Rare Opportunity Leads to Remarkable Result
By Jane Anderson, Editorial Manager
Pathfinders are a rare Army cohort, comprising just 0.01 percent of the total Army. Airborne and air assault missions rely on the specially trained Pathfinders to set up parachute drop zones and helicopter landing zones. Earning the highly prized Pathfinder Badge involves detailed intellectual classwork and hands-on field tests during the approximately two-week course. In June, Cadet Susan Leonard ’28 achieved the title of “Distinguished Honor Graduate” by scoring highest in her Pathfinder class.
Leonard’s preparation for her Pathfinder Badge began two months before she set foot at Fort Campbell, Kentucky to attend the course at the Sabalauski Air Assault School (TSAAS). “I had flashcards that I studied every day at breakfast and lunch,” she said. Her tactical officer for her cadet company (E-4) often told her, “I never see you without flashcards in your hands!” Leonard knew that when she showed up on the first day of the Pathfinder course she’d be given a test, and, following the “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail” philosophy, she put her head down and studied.
The preparation paid off: Leonard’s score was 97 out of a possible 100, and she earned the Colonel Robert L. Howard Award as Distinguished Honor Graduate. Considering that her class of 39 included captains, majors, and senior enlisted officers, Leonard’s achievement was above and beyond expectations. “Not only did she excel in Pathfinder course instruction, but she was also positive, professional, and humble throughout the course,” remarked First Lieutenant Natalie B. Tucker, TSAAS’s executive officer. “She was a great representation of West Point and set the standard for her seniors and peers alike.”
Leonard had already graduated Air Assault School in the summer after her plebe year, and attempting the Pathfinder Badge was a logical next step. “I’m a member of the West Point Parachute Team, so operating under extreme duress prepared me to perform the technical tasks under pressure that are required in the Pathfinder course,” she said. In fact, her Parachute Team experience was overwhelmingly helpful in the sling load phase of the course, arguably the toughest of its three phases. In under five minutes, students needed to attach three separate elements to a helicopter for safe transport: a cargo load and cargo net, a Humvee with an attached trailer, and an infantry squad vehicle. “In the sling load phase, you really learn what right looks like,” Leonard said.
Few soldiers get the opportunity to take the Pathfinder course, and getting the opportunity to take it as a cadet is even rarer. Hoping to pursue medical school after graduation, Leonard knew that this summer was most likely her only chance to attend the course. Although she “preferenced” it as a Cadet Summer Training option, she didn’t expect to be selected to attend. “Being able to represent the Academy was an honor,” she said. “It’s an extremely worthwhile course, especially for the opportunity to interact with real soldiers, officers, and NCOs outside of West Point, and I learned so much by talking to people and hearing their stories.”
Later in July, Leonard attended Cadet Leadership Development Training at West Point, saying, “We didn’t have to set up drop zones or helicopter landing zones, but if we had to, I knew what to do.”
This article was originally published in the Fall 2026 edition of West Point magazine. View the archive of past issues here.
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