ( ARNG) and US Army Reserve ( USAR) , Thanks You for Military Forces Service as a Commissioned Officer, and, the Point Man for " Gritty Soldier", for You just gained a New Subscriber. Thank You, Sir. Former Cpl., / SGT( USMC and US Army) Rodriguez, Roger Out!!
@dw70945 ай бұрын
When I went (1972) it was open to E-3 and above as long as PUHLES was 111121 or better, your CO recommended you and your GT Score was 110 or higher. No waivers. A 110 GT score meant that the rest of your ASVAB scores were all above 100. As far as other skills go, you needed to be able to employ some Basic Training skills ( COMMO & LANDNAV), 9TH grade general math, and be able to read, write and comprehend at the 12th grade level.
@gmmbender3 жыл бұрын
GT score and MOS waivers must be approved by USAIS.
@GrittySoldier3 жыл бұрын
Yes! Thank you!
@armylife88 Жыл бұрын
Hey man I just graduated Air Assault school. Wondering if I should try to get in pathfinder school while the Air Assault stuff is still fresh in my mind.. or is the sling load, L/Z, and P/Z info different in pathfinder school
@GrittySoldier Жыл бұрын
Yes!!!! Do it as soon as possible.
@JosephCamacho-df1jzАй бұрын
Back in 89’ there were only 30 slots
@TheActionTeamSellsHouses Жыл бұрын
Do they not do a final exam anymore before the FTX? I graduated in 2006 and that was a nightmare. I passed every exam on the first try until the final exam. I believe it was 5 sections and you retested based on sections passed or failed. Or is that what you're referring to as the DZ exam? Maybe they just do it in a different order now. The part I struggled with was the CARP bubble chart problems if that's still a thing. I'm old and I suffer from CRS.
@adamn57254 ай бұрын
Thought the US Pathfinders were the same as the UK Pathfinders. Wrong. Guess the Ranger Reconnaissance unit would be the same as the UK Pathfinders ??? Anyone able to clarify ?
@nathanfair259510 ай бұрын
I’m not sure why guys from Campbell are going to benning for PF. We have it here at TSAAS
@chrisvandenheuvel54452 жыл бұрын
There were rumors about the course ending over 20 years ago.
@GrittySoldier2 жыл бұрын
Yeah I’m hoping it stays around.
@yatyasmf2 жыл бұрын
I think your 🇺🇸 needs to be reoriented so that the blue is at the upper left when viewed.
@OR_Wolfhunter2 жыл бұрын
As a former 11B looking to get back in and go the warrant aviator route (fingers crossed 160th) from past experiences, it seemed that any SOF units got all the schools and training their little hearts desired. Is this still the case or have things changed?
@GrittySoldier2 жыл бұрын
Still the same I think 😆
@OR_Wolfhunter2 жыл бұрын
@@GrittySoldier I know I’m putting the cart before the horse but hey, the Army has changed sooo much since the 2010’s 😂
@NoNo-nq6vs Жыл бұрын
Currently in 160th, you will not come here after flight school, you’ll usually do 2 years regular army time first. Recommend making PC and being very confident in your flying abilities and the unknown. But for most schools yes, pathfinder, ranger, etc no, we even fight for these and don’t get them much at all.
@OR_Wolfhunter Жыл бұрын
@@NoNo-nq6vs Good to know, thanks!
@TheJimibell3 жыл бұрын
Why is your flag hanging backwards? Cmon man!
@GrittySoldier3 жыл бұрын
I’m not sure what you mean. 🤔
@TheJimibell3 жыл бұрын
@@GrittySoldier the stars are supposed to be on the left when displayed vertically. Your American flag is displayed incorrectly.
@elijahunknown1553 жыл бұрын
@@TheJimibell Absolutely not 🚫
@TheJimibell3 жыл бұрын
@@elijahunknown155 or you can simply read it for yourself 🤷🏻♂️ www.usa.gov/flag
@abbuassin217 ай бұрын
I have a question, what is the two finger used for?