The Advance Reconnaissance Operations, better known as the Pathfinders, are the scouts, and eyes and ears of the Republic's forces. They go ahead of the main force, designating targets, preparing the battle space, gathering intelligence and removing threats to the main force. Pathfinders were born out of conversion of the Jiralhanae, where the enemy forces often ambushed the Covenant forces by leading them into traps. The Pathfinders were founded by the warriors in a unit with the most self-control, who could entire a battlefield and not be overcome with the desire to fight his enemies, and instead complete his objectives.