In this video you can watch a live fire exercise by elements of the Portuguese Paratroopers Pathfinder Company. These are part of the Portuguese Paratrooper Regiment, who is part of the National Rapid Reaction Brigade.
Pathfinders are specialized soldiers inserted or dropped in certain areas in order to set up and operate drop zones, pickup zones, and helicopter landing sites for airborne operations, air resupply operations, or other air operations in support of the ground unit commander. Pathfinders first appeared in World War II, where they served with distinction, and continue to serve an important role in today’s modern armed forces, providing commanders with the option of flexibly employing air assets.
