NAV 5101 - The Pathfinder Course

(1) Enrollment Requirements: NAV 4721

(2) Duration: 9 hours

(3) Format: Field

(4) Course Description: Reserved for those who completed NAV 4721. This course shifts your focus from basic navigation to elite pathfinding. This immersive navigation course serves as a continuous testing ground to actively refine your advanced land navigation capabilities under stressful, real-world conditions. Designed as a repeatable pinnacle event with a dynamically shifting layout, this course provides experienced practitioners an ongoing opportunity to sharpen their navigation skillset, eliminate skill degradation, and maintain operational readiness. Completing NAV-5101 validates the individual’s elite standing, serving as a recurring testament to their commitment to technical mastery, endurance, and field autonomy. This course is designed specifically for individuals with significant experience in orienteering or land navigation.

(5) Terminal Learning Objectives (TLO):

Participants will be able to:

• TLO 1: Refine land navigation techniques under demanding time limits and 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

(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)