Ground Operations – About Pathfinder
About The Maryland Wing
Pathfinder Program
What Is A Pathfinder?
A Maryland Wing Pathfinder is a member of the Maryland Wing trained to take an active role in Emergency Services, one of our most important primary missions of Civil Air Patrol. A Pathfinder can be either a senior or cadet who has taken the personal initiative to seek the training necessary to be of service during times of National, State, and Local need.
“I am a pathfinder. I seek excellence in all that I do. I understand the importance of the charge placed before me and accept this responsibility with honor and pride. It is my duty to respond to emergencies safely, quickly and efficiently. I will adapt and overcome all challenges, protect life and property, and conduct myself to the highest degree of professionalism at all times. These things I do that others may live!”
Pathfinder Creed
Why Pathfinder?
The Pathfinder program was created to:
- Recognize excellence within our Ground Operations Community
- Provide a common training resource for local squadrons
- Develop Emergency Services expertise that goes beyond basic ELT Searches and Ground Search and Rescue
- Prepare to meet mission needs both today and in the future
EMERGENCY SERVICES PROGRAMS
Bi-Monthly Emergency Services Academies (ESA)
The Maryland Wing Emergency Services Academy is a bi-monthly Emergency Services School that offers Emergency Services Training open to all Civil Air Patrol Members. Typically the school is held on the first weekend of the month. Like any other type of school, the Emergency Services Academies offer different courses that students can attend. Some of the courses offered at the ES Academy are;
- General Emergency Services
- Radio Operator
- CPR/First Aid
- Urban Direction Finding
- Pathfinder 1,2, and 3 (Ground Team Member 1,2, and 3)
- Team Leader
- Mission Staff Training
- Aircrew Qualification Training
Each class is offered frequently. Students may sign up and attend one class each academy.
Summer Pathfinder School
The Maryland Wing Sumer Pathfinder School is held the first week in August each year. Courses are offered in most aspects of Emergency Services often including
- Basic Pathfinder
- Intermediate Pathfinder
- Pathfinder Medic (Ages 16+)
- Pathfinder Team Leader (Ages 18+)
- Mission Scanner Ground School and Training Flights
- Mission Observer and Training Flights
- Mission Pilot and Training Flights
- Aerial Photographer and Training Flights
- Mission Staff Specialty Courses
- FEMA Incident Command Courses (ICS-300 or ICS-400)
Winter Pathfinder School
The Maryland Wing Winter Pathfinder School is held the last week of December each year. Courses are offered in most aspects of Emergency Services often including
- Basic Pathfinder
- Intermediate Pathfinder
- Pathfinder Medic (Ages 16+)
- Pathfinder Team Leader (Ages 18+)
- Mission Scanner Ground School and Training Flights
- Mission Observer and Training Flights
- Mission Pilot and Training Flights
- Aerial Photographer and Training Flights
- Mission Staff Specialty Courses
- FEMA Incident Command Courses (ICS-300 or ICS-400)
Click Here To Access The Emergency Services Academy Course Catalog (Coming Soon)
Click Here To Learn More About Getting Started In Emergency Services
