I’ve been debating the Army on and off for the past year or so now and have come across the idea of recon/path finding, though the fear of having my life on the line is still there, so I’d love to learn more about it, how risky it is and if there’s anything that relates to it that is safer perhaps?

18 November, 2023 12:57

Hi Connor,

Reconnaissance forms part of many of our units and therefore opportunities to undertake it are numerous. Our infantry units often have a Recce platoon within their support company who provide the forwards eyes and ears for the unit. You also have reconnaissance soldiers within our cavalry units, in particular I have worked with Light Cavalry units where this forms a big part of their role.

The pathfinders are a specialist unit that undergo a separate selection process when you are already in the Army. They work closely with our parachute regiment within 16 Air Assault Brigade but you do not have to be a paratrooper to apply for the pathfinders. I'm afraid I can't speak much to the risk of it as it all depends what eventualities fall during your time in service!

Hope this helps!

19 November, 2023 18:36

Hi Josh,
Thank you very much for your response, adding on to my question; is an Artillery Surveillance Observer (https://jobs.army.mod.uk/roles/royal-artillery/gunner-artillery-surveillance-observer/) a form of recon/similar to this sort of job role? As this piqued my interest also.

23 November, 2023 12:55