The Pathfinder Company : “The Philistines”
The Philistines, as they became known, was officially formed in Nov 1980 by Col Breytenbach, the Officer Commanding 44 Parachute Brigade and they were named The Pathfinder Company. Captain Botes, who served with 32 Battalion, became commanding officer of the unit and WO2 McAleese, who served in the British SAS, was recruited as the company sargent major. Together these two exceptional soldiers created the selection course which was used to pick the best of these foreign professional soldiers, most of whom had fought in the Rhodesian conflict. The purpose of the unit was
When CSM McAleese joined the SADF in June 1980 he was approached by Col Breytenbach about forming this new foreign unit. His vision for the unit was to be an independent strike force, specialzing in mobile guerrilla tactics, performing fighting patrols deep inside Angola, on foot and in their unique 2 vehicle, 8 man teams, using their specilised vehicles. On occasions they also under took the role of a spearhead in various operations. He wanted the unit to be selected on a similar standard as that of the British SAS. CSM McAleese having being through the SAS, promptly jumped into gear and set up various training phases for the men. The base was selected and the unit was moved to their new home at Mabalique. As “new” recruits arrived, they immediately fell into the training process. A typical day started at 4:30am with a run down to the gates of the Kruger National Park and back before breakfast, to open the lungs. After breakfast, they did fire and movement, The rest of the day consisted of firing as many weapons as they could lay their hands on to familiarise themselves with them as needed.
Selection
When Rhodesia’s(Zimbabwe) war ended in 1980, the SADF used this as an opportunity to recruit battle hardened soldiers whom they knew could be relied on and utilised for their expertise and skills. Every volunteering soldier was required to report to Pretoria to undergo an initial selection process, which included medical and psychological examinations. Once they passed this stage, they were sent off to 44’s HQ at Murryhill, where they were kitted and set to task. After about 5 months, 23 men started the first pathfinders selection course down in the beautiful mountain range called the Drakensberg, between Cathedrals Peak and Castle.
The first week was spent in the Drakensberg around Giants Castle and Cathedals Peak and then moved up north for the remained of the time to Mabalique on the Zimbabwe border. The caliber of the men that applied for this unit were of a high standard and it showed in the pass rate of the selection course. The selection course consisted of 3 phases.
Phase one - A route march of a predetermined distance (approximately 170KM) in the alloted time (5 days) with a heavy load (approxomitley 35kg/75pounds), regardless of weather conditions. There were various checkpoints, which had to be reached while carring full kit with rifle, a weeks food rations, survial and medical kit and water. Additionally, an ammo crate(35kg/80lbs) between two men had to be carried for the first 2/3 days. The ammo crates were then discared and the march continued for the remainder of the week. Once the route march was completed, they ran with their full kit for about 6km before being told to run back, just to spice things up, all the while continually being encouraged to quit by the leadership. Once a candidate completed this week successfully, he was allowed to continue to the second phase.
Phase two - During this phase, basic infantry skills were re-learned, along with patrolling techniques, tracking skills, navigation, survival, raiding, ambush, anti-ambush and information gathering. There was a 5 km assault course in which there was a wire obstacle, water crossing, bunkers and a mock SWAPO camp which was assaulted using live fire.
Phase three - This final phase consisted of actual operational duty within the operational area itself. The men were deployed on various operations and had to prove themselves before being allowed to be named a Pathfinder.
Training & Equipment
Phases two and three of the selection process was used as training for the various sections. The skills of the various men were used to training their fellow soldiers.
The various types of equipment used by the pathfinders on the battle field consistered of
Operational Duty
Once the training phase had been completed, the pathfinders were moved to Ondangwa before they were deployed on various cross border operations.
Operation Protea
Disband
The 44 Para Bde unit was disband under Col Frank Bestbier in January 1982 after Col Breytenbach left the post of OC for 44 Parachute Brigade. Various pathfinders were absorbed into 32 Battalion, and others left once their 1 year contracts had expired. CSM McAleese along with 3 other members were recruited to form a 44 Para Training Team. This units focus was to do retraining of the citizen force members and accompany them to the operational area.
The men of the Philistine Pathfinders can be extremely proud of their short lived history, as their military record with in those few years was outstanding!