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  • 8/7/2019 Eng Newsletter - March 2011

    1/23

    NoallowancesforGolaniduringtheirgruelingdrill inthedeep

    coldoftheNorth,recently.Atleastthelandscapeandviewsweremagnificent! READ MORE

    Operations Room

    Pictures of the Month

    One on One

    Challenges of the Moment

    IDF Events

    UnmannedvehilcesintheIDF

    TheIDFisnowmakingextensiveuseofunmannedvehicleswithin

    theframeworkofitscampaignagainstterror.

    BothUnmannedAirVehiclesaswellasUnmannedLandVehiclesplay

    aleadingroleinIsrael'sairactivity,targetidentication,espionageandvariousintelligence-gatheringtechniques.READ MORE

    TheIAFoperatesitsEytanUAVsquadron.READ MORE

    ThegroundforcesareusingtheUAVSkyRiderunit.READ MORE

    Following continuous terror attacks directed by Hamas from theGazaStrip,theIAFhasattackedanumberoftimeswithintheGazaStripduringthepastmonth.Inatleastthreeoftheseattacks,theIAFhassucceededindowningintendedattackstowardsIsrael.TheIDFisdeterminedtocontinuerespondingassertivelytoanyterrorcomingfromtheStrip.READ MORE

    IRONDOME,thenewlydevelopedAntiSurfacetoSurfaceRocket

    Defenseshield,hasbeendeployedintheSouthofIsrael,followingadirectivefromtheChiefofStaff.READ MORETheHeadofHomeCommanddoesre-iteratethatthissophisticatedsystemdoesnotcomeasfool-proofinsurancepolicy,andthatitcannot replace the alertnessand readinessof thecommunity inadequatelypreparingshelters.READ MORE

    AnIDFsoldierhasbeenseverely injuredwhilstwaitingforpublictransportatabusstopintheJordanValley.Aterroristattemptedatstealinghisweaponbyattackingwitharockthrownatthesoldiershead.Apassingpolicemanopenedreontheattackerandarrestinghim.Thesoldierwasair-liftedtohospital.READ MORE

    The WindBreaker system hassuccessfullydowned ananti-tank

    missileusedbyterroristsringagainstanIDFTank.Thisnovelsystem

    createdtoprotecttanksfromanti-tankdevices,hasbeenintroduced

    totheArmedCorpsthisyear.Itisexpectedtochangeconsiderably

    theequationonthebattleeldasweknowit. READ MORE

    The demand toservein theArmore Corps Unit401hasdoubled

    amongstthosedueforcompulsorymilitaryservice,aftertheunithas

    beenequippedwiththeWindBreakersystem.READ MORE

    BrigadierGeneral(Res.)AvigdorKahalaniexpressestheimportance

    ofthenewsystemAtruerevolutionintheBattleField. READ

    MORE

    The Israeli Rescue delegation has left for Japan on one of its

    importantmissions.READ MORE

    TheIAFBasketballteamheadedbyGeneralIdoNechushtanmeets

    MaccabiTelAvivforagametheresult?Aclosedraw! READ

    MORE

    Some600youthscompeteesagerlyinthepre-armycadetinstitut ions!

    READ MORE

    NextMonth-AnallinclusivedrillforthebattalionKarakal-where

    boysandgirlsghttogether.

    IDF Spokesperson's Unit Public Affairs Branch

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    March 2011

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6tzD_t15hkmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.facebook.com/pages/IDF-Monthly/158226570857750http://www.flickr.com/photos/idfonlinehttp://www.twitter.com/IDFSpokespersonhttp://www.youtube.com/user/idfnadeskhttp://dover.idf.il/IDF/English/http://www.idfspokesperson.com/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6tzD_t15hk
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    IDF targets rocket-launching terror cell in the Gaza Strip

    IAFaircrafthitterroristsinsouthernGazawhowere

    launchingprojectilestowardsIsraelonWednesday

    morning(Mar.30).Overnight,IAFaircraftcarried

    out a precision strike on a smuggling tunnel in

    Gaza.

    IsraeliAirForce aircraft onWednesdaymorning

    (Mar.30)targetedacellofterroristsinthesouthernGazaStripwhowerelaunchingprojectilestowards

    Israeliterritory.Ahitwasidentified.

    Overnight,IAFaircraftcarriedoutaprecisionstrike

    onasmugglingtunnelinthesouthernGazaStrip.

    AllIAFaircraftreturnedtobasesafely.

    TheIAFoperationswereinresponsetoprojectilesfiredfromtheGazaStripintoIsraelonTuesday

    night.

    TheIDFwillnottoleratecontinuedrocketandmortarfireaimedatthecommunitiesofsouthernIsrael.TheIDFwillcontinuetoactdecisivelytothwartanyattemptstoharmIsraelicitizens.

    March 2011

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    Chief of Staff approves deployment of the Iron Dome

    The decision was made following assessments

    of security in the South as rockets and mortar

    shells continued to be fired at Israel's southern

    communities. TheMinister of Defenseapproved

    itsuseandvisitedtheGazaDivisionlastweek.

    ChiefoftheGeneralStaff,Lt.Gen.BennyGantz,

    has ordered the deployment of the Iron Dome(mobile air defense system to protect against

    projectilessuchasrockets)inthecomingdaysin

    southernIsraelafterapprovalbythegovernment.

    BeforethefinalapprovaltheChiefofStaffvisited

    communities surrounding the Gaza Strip with

    CommanderofSouthernCommand,Maj.Gen.TalRusso.

    MinisterofDefense,EhudBarak,alsovisitedtheGazaDivisionandaddressedtheIDF'snextstep.

    "IapprovedthedeploymentofthefirstbatteryoftheIronDomeasapreliminarytrial,"saidthe

    MinisterofDefense.Hecontinuedsaying,"ThebatterywillbedeployedintheSouth,beingmovedfromtimetotimeaccordingtooperationalneeds.Thesystemcanfirebackiffiredatbutit'simportant

    torememberthattheDomeisstillnotfullproof."

    TheIronDomeisconsideredasignificantachievementoftheIsraelisecurityindustry,atthemoment

    intheprocessofassimilationintotheairforceandoperationaluse.Thesystemiscurrentlyunder

    evaluation.ItwillbeusedtorespondtothethreatofrocketsandmortarshellsfiredatIsrael,its

    capabilitiesincludingattacking,alertingandprotection.Uponassessmentofthesecuritysituationin

    southernIsrael,itwasdecidedtheDomewouldbedeployed.

    TheIDFstressesthattheDomewillnotbeusedconsistentlyanditsmovedaroundaccordingwhat

    thesituationnecessitates.

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    The Iron Dome to be deployed in the South

    This following approval by thegovernment and theChief of

    Staff,CommanderoftheHomeFrontCommandstressingthe

    systemisnotfullproofandcitizensmustcontinuetofollowthe

    HomeFrontCommandsinstructions.

    Thesystemfordefenseagainstthethreatofrockets,called

    theIronDome,waserectedinsouthernIsraelandbeganits

    operationaltrialthisweekaccording.

    The Iron Dome is considered a significant achievement of

    theIsraelisecurityindustry,atthemomentin theprocessof

    assimilatingintotheairforceandtobeingputintooperationaluse.Thesystemiscurrentlyunder

    evaluation.ItwillbeusedtorespondtothethreatofrocketsandmortarshellsfiredatIsrael,its

    capabilitiesincludingattacking,alertingandprotection.Uponassessmentofthesecuritysituationin

    southernIsrael,itwasdecidedtheDomewouldbedeployed.

    ThestepwasapprovedonFriday(Mar.25)bytheChiefofStaff,Lt.Gen.BennyGantz,following

    governmentapproval.MinisterofDefense,EhudBarak,said,"Thebatterywillbedeployedinthe

    South,beingmovedfromtimetotimeaccordingtooperationalneeds.Thesystemcanfirebackif

    firedatbutit'simportanttorememberthattheDomeisstillnotfullproof."

    CommanderoftheHomeFrontCommand,Maj.Gen.YairGolan,saidlastweekthateventhesystem

    cannotensurefullsecurity.AccordingtoMaj.Gen.Golan,themostimportantthingisthatcitizensbe

    preparedandprotectedbyfollowingtheHomeFrontCommandsinstructions.

    ItsimportanttokeepinmindthattheIronDomeisonlyinitspreliminary,testingstagessuchthat

    citizensmustcontinuefollowingtheHomeFrontCommandsinstructionsonhowtostayprotected.

    ContinuetakingtheseinstructionsveryseriouslyasevendebriscanlandinIsrael,saidMaj.Gen.

    Golan.TheIDFstressesthattheDomewillnotbeusedconsistentlyandwillbemovedaroundaccording

    whatthesituationnecessitates.

    March 2011

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    IDF soldier attacked by Palestinian terrorist at bus stop

    The soldier was waiting at a bus stop near the

    JordanValleywhentheterroristthrewrocksathim.

    Inaddition,two Palestinians were discoveredwith

    explosivesattheBekaotcrossing.

    AnIDFsoldierwasmoderatelytoseriouslyinjured

    whenrockswerehurledathimonFridaymorning

    (Mar.25),thesamePalestinianterroristwhodthrowntherocksthenattemptingtotakehisweapon.The

    soldierwasattackedatabusstopatthePetzael

    juncture near the Tomer settlement and Jordan

    Valley.

    Galatz(ArmyRadio)reportedthattheeventtookplacewhilethesoldierwaswaitingforabushome.

    The terrorist threw rocks at the soldier and injured him. Initial police investigations suggest the

    terroristwasattemptingtotakethesoldiersweapon.Apolicemanpassingthroughtheareawhile

    theincidenttookplaceshotattheterroristandinjuredhimintheleg.

    BothsoldierandterroristweregivenmedicaltreatmentonthescenebyMagenDavidAdom(Israeli

    RedCross)andflowntoahospitalforfurthertreatment.

    AttheonsetofthisweekanofficerwitharankofCaptainwasmoderatelyinjuredinJaffainfront

    ofCafeAlmaonthecornerofYehudaHayamitstreetandShivteiIsrael.Thesuspectstabbedthe

    officersupperbodyandattemptedtostealhisweapon.

    The terroristtook theweaponandbeganrunningaway from thescene,but threwit asideaftera

    civilianbeganchasinghim.Severalhourslaterthepolicearrestedthemansuspectedofcarryingout

    theact,aresidentofthecity.

    Inthepastyear,137 IDFweaponshavedisappeared.Thisisalmosthalfof allthefts inpreviousyearscombined.Todate,only74ofthemhavebeenreturned,amongthemalsoweaponsstolenin

    previousyears.Mostoftheweaponswerestolenfromsoldiershomesandmilitarybases,othersin

    situationssuchasduringsoldiersrideshomefrombase.Thearmyusuallysucceedsinreturning

    around70%ofweaponsstolenfrombases.

    The IDFarrestedtwoPalestiniansonFridaymorningattheBekaotcrossingnearNablus,having

    beendiscoveredwithfourBangaloretorpedoes(explosivesplacedonalongtube).Thetwowere

    handedoverforquestioningbysecurityforces.

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    The North is now theirs

    Soldiers of the infantry Golani Brigade take on

    a several-day exercise combining work with the

    engineeringcorps,thearmoredcorpsandeventhe

    IAFastheyconquerlandintheNorthandprepare

    forwhateverliesahead.

    Ifyoutookadeeperlookinsidetheburntlandscape

    of northern Israel two weeks ago, youd havediscovered a surprisingly human site.Among the

    bushesandthornsthatsurvivedtheIsraeliwinter,

    onecouldseecombatsoldiersoftheinfantryGolani

    Brigade,armedandreadyforanyeventcomingtheir

    way.

    Just before it begins operation in its next division, the number one brigade went out for a few

    exhaustingdaysofbrigade-widetrainingexerciseintheNorth.Duringtheexercise,whichincluded

    pushingout enemiesandconquering allotted targets, thecombat soldiers useda relativelynew

    animal.ThiswastheNamer(meaningtigerinHebrew),anacronymforaMerkava(atypeoftankor)ArmoredPersonnelCarrier(APC).

    Golanisoldierscouldbe found ineachAPC,swayingbackand forthto therhythmof themoving

    vehicle.Ataglanceitwouldseemtheyretrainedforthis,fromtimetotimetheyevenclosetheireyes

    andtrytosleep.

    YoucantreallysleepintheNamer,theysaysecurely,yellingovertheloudroaringoftheengine.

    Suddenly thereis thisboom,theysayandwait fortheNamersexpectedjump intheair,which

    happensofcourse,andthenyouwakeup,theysaysummingupthosefewmomentswithtired

    smiles.Theyvejusthadtwoandahalfdaysandtwosleeplessnightsoutonthefield.Alongwiththeyoungcombatsoldiers,theChiefofStaff,Lt.Gen.BennyGantz,too,findstimeto

    observetheview.

    ItsalwaysbeautifulintheNorth,heexplainsashesmiles.Ithinkthebrigadeknowswhatits

    doing.Thecombatsoldiersstillhavealongweekaheadofthem.Onethingthatscertain,despite

    theredParatroopersBrigadeberetonhisshoulder,hetruststheGolaniBrigadesnewtool.The

    NamerAPCsareveryimpressive.Preparedinfantrysoldiersareanintegralpartofbeingreadyfor

    futurewarsoroperations.

    TheCommanderoftheIDFInfantryCorpsandParatroopers,Brig.Gen.MikiEdelstein,joinedthe

    ChiefofStaffadding,TheNamerAPCsenablemaneuveringaccordingtospecifictargets,hesays.

    TheydrivesidebysidewiththeArmoredCorps,atthesamespeed.Sofarthevehiclesaremeeting

    expectationsandtheoptionofstartingtousethemintheEngineeringCorpsandsoforthisbeing

    lookedinto.

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    The GolaniBrigades Headquarters officer, Maj. Shai Ben Yishai, spoke highlyof theNameras

    well.Theymakeinfantryforcesmorepowerful.TheychangefightingtechniquesandgivestheIDF

    optionsitdidnthavebefore.AnenemywhocomesacrossGolaniwillbehithard,hesays.

    About cooperation

    Throughouttheexercise theBrigadewas inclosecontactwithabattalionoftheArmoredCorps,

    combatsoldiersoftheEngineeringCorpsandartilleryforceswhopracticedclosecooperationfor

    battle.

    Ultimately,infantryforcescantfightaloneandneithercanarmoredforces,explainscommanderof

    thebattalion,Lt.Col.RaphiWolfson.Wefighttogetherthearmoredcorps,infantryunitsandthe

    engineeringcorps,andthewayweoperatechangesdependingonthesituation.Someexercises

    outlinea suddenbreak-in,inwhich infantry forcesenterfirstandarmoredforcesafter,and there

    aresituationsinwhichwemustdestroyabiggertargetandinthatcasetheArmoredCorpsisbetter

    equippedtodoso.

    AccordingtoWolfson,theNamerAPCsmaketheexercisemuchdifferentthanitwasinthepast,

    andmuchbetter.Cooperationismuchbetterbecauseofit,saysthebattalioncommanderand

    explains, the infantry forcesknowcombatvehicleswithweaponsandusethemmuchmorethan

    theyusedtheAchzarit[anoldermodeloftheAPC].Inthepasttheypreferredtogobyfootandnow

    theyunderstandthebenefitsofthistool,thatitissaferandcandriveintougherterrains.

    Despite the strong smell of grease, the armored corpssoldiers werenot the only guests in the

    exercise.IAFCombathelicoptersalsotookadvantageoftheopportunity,andpracticedhelpingthe

    combatsoldiersindifferentsituations.AircraftsfollowedGolanisoldiersastheymovedforwardon

    landandhelpedreachoperationalgoals.Thelatterwasdonethroughcontinualpracticeinlogistics,

    includingsendingsuppliesthroughtheairandevacuatingtheinjuredfromthebattlefield.

    AnotheraspectthatwaspracticedintheNorthwasoperatingvarioussystemsintheDigitalArmy

    Programme(DAP),whichgivesafullsituationalreportandcontinualpictureandupdatesaboutallforcesonthefield.Thesystemenablescommanderstoimprovecontrolastheycommandmovement

    ofunitsinreal-time.Thosemanagingtheexercisecouldbeattunedtowhatunitsweredoing,their

    wayoffightingonthefieldandtheirprogressthere.

    Intheafternoontheforcesareconfrontedwithanunexpectedlandingfromabove:ahelicopterused

    forsprayingcropsisabouttosprayteargasoverthecombatsoldiers.TheNamersrampopensand

    tensofsoldiersgetoutintotheopenair.Itstough,thisGolanithing,theysayastheylaughand

    quicklyputontheirgasmasks.Justkidding,Golaniishome.

    ResponsibleforsupervisionovertheGolanistrainingexerciseistheinfantryKfirBrigade.Commander

    oftheKfirBrigade,Col.OrenAbman,whoservedthemajorityofhisserviceinGolani,saysthesoldiersworkedverywell.

    EachplatooncommanderinGolaniispairedupwithplatooncommanderordeputyplatooncommander

    ofKfir,andtheheadcommandersoftheGolaniBrigadeourmatchedupwithus,explainsCol.

    Abman.InKfirstrainingexerciseitwasGolaniwhotaughtusandnowweareteachingthem.

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    I havent conquered yet

    Afterseveraldaysonthefieldinwhichthebrigadepracticedattackingtheenemyandconquering

    thelandNorth,theGolanisoldiersaresearchingforanewchallenge.Infantryfightersenterthewell-

    knownpathsonthewaytoconqueranewlocation.OnlytheeliteforcesoftheGolaniBrigadegetto

    haveanupgradedbattleandaretakentotheregionbyhelicopter.

    Atsixinthemorning,whilemanyofthesoldiersinIsraelarejustgettingup,commanderofthe12th

    battalion,Lt.Col.UdiBenHamo,isalreadywalkingaround,wideawakeasifthiswasthefirstday

    oftheexercise.Theexerciseischallenging.Ittestsdeterminationandprofessionalism,especiallywiththesedifficultweatherconditionswhichresultinalotofvehiclessinkingintothemud,saysthe

    battalioncommander,optimistic,despitethechallenges.Ibelieveworkingthroughtheseconditions

    ispartoftheprofessionalism.

    Despitetheveterancommanders,whoarentmovedbywindandrain,thesoldierslookalittleless

    happy,andarewithoutadoubtmoretired. All inallitsanawesomeexercise,once ina service

    experience,saysoneofthesoldiers.Thechoppers,whichhavemadetheirwaytothearea,heighten

    theirspiritsandthoughtsofhomeandthelittlevacationwaitingjustaroundthecornergivethefinal

    boostofenergyneededtofinishtheexercise.

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    Historical Achievement for the IDF

    For the first time since its implementation on

    IDFtanks,theTrophyactiveprotectionsystem

    interceptedananti-tankmissile firedat anIDF

    tankpatrollinginthesouthernGazaStrip.

    The IDFhasexpressedgreatsatisfactionafter

    the successof theTrophy (ASPRO-A) system

    (designed to actively protect against anti-tankmissiles) in intercepting, for the first time, a

    missilefiredatanIDFtank.Themissilewasfired

    while thetankwasconductinga routinepatrol

    near the security fence in the southern Gaza

    Stripthismonth.

    ThesystemthwartedthemissilewithoutanycasualtiesontheIDF'sside.Thesoldierswerenoteven

    sureananti-tankmissilehadbeenfiredatthem,explainedanIDFofficerintheArmoredCorpsnow

    involvedintheinvestigationoftheincidenttoIDFWebsite.Hemadeitclearthatthesystemoperated

    automaticallyandthwartedtheattempttoinjureIDFsoldiers.Shortlyaftertheevent,terroristswerespottedintheareaandIDFforcesfired,confirmingahit.

    ThesoldiersinvolvedintheincidentbelongtoBattalion9ofBrigade401andhadtrainedwiththe

    systemforthefirsttimeonlythreemonthsagouponthecompletionofitsimplementation.During

    theexercise,heldintheGolanHeights,thesoldierspracticedascenariodepictinganemergency

    situationintheNorth.

    The system will significantly reduce the anti-tank injuries in the next confrontation, explained

    CommanderofDivision162,Brig.Gen.AgayYechezkel,whomadeitclearthattheintegrationofthe

    systemwillcontinue.

    Bytheendofnextyearwewillhavelargelyintegratedthesystem.EvenCol.EnavShalev,Commander

    ofBrigade401,notedthatcurrently,thankstothesystemssuccess,thecalculatedriskwecantake

    duringoperationalmissionshasbeenincreased,becausethesquadandtankaremoresecure.

    TheTrophysystem,thefruitofacollaborativeeffortbetweenRafaelAdvancedDefenseSystemLtd.,

    EltaGroupandtheUSsGeneralDynamics,identifiesvariousincomingthreatsdirectedatatank,

    includinganti-tankmissiles,bymeansof specialradarsandsensors,firingbackat theincoming

    threat.Thisactiveprotectionsystemenablesthetankscrewtocontendwithdangerstheydont

    alwaysforesee.

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    Windbreaker brings enlistees

    Asa result of theWindbreakers recent success,

    drafteesarerequestingtojointhe401stbrigade.

    TheWindbreakersystemagainstanti-tankmissiles

    iscurrentlybeingadoptedinthe401stbrigadeofthe

    ArmoredCorps,promisingmoreadvantagesthan

    justdefendingtanks.Inthepastthreedraftcycles,

    thenumberofenlisteesinterestedinservinginthebrigadehasalmostdoubled.

    Forevery100spotsinthebrigadetherearemore

    than200enlisteeswishingtojoin.Thereasonfor

    itshighdemand,consideredhighfortheArmored

    Corps, is clear. Theadoption of theWindbreaker system,which proved itself earlier this month

    whenitthwartedanRPGmissilefiredfromtheGazaStrip,thesystembelongingtoatankinthe9th

    battalion.

    Thehighmotivationisassociated,too,withthebrigadesuseoftheMerkavaMarkIVtank,themost

    advancedtankintheIDF.

    Wetookthesubjectofenlisteesasseriouslyasitshouldbetaken,saidcommanderofthebrigade,

    Col.EinavShalev.Thebrigadeslegendprecedesitandwecreditthetankwiththat.

    Thelatestdraftstatisticsshowthatthe401stbrigadecomesupnoticeablyoftenincomparisonwith

    othersoftheCorps.MorethantwothirdsofenlisteeswhorequestedtojointheArmoredCorps

    requestedtojointhe401stbrigade.

    Aspartofthepolicyofbalancingrequests,itwasdecidedtosendsomeofthedrafteeswhodidnot

    asktobeintheArmoredCorpstothe401stbrigade,oneusuallywithhighlymotivatedsoldiers.

    Theriseinmotivationtoserveinthe401stbrigadehaspartlytodowithitstank,andpartlytodowith

    itslatestactivities.Lately,thebrigademadehundredsofphonecallstoitscandidatesforcombat

    serviceandcommandersvisitedarmypreparatoryprogramstoencourageenlisteestojointheCorps.

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    Windbreaker system will improve IDF operations in the battlefeld

    Brig.Gen.AvigdorKahalani:Windbreakertankdefensesystem

    willenablearmoredcorpssoldierstobemorefocusedandto

    achievegoalsinthebattlefield.

    "The Windbreaker system will change our operations in the

    battlefield," explains Brig. Gen. Avigdor Kahalani, an Israeli

    warheroandthechairmanofthesoldierwelfareassociation.

    The Windbreaker active tank defense system successfully

    intercepted last month a rocket fired at an IDF tank during

    routineactivityalong theborder fencewith theGazaStrip.No IDFsoldierswerewounded inthe

    incidentandtheterroristswholaunchedtherocketwerelateridentifiedandneutralized.

    Ina conversationwith IDFWebsite,Brig.Gen.Kahalaniexplains that thesystemis "arevolution

    inthearmoredcorps.It'ssignificant,especiallyasanactivedefensesystemthatsavesthelivesof

    soldiers.Althoughmissilesarescarce,theymaycausesubstantialdamage,especiallytocombat

    soldiers,makingthesystemimperative.Untiltoday,antitankweaponrywastheAchillesheelofthe

    armoredcorps."

    Brig.Gen.Kahalanisaysthattankoperationmethodswillbemodifiedduetothesystem.Heexplains

    thatnowthat"anarmoredcorpsmansittinginatankwillbesaferandlessconcernedaboutbeing

    attacked from unexpected angles, he will be more focused on the battlefield and on improving

    operationalresults.Thus,thebattlefieldwillbecomemoreorganized."

    "Wemustthankthedevelopersofthesystem,"Brig.Gen.Kahalanisays."Isaythisbasednotonlyon

    myownknowledgeinthefieldbutalsoaschairmanofthesoldierwelfareassociation.[Thesystem's]

    abilitytoprotectoursoldiersisunprecedented."

    Brig.Gen.Kahalanisaid that theWindbreakersystemwouldalso increase themotivationamong

    thetankcrewmenofthearmoredcorps,thankstothestrongersenseofsecuritythatthesystemwillprovide.

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    Unmanned vehilces in the IDF

    Astheirnameimplies,unmannedairvehiclesarecontrolledandoperatedremotelythussavingthe

    needtoexposepilotsandnavigators.

    TheUAVcoversawiderangeofAirVehiclesinvaryingsizesfromhandheldtorelativelylarge

    aircraft-sizemachines.Oneoftheprincipalconsiderationsforusingthesemeansistheabilityof

    thesemachinestoremainairborneforextendedperiodswithouthavingtotakeconsiderationon

    thelikelyeffectsonair-crewsorexposingthesetoanydanger.

    UAVshavenowbeenservingintheIDFforsometimeinitsstruggleagainsttheruthlessterrorwar being waged against Israel on all fronts. These vehicles are equipped with sophisticated

    photographicandvideoequipmentprovidingaccurateandclearinformationontheenemy.Aside

    fromeliminatingtheriskoflosingaircrewsinthisequation,thevehiclesareofsuchsizes that

    itmakesitalmostimpossibletotargetanddownthem.Thecostofthesevehiclesisofcourse

    muchinferiortothecostofmannedaircraft.Thevehiclesarebuilttoflyinanyweather,andthe

    maintenanceandoperatingcostsarewellbelowtheseofconventionalaircraft.

    Theyarecapableofflyingathighaltitude,wellaboveregulartraffic,makingtheminaudibleand

    invisible,withoutcompromisingonaccuracyandqualityofphotomaterial.

    THE SHOVAL

    The Shoval is a breakthrough in the world of UAVs in the IDF, due to its size and especially

    its operational potential (Lt.Col H head of the first UAV unit)

    TheShoval,withitsabilitytoremainairborne

    for30hours,atanaltitudeof30,000feetwith

    a relatively large payload, places it in the

    technologicalleadworldwide.

    Whilst the Shoval formally entered intoservice on March 7th 2007, well after the

    SecondLebanonWar(July/August2006),it

    didmanagetomakeapresenceduringthat

    campaign.Itplayedakeyroleinthedetecting

    ofmissilelaunchersdeepbehindenemylines,

    participatingincomplexoperations.

    The Shoval is an IsraelAircraft Industries

    (IAI)developmentandwillreplacetheexisting

    Searcheraircraft.Whilststillinitslaunching

    stages,theShovalistobeequippedwithautomatictakeoffandlandingsystems,aswellasevermoreadvancedsystemsasthisindustrydevelopsatafastpace.

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    The Eytan

    This aircraft began being developed back in the90s, and itscost is considerably higher. The

    Eytanprovidesacriticalceilingcoverforoperationsbelow,withcapabilitiesofstayingairborne

    wellover24hours,aswellasintelligencegatheringmechanismsofthehigheststandards.Its

    airborne cycle facilitates a relatively easy permanent ceiling presence with a small number of

    aircraft,andofcoursethelongrangephotographicequipmentofferstheaircraftuniquequalities.

    Controloftheseaircraftisveryremotefromsafelyhiddencommandandcontrolcenters.

    The Searcher

    This tactical intelligence gathering unmanned aircraft entered

    service in 1992 and earned the Hebrew name Hogla. In 1998,

    theimprovedversionwasintroducedandearnedthenameWhite

    Star. The Searcher has served in the Second Lebanon War

    againstHezbollah,particularlyindetectingrocketlaunchersfiring

    incessantly againstIsrael settlements inthe Northernpart ofthe

    country.

    TheimprovedversionofSearcher2isequippedwithasuperior

    motor, a superior navigation system, advanced communicationsand theability to take-off andland automatically. It is controlled

    fromremotesafestations,andshouldcommunicationbelostwith

    theaircraft,ithasthecapabilitytoreturntobaseindependently.

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    The Fast Channel

    In addition to airborne vehicles, the IDF operates this land vehicle for the sue in the regular

    watchonIsraelsborders.Itenteredservicein2009withprincipaltasksbeingSeparatingFence

    Investigation,IEDdetection,aswellasdetectingFenceViolationandPenetration.Thisisdonewith

    theuseofcamerasandlongdistanceobservationequipment.Thevehicleisremotelycommanded

    andcontrolledandisequippedwithanautomaticdriver.

    UAVsandUnmannedlandVehiclesareplayingagrowingroleintheIDFsoperationalactivityin

    thetasksofintelligencegathering,identifyingtargetsaccuratelyandespionage.Inthecaseofthe

    GazaStrip,thesevehicleshaveproventhemselvesincreatinganevidentfearamongtheterrorists.

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    IAF Opens New "Eitan" UAV Squadron to Operational Use

    TheIAFsnewunmannedaerialvehiclesquadron

    willimprovetheabilitytorespondtothreatsnear

    andfar.

    TheIAFsEitanUnmannedAerialVehicle(UAV)

    Squadronsopeningceremonytookplaceonthe

    Tel-Nofbaseafewmonthsago.

    The Eitan UAV was developed by the IAF and

    theIsrael'sHomelandSecurityIndustryandwas

    officiallyintegratedintotheIAFinFebruary,2010.

    This new development signifies yet another

    breakthrough in the field of unmanned aerial

    vehiclesfortheIAFandconstitutesanimprovementintheabilityofrespondingtothreats,bethey

    nearorfar,routineoremergent.

    Theinaugurationofthenewsquadronisyetanothersignofthenewsysteminbecomingoperational.

    TheCommanderoftheTel-NofIAFBase,Brig.Gen.A,said,"Severalminutesagoweunveiledthe

    squadronflag.FortheIAF,thetermsquadronembodiesvalues.Thevalueofnorms,ofoperational

    abilities,oftendingtopeople,developingweaponsystemsandmanyotherareas.Butmostofallthe

    termsquadronembodiesthevaluesofresponsibility.Theresponsibilitytofulfilltheexpectationsof

    Israelicitizens,tofulfillouroperationalgoalsandtheresponsibilityforourpeopleandfortheongoing

    preservationofourlegacy.

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    The Rochev Hashamayim (SkyRider) Units New Independence

    On October 10th, the new unit Rochev

    Hashamayim (SkyRider) was declared

    completelyindependent.Ataceremonyheld

    fortheoccasionattended,amongothers,by

    GOC Army Headquarters Commander, Maj.

    Gen. Sami Turgeman, and Palmachim IAF

    baseCommander,Brig.Gen.ItayReiss,theunits new symbol was revealed: a winged

    horsewithaswordinthebackground.

    Thus far, theRochev Hashamayim Battalion

    was subordinate to the Artillery Corps UAV

    unitbutwillnowbeanindependentbattalion

    ineveryrespect.Inthecomingyear,theunit

    isexpectedtobetransferredfromthePalmachimairbasetoitspermanentlocationatbaseJulis.

    RochevHashamayimsfunctionistoequiptheregimentcommanderandothercommanderswith

    videorecordings,explainedLt.EliyahKeffah,DeputyCommanderoftheOperationalCompanyintheRochevHashamayimunit.Theteamsaretrainedforvariousmissions,withthegoalofencouraging

    theenlistmentofmanymoresoldiers.

    SoldierslearntooperatetheElbitcompanysUAVsandarethusabletoprovideanupdatedsnapshotof

    thebattlefieldatanymoment.Thetinyplainsflyabovethesoldiersheads,theircamerasbroadcasting

    imagestothosedecipheringfootageonland.

    Aspecialon-landteamprogramstheflyingobject,settingitsroutebeforeitstakeoff,ifnecessary

    alsobeingabletoenditsflightmidair.Thehopeisinthefuture,arepresentativeteamfromRochev

    Hashamayimwilljoineachinfantrybattalion,itspurposetoimprovetheIDFsintelligencegathering

    abilities.

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    IDF aid delegation to Japan includes 50 people, 80 tons ofequipment

    TheIDFaiddelegationtoJapanwillsetupafieldclinic

    to treat people left without medicalcare after recent

    disasters.ChiefMedical Officer: "This isan important

    missionandmedicalassistancetotheareaisessential".

    InthewakeoftherecentdisastersinJapan,andfollowing

    Japan's acceptance of Israel's offer of humanitarianassistance,theMinistryofDefensedispatchedaBoeing

    747cargoplaneonSaturdaynight(Mar.26)loadedwith

    humanitarianaidequipment,inadditiontoanIsraeliAir

    ForceplanethatdepartedwithaHomeFrontcommand

    delegationthatwillestablishandrunamedicalclinicin

    thedisasterarea.

    The50membersoftheIDFdelegationarefacingabusytwoweeksaheadofthem.Theirjourney

    startedwithanapproximately20-hourflight,followedbyasevenhourdrivefromtheairportinTokyo

    totheMiyagiDistrictinnortheasternJapan.

    RepresentativesfromtheMedicalCorps,HomeFrontCommand,governmentofficesandtheatomic

    energycommissionwillsetupaclinicinaruraltownthatwasalmostcompletelydestroyedbythe

    tsunamiandwhoseresidentswereleftwithoutroofsovertheirheads,withoutvehiclesorfueland

    withoutaccesstomedicalassistance.Theclosesthospitalisnotlargeandislocatedanhouranda

    halfawaybyvehicle.

    "A simple mission - to establish a clinic to treat the population in the region"

    Thedelegationwillestablishamedicalclinicintheareasimilartoanormalhealthclinic.Theclinic

    isexpectedtooperateforapproximatelyonemonth.Thedelegationisscheduledtobereplacedintwoweeksbynewpersonnel.

    Col.Dr.OfirCohen-Marom,headofthemedicalportionofthedelegation,saidthatthemembersof

    thedelegationcameduetotheir"inabilitytoseeapersonsuffer."

    "Thisisnotalifesavingmission,likethatofHaiti,"addsChiefMedicalOfficer,Brig.Gen.Dr.Nachman

    Esh."Thisisquiteasimplemission-buildingaclinicthatwilltreatthepopulationinthearea.This

    is,however,animportantmissionandmedicalassistancetotheareaisessential."

    OnThursday(March25),30medicalpersonnelofthedelegationmetattheTelHashomerBase

    inpreparationforthemissionwhichbeganonSaturdaynight,withthedepartureoftheIAFplane

    to Japan. The size of the medical delegation decreased during the weekdue to the request of

    Japaneseauthoritiestolimitthegroupto50people.TheMedicalCorpschosetoincludedoctorfrom

    thefollowingpracticeareas:surgical,orthopedic,dermatology,optometry,gynecologyandurology,

    radiologyandimaging,physicians,ENTs,amongothers.Alsoincludedinthedelegationareseven

    nurses,aswellaslogisticsandteleprocessingpersonnelwhowillsupporttheclinicinnon-medical

    fields.

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    "Everydelegationmemberthatwillbeleftbehind,isanentiremedicalsectormissingfromourclinic,"

    Col.Dr.Cohen-Maromsays."Theonesremainingaretrulythecreamofthecrop,withoutwhomthe

    missionwouldfail."

    No radioactive threat in area where clinic is to be established

    The chief medical officer and the heads of the delegation

    stressedtothemembersthattheywillnotfaceanythreatof

    beingexposedtoradioactivity.Thedeploymentzoneislocated

    manykilometersawayfromthenuclearreactorsinFukushima,thoughpersonnelfromtheatomicenergycommissionwillmonitor

    radiationlevelsintheareaoftheclinicthroughoutthecourseof

    itsoperation.Ifanythreatsaredetected,thedelegationwillbe

    evacuatedfromthelocationimmediately.Theparticipantswere

    suppliedwithemergencyequipment,includingspecialclothing

    andLugolpills,tobetakenonlyifordered.Thememberswere

    alsoinstructedtoonlyeatfoodpackagedpriortothedisasterorpurchasedoutsideofJapan.They

    werealsoadvisedtoavoidusingconditionerthatthickensthehairandleaveswaterontheheadfor

    anextendedtimeperiod.

    TheparticipantswereprovidedwithnecessaryequipmenttocopewiththedifficultJapanesewinter

    aswellasnecessaryvaccinations.Simultaneouslytheybeganpreparingfortheculturalchallenges

    ofoperatinginJapan.AlthoughIsraelofferedaidtheJapanonthefirstdayofthetsunamidisaster,

    ittooksometimeforJapaneseauthoritiestoaccepttheoffer.Theassistancewasacceptedonthe

    condition thatthe delegationwouldbeable to functionindependentlywithout logisticalhelp from

    Japaneseauthorities,whoaredealingwithmanyotherproblems.

    Thedelegationwillstayatahostelinanearbytownandwillprovideitsownfoodandwater.

    "AcceptingoutsideassistanceisunusualinJapaneseculture.ItiscrucialtonotethatJapanese

    cultureisverydifferentthanthatoftheWest.Theyfacedifficultyadmittingthattheyareinneedofaid.Ittooktimeforthemtounderstandthatouroffercamefromtruewillingness,"explainsCol.Dr.

    Cohen-Marom.Similarto theauthorities,theJapanesearepeopleofhonor,andmembersof the

    medicaldelegationhavebeenpreparedforthepossibilitythattheirpatientsmightplaydownthepain

    theyareexperiencing.

    Three translators will join the delegation

    Thepopulationintheregionofthetownismostlyolder,land-owningfarmerswhoremainedinthe

    remoteregionfromwhichtheyoungerpopulationmovedtothecenter,bothbeforeandafterthe

    crisis.Oneofthebiggestchallengesthedelegationwillfaceiscommunicatingwiththelocals,since

    mostoftheelderlyresidentsoftheregiondonotspeakEnglishandtheirJapanesedialectmakesitdifficultforevennativeJapanesetofluentlycommunicatewiththem.Threeofficialtranslatorswilljoin

    thedelegation,andmoretranslatorsmightvolunteertojoinuponthedelegation'sarrivalinJapan.

    ShayPintov,whojoinedthedelegationasaninternaldoctor,willserveasanambassadorforthe

    delegation,duetohisfamiliaritywithJapanandFarEastmedicine.PintovcametoJapanuponthe

    completionofhismedicaltrainingtostudylocalmedicine.

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    "I'mbringingwithmeequipmenttypicalineasternclinics,inhopeofgettingclosertothem,"says

    Pintov."Faultyculturalinteractionwiththelocalsmightdrasticallyminimizethenumberofpeople

    whoturntous.Althoughtothemweareforeigners,thefactintraditionalJapaneseculturedoctors

    areconsideredextremelyintelligentandimportantwillbeverybeneficialtous."

    ThemedicalmembersofthedelegationbrieflylearnedaboutJapanandJapaneseculturefroma

    professional speakerwhoexplained how toapproach thepatients andmore importantlywhat to

    avoid.Additionally, they took some Japanese classesduringwhich thelearned that inJapanese

    adoctoriscalled"Isha"andanurseis"Kongfu"(justlikeKung-Fu,thatshowyou'llrememberit,"suggestedoneoftheIDFdoctorstohiscolleague).ThemedicalteamreceivedashortJapanese-

    Hebrewphrasebook,includingtermsandquestionssuchas"Howoldareyou,""Wheredoesithurt"

    and"Areyouallergictoanymedications."

    AmongthedelegationmembersaresomefromsouthernIsrael,includingafewLehavimresidentsin

    particular.OnesuchmemberisLieutenant-ColonelOrliWeinstein,anoptometrist,leavingbehinda

    husband,threegirlsandanareathathasbeenexposedtoincreasedrocketfirerecently.

    "Of course it's disconcerting, leavingbehind exposedchildren, and I hope that my husbandwill

    managewiththesituation,"shesays."Withthat,I'mexcitedtogo.TheinteractionwiththeJapanese

    nationwillbeanincredibleexperienceandprivilege.Thisismyfirstdelegation,andIimaginethatinthisscenariothatworkwon'tbeanydifferentthatinaregularcommunityhealthclinic.Consideringthe

    averageageinthearea,Iexpecttoencountermanypatientssufferingfromchroniceyediseases."

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    When the IAF met Maccabi Tel Aviv

    Before the recent IAFbasketball title game at

    Nevatim,MaccabiTelAvivfacedoffonthecourt

    againstasquadofIAFofficials.

    "You understand, this is the reason it isworth

    servingintheAirForce.Whereelsewouldyou

    wake up in the morning, take a peek out the

    windowandseetheMaccabiTelAvivbasketballteam?"

    There was a lot of excitement amongst the

    soldiersattheIsraeliAirForcebaseatNevatim

    recentlywhentheIAFbasketballchampionship

    was held. The base was festooned with signs

    andcolorfulballoonsandflagsandtheguestsofhonorwerethemembersoftheMaccabiTelAviv

    basketballsquad.

    TheteamwasinvitedtothebaseforashowcasegameagainstasquadofIAFofficials,butfirstthe

    playersgotashorttour.Forsome,itwastheirfirsttimevisitinganIsraelimilitarybase.

    "Weseealotontelevisionandhearalot,butthisistherealthing,"saysMaccabiTelAvivplayer

    RichardHendrix."Thisisanamazingplace,it'swonderfultovisitforthefirsttime."

    TheMaccabiTelAvivplayersweregivenflightoverallsandhelmetsbeforeenteringthecockpitofa

    F-16Hawkaircraft.

    "It'sapleasuretobehere,"saysMaccabiTelAvivcaptainDerrickSharp."It'scrazythattheyinvited

    usheretoseeallofthis.IfeellikeI'minsomesortofmovie."

    Whilespeaking,Sharpalsosignedautographsandtookphotoswithpeople,allwithabigsmileonhisface.

    "We'veheardthattheIAFteamisstrong,"Sharpsays,laughing."Itwon'tbeeasytobeatthem,but

    wedidourhomework."

    "IthinktheIAFcoachesaremoreskilledthanmeinmakingdecisions,"saysMaccabiTelAvivhead

    coachDavidBlatt."Wemayhavetheadvantageofafewcentimeters,butthereisnodoubtthatthis

    isaquestionofwillpower.TherearetalentedyoungmenonbothsidesandI'msurethatthiswillbe

    aninterestinggame."

    Justbeforetheywenttothebasketballarena,Blattlookedaroundslowly,gazingattheairplanesparkedalongtherunway,andsaid:"Theydefinitelyhaveamoreimpressivehomecourtthanus."

    The IAF team entered thecourt andbegan to stretch, including IAFCommander, Maj. Gen. Ido

    Nechushtan,whodemonstratedremarkablewarm-upabilities.TheIAFplayerswhoracedontothe

    courtincludednumeroushigh rankingofficials,suchas thecommandersof theNevatimandSde

    Dovairbases.

    "Itwillbeinterestingtoplayagainsttheseguys,"saysMaccabiTelAvivplayerTalBurstein."Ithink

    therewillbemanysurprises."

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    AndasBursteinanticipated,thereweresurprises.TheIAFteamgotoffontherightfoot,scoringthe

    firstbasket.AsthegameprogressedandtheIAFteamkeptwithinshoutingdistanceofMaccabiTel

    Aviv,theprofessionalplayerswereimpressed.

    "Didyouseethat?"SharpexclaimsafterMaj.Gen.Nechushtanhitashotfrombehindthearctogive

    histeamthreepoints.

    "Theseguysarecrazy,"anotherMaccabiTelAvivplayersays,laughing.

    ThefirsthalfendswithMaccabiTelAvivholdinga30-21leadovertheIAFteam.

    "Weareaseriousteam,"saysMaj.Gen.Nechushtan."Theseguysarentmakinglifeeasyforus,but

    we'vesucceededinnotgivingthemtoomuchofalead."

    AnotherIAFplayer,abrigadiergeneral,saysthat"teamworkandmoralearethenameofthegame.

    Wearereallyenjoyingthisanddonotintendtogiveupeasily."

    Thegameends,asexpected,withaMaccabiTelAvivvictory,46-35.However,theMaccabiTelAviv

    playersadmitthatthegamewasmorechallengingthananticipated.

    "Althoughwewon,itwasnoteasyatall,"saysMaccabiTelAvivplayerChuckEidson."Itwasavery

    enjoyablegame."Aftertheconclusionofthegame,Maj.Gen.Nechushtanmadeitclearhowimportantthegamewas

    tohim.

    "Thespiritofsportisallthatmattershere,"hesays.'Thefightingspiritandbattle,thesearethe

    thingsthatdriveusoneverymissionandthereforethiscompetitionisanimportantexpressionofour

    work.Therearealotofthingsincorporatedintosportsthatarealsovaluesthatleadusforwardin

    battle,soIamalwayshappytosupportsportingeventssuchasthis."

    AftertheshowcasegamewithMaccabiTelAvivended,themaineventtookplaceonthesamecourt

    -theIAFbasketballchampionshipgame.Thisyear,thetwoteamswerefromtheSdeDovbaseand

    theTechnicalbase.ItwasatoughbattlebutintheendSdeDovtookhomethechampionshipwitha

    91-89victory.

    'IwishtheMaccabiTelAvivplayershadstayedtoseethistensegame.Thiswasoneofthemost

    beautiful games in the league,"says Maj. Gen.Nechushtanduring thechampionship ceremony.

    "DespitethevictoryofSdeDov,IsendmuchappreciationtoTechnicalwhofoughtuntilthefinal

    minute.Goodjob,allofyou,itwasgreattoseeallofyourabilities."

    The"KingoftheBaskets"cupwasgiventoLiranfromTechnical.Liranscored198pointsthroughout

    thechampionship.

    Afterthedistributionofvarioustrophies,thecommanderoftheSdeDovbasespokeabouthispost-matchfeelings.

    "Ididntdoubtourteamforamoment,"hesays,perhapswiththewisdomofhindsight."I'mvery

    proudofourteamandweinvestalotinthis.IhopetheycontinuethiswaynextyearandIwishthem

    successbothasplayersandassoldiers."

    "Thisisthethirdtimeinarowthatwe'vewon,"saysBen,whowonthe"BestPlayer"trophy."When

    weplayedTechnicalanothertime,wewoneasily,sowewerenotexpectingthiswhenwefoundout

    wewouldbeplayingthemagain.Butwepulledourselvestogetherintheend.Itwasveryimportant

    tometowinthisgameandI'mveryhappytobeselectedasthebestplayer.Thisisaterrificfeeling."

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    Army preparatory programs championship games

    600youngmembersofarmypreparatoryprogramsparticipateinanumberofgamestowinthetitle

    offirstplaceinthechampionship.Ultimately,thegamesgoalistoraiseawarenessaboutfitness

    andhealth.

    ItsnoteverydaythatsoldiersservinginTrainingBase8(theSchoolforCombatFitness)atthe

    WingateInstitutecomeacrosshundredsofciviliansrunningaroundtheirbase.Delayedreactionsas

    theyenterthebaseareunderstandable-theytrytounderstandwhatsspecialaboutthisparticular

    day,iftheyforgotsomeholidayoranentireyearhasgonebysincetheIDFChampionships(whichtakesplacearoundOctober)andtheysimplydidntnotice.

    Thosewholookedintothematterunderstoodthattheresnoneedforconcern.Thesehundredsof

    civiliansare600soldiers-to-be,participantsinmechinaprograms(orarmypreparatoryprograms)

    tobeexact,whocametogetherfortheirprogramschampionshipgames,thisyeartakingplacefor

    thesecondtime.Participatinginthechampionshipgamesweretenmechinaprogramscompetingin

    sixevents:thehighwall,navigation,tug-of-rope,stretcher-carrying,amessengerraceandon-field

    running.

    The army preparatory program is an educational program intended for soldiers-to-be, its main

    objectivespreparationforafullserviceinthearmyandeducatingmembersonthemeaningoftaking

    activerolesintheircommunities.Teenswhochoosetotakepartintheprogramputofftheirarmy

    serviceforayearduringwhichtheylivetogether,studyavarietyofclasses,travelaroundIsrael,

    volunteerinthelocalcommunityandprepareforlifeassoldiersandadults.

    AsaresultoflessonslearnedfromtheSecondLebanonWarandadesiretodraftyoungpeoplewith

    ahigherlevelofphysicalability,theHeadoftheCombatFitnessDivision,Col.Dr.AviMoyal,initiated

    aprogramfor27mechinaprograms.Withinitsframework,someofthemosttalentedtrainersat

    Wingategotomechinaprogramsandtrainteensincombatexercisestwiceaweek.Thegoalisto

    raiseawarenessaboutsportsandimprovefitness.

    There is great response from young members doing their training

    Today,weareseeingahighleveloffitnesswhichindicatesexcellentphysicalabilities.Itssomething

    thatImsadtosaywedidnthavethreeyearsago,saysCol.Dr.AviMoyal.Hecontinues,saying,

    Wesaw,anumberofyearsago,thattheseteenswerentgettinginenoughexercise.Wegotinvolved

    andultimatelyboththeyandtheIDFbenefittedhugely.Itsagifttothosewhoaregoingtobethe

    nextcombatsoldiersandofficersoftheIDF.

    And,accordingtoCol.(res.)MukiBetzer,headoftheMinsharimKalopreparatoryprograminKibbutz

    MaaganMichael,theprogrambringsresults.Thereisgreatresponsefromyoungmembersdoing

    theirtraining,theyareallverymotivatedandwanttohaveameaningfulserviceinthearmy,hesaysandaddsthat,lastyearwewonfirstplaceandwearehopingtokeepthatupthisyearaswell.

    Asisknown,Col.Betzerwasthefirstcommanderoftheairforceseliterescueunitandparticipated

    insomeofIsraelsmostimportantoperationsthroughoutitshistory.Themembersofhisprogram,

    itseems,arestubbornaboutfollowinghispath.Fromagroupof47members,11aresettojointhe

    eliteunit.

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    Itellthemthatthevolunteeringforinfantryunitsismostsignificantintermsofservicetothearmy,

    orservingintheArmoredCorpsorinEngineeringbuttheyarestubborn,aimingforthebest,he

    concludeswithasmile.

    Improving competitiveness for next year

    Thedayquicklyprogressesandscreamsofencouragementcanbeheardineverydirection from

    thedifferentprograms.Everyonewaitsforthemostinterestingcompetitionofall,thetug-o-rope.As

    resultsofeachteamsscorescomeupandlessandlessteamsareleftstanding,ultimatelyjusttwo

    programsremain.ThesearethepreparatoryprogramMeitzar,inthesouthernGolanHeightsandMinsharimKalo.Afterseveralminutesinwhichbothfighthardforthewin,MinsharimKalowinsthe

    tug-of-war.

    Theexcitementreachesitspeakasyoungmembersanticipatetheclosingceremonyinwhichwinners

    willbecrowned.Meanwhile,membersoftheprogramshaveafewthingstosay.

    Ibelievethismainlyimprovesthecompetitivespiritofeveryoneintheprogram,saysOmriBismut,

    amemberoftheMeitzarprogram.

    ThewinnerisonceagaintheMinsharimKaloprogram,themechinainSderotgettingsecondplace

    andMeitzarthird.Themechinaprogramsgoinghomewithouttrophiesaredisappointed,butmembers

    remindthemselvesthattheresalwaysnextyear.

    March 2011