NAV 4721 - The Pathfinder Field Evaluation

(1) Enrollment Requirements: NAV 4710

(2) Duration: 9 hours

(3) Format: Field

(4) Course Description: Part two of the Pathfinder evaluation. This field-based practical examination puts you entirely alone on a highly technical navigation course. Your technical execution, physical resilience, and adaptability will be tested against the clock. Operating under a demanding time limit across hostile terrain, candidates must maintain spatial awareness as the environment shifts. There is no team safety net, no instructional feedback, and zero margin for directional error. This course is designed specifically for individuals with little to no prior experience in orienteering or land navigation. Passing both NAV-4710 and NAV-4721 makes you eligible for the Pathfinder Course and exclusive land navigation challenges.

(5) Terminal Learning Objectives (TLO):

Participants will be able to:

• TLO 1: Execute flawless point-to-point land navigation across technical terrain while under strict time limits.

• TLO 2: Utilize land navigation techniques independently to effectively adapt to changing environmental conditions.

(6) Course Outline:

• Phase I — Course Brief & Preparation (1 Hour)

  • Instruction: Instructors provide safety and course orientation brief. Participants are assigned designated navigation course lanes.

  • Practical Application: Participants confirm pace counts on designated lanes.

  • Key Topics: Safety, preparation.

• Phase II — The Pathfinder Course (8 Hours)

  • Practical Application: Individual release onto The Pathfinder Course. Participants will traverse the terrain completely isolated, locating distinct coordinates within the allotted time limit.

  • Key Topics: Land navigation, plotting.

(7) Completion & Assessment Requirements:

• This course is an enrollment requirement for additional courses and carries a formal assessment. A detailed summary of standards and expectations is provided in the Welcome Letter and/or by cadre upon arrival.

• Evaluation Standards:

  • Technical Proficiency — Participants must successfully obtain ten (10) of twelve (12) points on the navigation course within eight (8) hours.

  • Leadership & Character — Adherence to evaluation guidelines and the Code of Conduct.

(8) Awarded Certificates & Identifiers:

• Certificate of Completion

• The Verdant Compass Pathfinder Identifier

(9) Provided Gear & Materials:

• Topographic map

• Compass

• Protractor

• Pen & pencil

(10) Recommended Gear & Materials (Participant):

• Backpack

• Notebook

• Pace counting beads

• Red lens headlamp (REQUIRED)

• Eye protection (REQUIRED)

• Water source (REQUIRED)