Pathfinder Level One

Course Outline

You can view the course information and outline below. Click the “Apply Now” button to fill out an application form or click the “Info Pack” to download detailed information on the course including dates, travel details and locations. You can also see our partners page and FAQ’s for more information.

South Africa

€2450 - €2800 Euros

5 - 6 Weeks

Food

Airport Pickup

Accomodation

Firearms Training

This module of the course will include training on various weapons systems including pistols, carbines and pump action shotguns to ensure legal compliance and to ensure competent use during anti-poaching operations.

Tac Trac Close Quarters Combat System

Learning how to defend yourself without firearms is imperative to working in this field. You will learn about and how to use knife/edged weapons, weapon retention, striking, ground fighting and grappling as well as how to counter these weapons and methods.

Arrest and Restraint Protocols

Learning how to arrest and restrain a suspect is a critical skill that ties in with firearms training and close quarters combat. Being proficient in this is key to yours and your teams safety. You will learn how to use commands, physical control measures and restraint methods including handcuffs.

Tracking

Knowing how to track people and animals is one of if not the most important skill to have as an anti-poaching ranger. You will learn spoor discipline, lost spoor procedures, tactical tracking formations, anti-tracking and how to track humans and animals.

Observation Post Protocols

Observation and listening posts are a key skill to learn when protecting an area from poachers. You will learn how to select, prepare and run an observation post which includes intelligence gathering and methodology.

Vehicle Searching

Vehicle searches can be conducted at the entrances and exits to private reserves as well as within the actual reserve. You will learn how to effectively stop a vehicle and search it using small team tactics, tactical night lights and how multiple agency operations work. This ties in specifically with the arrest and restraint procedures module.

Crime Scene Protocols

This module will teach you the procedures for crime scene management including the preservation of information and evidence and how to deal with the general public and land owners. It is important to know how to preserve and gather as much information as possible to be used to get a conviction.

Field Craft

You will learn the principles and techniques of how to move through the bush without being seen which includes camoflauge and concealment as well as how to read terrain and navigate in various environments while being able to read the signs that nature is showing you.

Survival Craft

Knowing how to survive in case of emergencies is another of the fundamentals to being an anti-poaching ranger. You will learn shelter building, water and food discipline and procurement and fire making. Essential skills for living in the field for long extended periods. Instruction will be given in the classroom and in the field.

Dangerous Game Approaches

Working with and around the Big 5 (lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard and rhino) can be a challenge so knowing these animals and how to react in certain situations is essential to yours and your teams safety when working on foot in the bush.

Physical Fitness Training

Tac Trac have a systemic programme to build your fitness up to the right standard. Being able to walk/run long distances is a must by the time you finish your training. When tracking poachers it can be for 10-20km or more at a fast pace as well as doing 10-15km patrols on a daily basis. Being pushed physically will test your mental strength and resolve to be an anti-poaching ranger.

First Aid

You will learn the fundamentals of bleed control in this module. Being able to manage injuries when you could be a long way from help may just save yours or your team mates life. Knowing how to treat minor injuries can also allow you to stay for longer periods in the bush while on patrol.

Testimonials