Pathfinders: Into The Heart of Afghanistan

The Pathfinder Platoon (PF Platoon) is a reconnaissance unit within 16 Air Assault Brigade. Their the Parachute Regiment's elite combate troops. Pathfinders act as the Brigade commander's eyes and ears typically operating ahead of the Brigade's front line, often deep behind enemy lines, where they perform advance force reconnaissance operations and mark out drop zones and helicopter landing sites for use by Brigade forces.
Pathfinder Platoon's Motto: "First In"

[@thomaskeil89]

RIP to Lloyd Newell the guy doing push ups at 07:49 killed by small arms fire after this was filmed

[@paulmorgan3600]

RIP hero

[@Jay-ew8in]

RIP to a true warrior

[@steveo5763]

Salute to Lloyd from USA!

[@deanazcoolzi4382]

Get Ready to go back god bless

[@twothreebravo2374]

Lloyd was 22 SAS after pathfinders. Another face this doc also a well known (now ex) member of 22 SAS

[@waltana02]

I did not work with the UK Pathfinders but have worked with the UK Army. I am glad they are on our side and not our enemy. They are top notch and very dedicated to their "mates" and anyone assigned or attached to them. Great bunch!!

[@idomalion6167]

British Army Royal Navy Royal Marines Royal Airforce

[@Scotland2306]

✌🏻

[@mott2945]

Amen to that brother 🙏

[@timkeenan7419]

I worked with the British regularly. I was a Canadian pathfinder. The British were tough, I loved working with them, they know their shit.

[@ismailahmed4876]

😂😂🇦🇫🇦🇫🎉2024 🇦🇫🇦🇫💪🏻💪🏻

[@digger8180]

I have been fortunate to work with an ex-Pathfinder; the Managing Director of the Defence for the company we worked for, a true gent who helped me which I will always be grateful for. He had to retire due to an ongoing injury sustained whilst serving. Very brave men all of them, thank you.

[@markwagstaff7209]

Unfortunately let down by politicians as usual were all those sacrifices worth it?

[@Mongieboy]

Great program, great soldiers. As an English man and an ex squaddie they make me proud. Well done boys.

[@acarsie4387]

Ha the driver at 26 mins " ok calm down reverse up" whilst mortar and bullets flying at them ! Britian at its best

[@marksmith9853]

my home town (Colchester), remember when the paras first came to the garrison and all the concern and worries. how that parts of Colchester and certain pubs would be no go areas. yes there are certain pubs that are "squadie" pubs but definitely not no go ones or any of the problems that people were banging on about. proud to have the paras in Colchester.

[@godfatha5]

Dear pathfinders, I watch your battle to motivate myself, your do what you do for us, you are the courageous & brave ones, God Bless you & keep you save. I just wanna say THANK YOU. 👍👍

[@SgtSayWhat]

I love how they're getting shot at and just casually walking around their truck while it happens.

[@compulsor5853]

Takes some hefty stones. Lots of healthy perspective in this. The most incredible? 37:31, actually catches the throbbing cyclical rate of a fcuking LIVE RPG zipping just overhead; intense with a good set of headphones, the sound recording gear is so articulate, that (esp. with eyes closed listening for it) you can actually hear it pass on an angle from front right to rear left, and no more that 3-5 meters directly over THEIR HEADS!!! Like to see how those well-fed and inbred politicians lumbering around with helmets on backward would've done. They'd all have needed a fresh pair of shorts after that one I guarantee you that.

[@morganh3734]

Compulsor wow well spoted

[@coreywilliams1454]

"Cylical rate of a live RPG" If RPGs could go cyclic, NATO would not longer exist.

[@wanjevi]

Thats what I was thinking I think part of the clips are from training sessions. I dont see how or why the Taliban would engage them out of the ak47 ranges

[@mikydees91]

Fraser Hughes we are her majesty’s armed forces

[@steverusuk]

still an outstanding piece of reporting 10 years on. Well done lads

[@jakerobson6623]

So glad to be related to two of the pathfinders shown in the video

[@centrica1234]

Step dads?

[@gb1178]

For me. The Pathfinders are the best of the British Army. They are soldiers that are not classed as elite, but are above the class of elite. An infrantry soldier, but not. These guys are the best that the British Army has to offer. You can compare them with the USA Rangers, they are that good. Any special opps opperator will tell you that these guys are the hidden gems of the British Army.

[@bethanytodd2704]

They are significantly more capable than the 75th

[@coldc7]

​@@bethanytodd2704 No. The Rangers are exceedingly capable. They are a solid tier 2 SO unit. They'd both be equally capable I'm sure.

[@mikeclark4416]

This video makes me feel Proud to British . We have by far the Finest Soldiers looking after our Island .

[@gfdffdfg1102]

Really? Your island has been flooded by people from Asia, The Middle East and Africa the last 40 years. How are your "Finest Soldiers" looking after your Island?

[@cron1165]

@@gfdffdfg1102 Many of those men from Asia and the Middle East are serving in the military, even in units like this one or the SAS/SBS/SRR/SFSG etc. I'm not even British but trust me, a couple immigrants doesn't bring down the professionalism and lethality of the UK armed forces

[@gfdffdfg1102]

@@cron1165 I agree. But I was not talking about that.

[@gfdffdfg1102]

@Awoke Awoke Just telling the truth. The British people are soon a minority in their own country.

[@denisboyle9504]

what the fuk were they doing losing in Afghanistan for the 4th time so???

[@SomeSteven]

"Tim has problem with the american ammunition" "Fucking yank rounds" 40:25

[@rwynyardo7434]

i did two tours of Afgan and the only thing that changed was heroin production went up by 80%. Thats worth losing mates for eh?

[@stewartmckeand6099]

Same in NI mate. Join to stop taking it, fucking leave to stop taking it.

[@JustinGadue58]

Thank You For Your Service

[@LEEHOLMES-gq2gj]

Deffently not mate

[@mikydees91]

I’m a 45 commando , we loved this

[@YATYAS33]

I was there in 2009 with the 2nd MEB. We conducted route security and COIN ops out of Camp Dwyer up Route Red to the tip of Marjah and down the 605. Hats off to the Brits, you boys know how to fight.

[@winner3057]

RIP Ronnie. My boy 💪🏼

[@heatpump8566]

Evil only thrives when good men do nothing. Great Britain has always showed a warrior spirit. The underdog always

[@scottdore4890]

These gents are amazing I like to watch these shows hate to see the boys get hurt but it makes me proud they USA and uk are on the same team

[@yawn1887]

"My head is bloodied but unbowed" Respect!

[@Cumbriahandyman]

Heroes, every one of them. British Army - The BEST

[@AfghanHearts]

heroes?? LOL. yeah, they have superior weapons and superior number. yet they still lose out to backward farmers. yeah heroooeees. hahaha ignorant fool

[@Cumbriahandyman]

AfghanHearts Look at score bacon breath, army 20,000 Islamonutters a few hundred mostly to cowardly IEDs.

[@tstew18]

Seals and delta beg to differ...

[@magorkel1746]

AfghanHearts don't see them hiding behind women and children, do ya?

[@AfghanHearts]

magorkel LOL the western troops always hide behind civillianns. LOL you stupid brainwashed clowns do not know the ground reality. hahah idiots

[@alenkerr8533]

Those warrior's are elite makes u proud to be British

[@richardgiles2484]

Hats off to ALL our armed forces from the UK 👏👏👏 what really pissed me off is the politisons playing at it in safety 😢

[@Rocky-lh4od]

Absolute mental scenes fair play you bunch of heroes 🙌RIP PATTO LAD 🙏

[@toynazi]

You have to respect these guys. Going into the sandbox in vehicles like that. Damn!

[@scottmacleod6739]

Total respect to the path finders and may God be with yous all. Also my father's father was in the pathfinders at the end of World War 2

[@royfr8136]

March 1985 The Pathfinder Platoon acts as the brigade's advance force and reconnaissance force.

[@LewisbAndDanGaming]

the british have some of the bravest soldiers in afganistan

[@mikydees91]

orange Cali 4t commando 👊

[@mikydees91]

45 commando

[@cheekboy7247]

@Arsene Who? when? And link it.

[@abubatatu3241]

It's all about the C corporation next to you, or for you in the in United Kingdom, it's all about the Public Limited Company next to you. Whether or not British Petroleum itself ultimately gains from the continuing Great Game and like scrambles is a roll of the dice now thousands of weeks in the making. Befehl ist Befehl is not part of the Constitutional Order of the United States: statutes such as "Public Law 107-40" are subject to the prohibition of attainder (without which unlike typical assumptions of Article 3 delegations under the color of Article 1 or 2, they rewrite an Article 3 delegation to Article 2 in the name of Article 1), and to Kellogg-Briand among other treaties incorporated by Articles with Amendments or they are but errant statute, love, لا اله الا الله محمد رسول الله

[@vs_1uksfairsoftrba724]

Love these guys

[@jakealcock5905]

absolutely quality video, reminds me of a completely different time. Shows how much can change in a decade.

[@Joe-Marco]

So much respect for these lads

[@jaybird9391]

The one good thing about these open Vehicles is if they roll over in water or in a ravine, you stand a chance of surviving, but in one of the big American up armored vehicles, like the rhinos or the Buffalos, or the APC you will drown! We had some SF soldiers roll over in one of their up armors and the diesel tank had a puncture in it from the rocks and the ones that didn't drown, died from the diesel fumes inside the cab of the vehicle and there was no way out!

[@jimmybaldwin737]

Omg. That sounds horrendous. What a horrible terrifying way to go

[@MuskelKaterWorkout]

Respect for the Soldiers, disrespect for the Vehicle Constructors.

[@oldcar1968]

wow you guys are crazy looks like way too dangerous for me, you guys are fearless and brave!

[@M2M-matt]

I just love his first understandable human reaction "Ahhhhh they've fucking shot............man down!!!". Throughout it all they reacted with professionalism under extreme pressure characteristic of Pathfinders.

[@RossNaylor-nh5uv]

Great unit I always regret not trying out for the pathfinders while I was serving I just knew deep down the tabbing would kill me it was never a strong suit but anyway godbless the king and our forces

[@scottybrown5237]

Very Good Coverage

[@thebatman69]

great bit of jurno work here. well done pathfiders

[@kraaidievoel]

Great thank you

[@kingofenglandthethir]

Don't let these our soldiers have to beg to brass /gvmt for anything they need to fully fill the mission. Give them your unconditional support.

[@shannonpinion5729]

Marjah a lot of US Marines wounded in that hornets nest in 2010

[@ozgrunt5650]

This sub-unit must be a Brigadier's wet dream. An organic capability under his direct command, which is capable of a range of highly-specialised operational taskings - from classic Airborne Brigade reconnaissance; to the sort of self-sufficient, long-range fighting patrols as shown here. Traditionally this sort of mission was the remit of Special Forces, which are in high demand and therefore can limit the commander's initiative. I'm remarking from experience in the Australian Army as an Infantry Officer. Whilst the Oz battalion model includes a highly-trained and capable Reconnaissance/Sniper Platoon within Support Company, it is very limited in the sort of missions they are directed by the CO (or able) to perform at Battalion level. Also they don't have anywhere near the equipment allocations* and Independence of action these PF blokes have. Here, the AAB have an asset worth its weight in gold, and it shows a level of conceptual intelligence in command that is refreshingly pragmatic (a rarity in my experience) - especially for a smaller Army like the Brits. *The Oz Army's Bushmaster PMV would have solved the shocking f-up with these Jackals. The Bushmaster is a remarkable bit of kit*. It has shown over the last 10 years in this theatre to be both reliable and remarkably adaptable to a myriad of mission requirements; from Inf fighting patrols to Long Range Reconnaissance by our SF units. *Aside from the vehicle's supreme reliability, advanced blast protection, speed and mountings for every toy imaginable; the most glorious inclusion is F-ING AIR CONDITIONING Any grunt who did a summer deployment over there will know what joy that brings.

[@cm-pr2ys]

Hey how long are the courses to become a recon man and a sniper in the Australian Army? Always wondered about you guys.

[@M2M-matt]

I agree I have heard allot about the Bushmaster PMV. Great vehicle!! Although the Jackal has been developed into a vehicle more reliable than the Jackal Mk1 known as the HMT Extenda Mk2 based on the original Jackal. Been termed as the Jackal Mk3. More reliable and stable. Its is a 6 wheel vehicle but can be configured as a 4x4 or 6x6 by adding/removing a third axle module. I believe the MOD order a number of these in 2023.

[@lencycler1]

awesome....these guys are bad assssss

[@stuartb4525]

A mate of mine was Pathfinders, Wes Hodgens, great soldier from the Royal Irish. Was hoping to see him in this.

[@cohall46]

Very interesting video and very well presented. Unfortunately the outcome of success in Afghanistan has not materialized. Thanks for sharing.

[@paulinotou]

goes to show the importance of good reliable vehicles. either that or someone really failed at doing basic maintenance. but this kinda terrain, i guess anything can happen

[@cq7415]

Good about field operation with vehicles. Lots of slack time in the field. Vehicle rolled at about 22:00. Some combat toward end. Thanks

[@haleyneedham7228]

Good luck boys you need it and god bless

[@deniseblades41]

The Royal Marines BRF are on the same level I believe, very good forward Recce, Dennis

[@acmund]

Right before he yells about being shot, you can see the incoming round disturb the air in the upper left of the screen.

[@markdavids2511]

1 Para are the special forces support group & you’ve got to have served time in one of the other Para battalions before you can apply to join 1 para I believe.

[@cockroachman27]

I like the man that had his helmet on the wrong way around

[@jasmineying3219]

Great

[@dvaidr]

Heroes!

[@robertslade3847]

I was a DROPS operator in the TA RLC for three years trucks breaking down one after the other always the bloody same. The Lib-Lab-Con party always tell us these guy's are hero's and they are but seeing as that's the case why not wipe £Bn's off the welfare over sea's aid and the EU budget and look after the people who deserve our support the most.Anyone of you reading this look after each other and stay safe.

[@robertslade3847]

DAF.

[@colemitchell8310]

Basically they're the equivalent in ability of the SAS just a different role; lots of ex-pathfinders end up in the SAS, some stay loyal to the PF.... the selection period for the PF is just as tough as the SAS believe it or not... essentially part of the elite...

[@sixbells99]

Pathfinders are not the same as the SAS, although many do go onto the SAS and they were developed for a very specific role. Not all those in the unit make it into the SAS. The SAS created the unit so it could be specialized in HAHO and HALO and recon. Maverick One by David Blakeley is a good book that describes the selection process. BBC iplayer there is the phantom platoon old but another very good documentary on pathfinders. Unquestionably a very hard unit to get in, I would not say harder than SAS selection, just different.

[@trident1314]

Training cycle for pathfinders much shorter and they don't have the same remit and overall skill set as the SAS

[@leedstown]

Selection is tough but shorter than sbs/sas

[@jeanlannes8429]

Are they the evolution of the Long Range Desert Group in WW2 ?

[@user-MRG1130]

Those trucks, seems like they are left extremely exposed, and shrapnel will be an issue. First thoughts five minutes in, I could be wrong, they seem very well trained, so I assume it must be a reason behind it. God bless our Troops and allies!!!

[@thewatcher4552]

Combat in Afghanistan was such different war than Iraq it was kinda shocking. You never saw the enemy 90% of the time. Alaxander the Great, Russia, the US all failed here...ironic😮 I'm glad God guided me through both wars alive. 🙏🏽🤙🏾🇺🇸

[@Finnish69]

"Place , where empire's come to die..."

[@mafelkins]

GREAT MEN!

[@melaniemullan1040]

This terrain eat's vehicles regardless how hard or reliable you think it is.

[@gibbonspider]

Hey! was that broken fuel pipe really just above the front wheel and not tucked away behind some armour?. No cabin means no air-con required,narrow wheel base to height of vehicle means it`s gotta topple over on the smallest of side slopes. They were fighting more with their equipment than the taliban.

[@julianshalders6047]

The jakals not tested , a shit design of physics, top heavy to wheel base ratio, brave men fighting fearless taliban.british special forces 😂 need Aussies to assist in battle. 4 RAR legendary fight with no rules.

[@jonathannorris8992]

This is Mad Max territory, and as brave and professional as these lads are I still don’t understand why we were ever there?

[@marvinc9994]

"I still don’t understand why we were ever there?" Well, as far as the SOLDIERS are concerned: "King George commands, and we'll obey, Over the hills and far away". Some things never change!

[@hutch1111111]

What is the Jackal's future? Did not hear much about them while I was there, are they going to be still used as they were here?

[@RaderJam]

never heard about them before, thougt them brits had enough with ther brilliant SAS !

[@DocPicklez]

@38:35 40mm not Caliber, Significant difference in size.

[@nicefella1640]

Many thanks to the British for there continued support on the war on Radical Fundamentalists.

[@abeelvago]

Is there a reason the vehicles don't ahave a top cover? Being out in desert conditions in full sunlight I would asume a something to give you shade is a must

[@Monsoon-sd6vr]

So pleased Huw Pike brought them back into the fold !!

[@oldcar1968]

I am wondering with all the equipment problems why isnt the equipment reliable? is it because of the heat and sand that cause the equipment to malfunction? can it be improved?

[@lovebigboobs5005]

Nice protection heve this new APC

[@griderstc]

Bless them. God's Speed. Thank you.

[@mikeclark4416]

Ive read books where they used "WMIKS "- Land Rovers

[@donbryant58]

75% percent failure rate on the latest infantry vehicle? 1,900,00 pounds of new infantry vehicle? This like watching the U.S.Armys new infantry vehicle the Stryker. Also just another defense contractors pot luck

[@wordherb1128]

Geeeeezer

[@bnblasercleaning]

Apparently the biggest issue with these new vehicles was them being a tad to top heavy, I guess it shows here, But really what do you expect from a brand new vehicle design, its going to have teething issues, its just a pitty it happens in conflict

[@baltichammer6162]

Did the makers of the Yugo car build their vehicles?

[@yuuupwellhello6854]

U could actually hear the bullets go pass them on the video crazy

[@shakes7720]

i say,18:30, he may live in the desert in the arsehole of nowhere but has a marvelous pair of spectacles

[@richardstoker4963]

My late father was a pathfinder in 2 para in the Yemen.

[@BrendonTilley-se9so]

😎😎AND PROUD!

[@willspinner8746]

That guy closest to the camera at 4.15 is Ben Garwood and he ended up passing into 22 sas

[@robertluiswilliams7189]

Top heavy. 😊

[@Jimmyboy1674]

Oh yeah!😊

[@geraldhutchins1023]

well done lads god bless

[@LeaffarRenhor]

Pathfinder are same like the HJ, they kids learn to handle with Maps and Kompaß, how to climbing with the right knots to protect other or herself, how make sleeping foxholes with roofs against rain, first aid, read footsteps for follow animals or "enemy", how make food plus kill animals to eat, make arrow bow or other weapons, camouflage and all with one knife, pocketknife and firestone... I was a Pathfinder and now i am Soldier and have a lot of skills.

[@myroseaccount]

This will bring down a ton of shit on my head. But I also respect the Taleban

[@James-tr9eg]

That's what happens when you get stuff made from the lowest bidder. As soldiers we are given equipment that functions to a degree but is usually not the best. we make due with what we have been given and drive on.

[@shitchops]

Nice story

[@pensive69]

IF these troops had overhead air or drone recons they'd know where the incoming was fired from...

[@andrewryan844]

There the boys

[@LEEHOLMES-gq2gj]

Uk forces heart's of gold and wills of steel to yous all thank yous for everything that yous have done and sorrow from me for ALL THE SHI😡 THAT YOUS HAVE HAD TO GO THROUGH YOUS ALL HAVE MY UP MOST RESPECT 👍🇬🇧✌

[@rhen1289]

35.55 Lads just walking across the middle of a fire fight!!

[@haleyneedham7228]

God speed

[@mrmuzo4952]

I love the ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS

[@iwonareeves2684]

Jonesy, wtf u doin in PF ya creature!

[@a4f4e4]

And they play Nickleback! I knew they were cool 😎

[@DEATH-THE-GOAT]

Why aint they using traser rounds? We loaded 1 per 5

[@shawnrae4022]

36:42 - u can hear those rounds “whisping & cracking bye”... that’s getting too close for comfort 😅

[@Squelch133]

'Their self sufficiencu depends on their equipment' Who writes this stuff?

[@getuptheremush2998]

This is gold. Few sas lads as well wow

[@damienthomas6655]

❤❤