What's the point of pathfinders?

[MeyeC]

At the upkeep cost of two fire soldiers I'm not quiet seeing their use. They have some nice drones but with two fire dudes you get twice the drone usage.

The pulse drone is interesting but asides from the cadre leader and fire dudes I can't think of anyone else who benefits from the range extension. Do any other units benefit from the pulse weapon range extender?

[Jey]

They have a scout drone allowing you to scout for free. + They can scout themselves.
They have a drone that can block tiles (useful to not be attacked from several sides, or to create chokepoints).
Their gun, on overcharged mode, is able to annihilate most infantry units.

[2chuu4u]

Regarding the pulse weapon range extender, yes some other units do use it. I can't remember who all uses pulse weapons, but I know the Fire Commander hero does, and I am pretty sure at least some of the late game units do as well.