1° Reggimento Forze Speciali (Esploratori)

1° Reggimento Forze Speciali
Active	1963 - present
Country	Temuair
Branch	Aisling Air Corps
Type	Special operations
Role	Pathfinders, air traffic control, forward air control to direct close air support for ground forces.
Insignia
Beret badge	File:AislingPathFinder.jpg

The Brathadóirí (English: Pathfinder) are an Aisling Air Corps special operations capable ground force specializing in traditional pathfinder roles while also being specially trained in battlefield air traffic and forward air control to direct close air support in support of ground forces as well as directing airstrikes against point and area targets in both covert and conventional battlefield environments. Brathadóirí are often assigned to other special forces units, including the Aisling Army's Sealgairí or Alpinoes units, to provide expert air support coordination and communications capabilities. All members of the Olheiros are certified air traffic controllers and must maintain this certification through their career, and are also trained to direct other types of fire support, including gun and rocket artillery from land or sea based platforms.

Currently there is a single Brathadóirí battalion, though it is officially considered and squadron, in active duty service with the Imperial Air Force

As part of the Aisling Special Forces Command the Brathadóirí are authorized to wear distinctive berets. Brathadóirí can be identified by their burgundy red berets

History

The first Olheiro brigade was stood up in 1961, primarily drawing recruits from the Aisling Army's Sealgairí and Alpinoes forces, and declared active following intensive training in 1963. Initiates received detailed instruction from civilian Aisling Airspace Administration air traffic controllers in addition to combat skills from several special forces schools.

Training

Brathadóirí training is some of the most rigorous in the entire Aisling Defense Force and has one of the highest washout rates of any special forces selection course. All Brathadóirí initiates must complete a two week selection course that focuses on physical and psychological performance, as well as covering basic FAC and pathfinding skills. Selection courses are conducted at Chonia Air Corps Base.

Following selection, initiates undergo a 16 week initial training course at Cambra Air Crops Base in Piet. Training focus on combat and civilian aircraft recognition and familiarization with performance and characteristics, aerial navigation and navigational aides, basic meteorology, communications, approach, and radar procedures. In addition, trainees receive their air traffic control certification during this phase of the course.

Following the conclusion of the initial training course, candidates must complete an abbreviated three-week airborne training course at Imperial Army's Airborne Warfare School at Fort Arra in Piet. Candidates will become familiar with basic parachute and static line insertion techniques.

Following completion of airborne training, candidates will remain at Fort Arra to complete an a second three week Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape training course. This course focuses on techniques for survival in remote areas, evasion techniques while inside hostile territory and resistance to interrogation and torture if captured by the enemy. It is during this phase of the training that the majority of the drop outs occur.

The last course in the Brathadóirí training curriculum deals is 10 weeks and confers the final qualifications upon the candidates. Physical training is maintained, and candidates are drilled in small units tactics and land navigation techniques and devices from traditional maps to the use of the handheld Dachaidh satellite navigation systems. Trainees are trained in the methodology and procedures for requesting and direction fire support elements, including strikes from gun and rocket artillery, cruise missiles and fixed or rotary wing aircraft.

Following completion of the final course, candidates are formally confirmed as members of the Brathadóirí. There are a variety of elective advanced training courses offered, including a five week advanced parachutist training with the Imperial Air Force's Pararescue forces, which instructs free fall parachuting procedures, and provides wind tunnel training, in-air instruction focusing on student stability, aerial maneuvers, air sense, parachute opening procedures and parachute canopy control.