March 2011

Pictures of the Month

Operations Room
• F
‫ ‏‬ollowing continuous terror attacks directed by Hamas from the
Gaza Strip, the IAF has attacked a number of times within the Gaza
Strip during the past month. In at least three of these attacks, the
IAF has succeeded in downing intended attacks towards Israel. The
IDF is determined to continue responding assertively to any terror
coming from the Strip. READ MORE
• “IRON DOME”, the newly developed Anti Surface to Surface Rocket
Defense shield, has been deployed in the South of Israel, following
a directive from the Chief of Staff. READ MORE
The Head of Home Command does re-iterate that this sophisticated
system does not come as fool-proof insurance policy, and that it
cannot replace the alertness and readiness of the community in
adequately preparing shelters. READ MORE
• An IDF soldier has been severely injured whilst waiting for public
transport at a bus stop in the Jordan Valley. A terrorist attempted at
stealing his weapon by attacking with a rock thrown at the soldier’s
head. A passing policeman opened fire on the attacker and arresting
him. The soldier was air-lifted to hospital. READ MORE

One on One
• No allowances for “Golani” during their grueling drill in the deep
cold of the North, recently.
At least the landscape and views were magnificent! READ MORE

Challenges of the Moment

• T
‫ ‏‬he “Wind Breaker” system has successfully downed an anti-tank
missile used by terrorists firing against an IDF Tank. This novel system
created to protect tanks from anti-tank devices, has been introduced
to the Armed Corps this year. It is expected to change considerably
the equation on the battle field as we know it. READ MORE
• The demand to serve in the Armore Corps Unit 401 has doubled
amongst those due for compulsory military service, after the unit has
been equipped with the “Wind Breaker” system. READ MORE
• Brigadier General (Res.) Avigdor Kahalani expresses the importance
of the new system – “ A true revolution in the Battle Field”. READ
MORE

On the Agenda
Unmanned vehilces in the IDF
The IDF is now making extensive use of unmanned vehicles within
the framework of its campaign against terror.
Both Unmanned Air Vehicles as well as Unmanned Land Vehicles play
a leading role in Israel's air activity, target identification, espionage
and various intelligence-gathering techniques. READ MORE
• ‫‏‬The IAF operates its “Eytan” UAV squadron. READ MORE
• The ground forces are using the UAV “SkyRider” unit. READ MORE

IDF Events
• The Israeli Rescue delegation has left for Japan on one of its
important missions. READ MORE

• The IAF Basketball team headed by General Ido Nechushtan meets

Maccabi Tel Aviv for a game – the result ? – A close draw! READ
MORE

• Some 600 youths compete esagerly in the pre-army cadet institutions!

READ MORE

• Next Month - An all inclusive drill for the battalion “Karakal” - where
boys and girls fight together.

IDF Spokesperson's Unit Public Affairs Branch

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IDF targets rocket-launching terror cell in the Gaza Strip

IAF aircraft hit terrorists in southern Gaza who were
launching projectiles towards Israel on Wednesday
morning (Mar. 30). Overnight, IAF aircraft carried
out a precision strike on a smuggling tunnel in
Gaza .

Israeli Air Force aircraft on Wednesday morning

(Mar. 30) targeted a cell of terrorists in the southern
Gaza Strip who were launching projectiles towards
Israeli territory. A hit was identified.

Overnight, IAF aircraft carried out a precision strike

on a smuggling tunnel in the southern Gaza Strip.

All IAF aircraft returned to base safely.

The IAF operations were in response to projectiles fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel on Tuesday
night.

The IDF will not tolerate continued rocket and mortar fire aimed at the communities of southern
Israel. The IDF will continue to act decisively to thwart any attempts to harm Israeli citizens.
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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. The Minister of Defense approved
its use and visited the Gaza Division last week .

Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz,

has ordered the deployment of the Iron Dome
(mobile air defense system to protect against
projectiles such as rockets) in the coming days in
southern Israel after approval by the government.
Before the final approval the Chief of Staff visited
communities surrounding the Gaza Strip with
Commander of Southern Command, Maj. Gen. Tal Russo.

Minister of Defense, Ehud Barak, also visited the Gaza Division and addressed the IDF's next step.

"I approved the deployment of the first battery of the Iron Dome as a preliminary trial," said the
Minister of Defense. He continued saying, "The battery will be deployed in the South, being moved
from time to time according to operational needs. The system can fire back if fired at but it's important
to remember that the Dome is still not full proof."

The Iron Dome is considered a significant achievement of the Israeli security industry, at the moment
in the process of assimilation into the air force and operational use. The system is currently under
evaluation. It will be used to respond to the threat of rockets and mortar shells fired at Israel, its
capabilities including attacking, alerting and protection. Upon assessment of the security situation in
southern Israel, it was decided the Dome would be deployed.

The IDF stresses that the Dome will not be used consistently and its moved around according what
the situation necessitates.
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The Iron Dome to be deployed in the South

This following approval by the government and the Chief of
Staff, Commander of the Home Front Command stressing the
system is not full proof and citizens must continue to follow the
Home Front Command’s instructions .

The system for defense against the threat of rockets, called

the Iron Dome, was erected in southern Israel and began its
operational trial this week according.

The Iron Dome is considered a significant achievement of

the Israeli security industry, at the moment in the process of
assimilating into the air force and to being put into operational use. The system is currently under
evaluation. It will be used to respond to the threat of rockets and mortar shells fired at Israel, its
capabilities including attacking, alerting and protection. Upon assessment of the security situation in
southern Israel, it was decided the Dome would be deployed.

The step was approved on Friday (Mar. 25) by the Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz, following
government approval. Minister of Defense, Ehud Barak, said, "The battery will be deployed in the
South, being moved from time to time according to operational needs. The system can fire back if
fired at but it's important to remember that the Dome is still not full proof."

Commander of the Home Front Command, Maj. Gen. Yair Golan, said last week that even the system
cannot ensure full security. According to Maj. Gen. Golan, the most important thing is that citizens be
prepared and protected by following the Home Front Command’s instructions.

“It’s important to keep in mind that the Iron Dome is only in its preliminary, testing stages such that
citizens must continue following the Home Front Command’s instructions on how to stay protected.
Continue taking these instructions very seriously as even debris can land in Israel,” said Maj. Gen.
Golan.

The IDF stresses that the Dome will not be used consistently and will be moved around according
what the situation necessitates.
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‫‏‬IDF soldier attacked by Palestinian terrorist at bus stop

The soldier was waiting at a bus stop near the
Jordan Valley when the terrorist threw rocks at him.
In addition, two Palestinians were discovered with
explosives at the Bekaot crossing .

An IDF soldier was moderately to seriously injured

when rocks were hurled at him on Friday morning
(Mar. 25), the same Palestinian terrorist who’d thrown
the rocks then attempting to take his weapon. The
soldier was attacked at a bus stop at the Petza’el
juncture near the Tomer settlement and Jordan
Valley.

Galatz (Army Radio) reported that the event took place while the soldier was waiting for a bus home.
The terrorist threw rocks at the soldier and injured him. Initial police investigations suggest the
terrorist was attempting to take the soldier’s weapon. A police man passing through the area while
the incident took place shot at the terrorist and injured him in the leg.

Both soldier and terrorist were given medical treatment on the scene by Magen David Adom (Israeli
Red Cross) and flown to a hospital for further treatment.

At the onset of this week an officer with a rank of Captain was moderately injured in Jaffa in front
of Cafe Alma on the corner of Yehuda Hayamit street and Shivtei Israel. The suspect stabbed the
officer’s upper body and attempted to steal his weapon.

The terrorist took the weapon and began running away from the scene, but threw it aside after a
civilian began chasing him. Several hours later the police arrested the man suspected of carrying out
the act, a resident of the city.

In the past year, 137 IDF weapons have disappeared. This is almost half of all thefts in previous
years combined. To date, only 74 of them have been returned, among them also weapons stolen in
previous years. Most of the weapons were stolen from soldiers’ homes and military bases, others in
situations such as during soldiers’ rides home from base. The army usually succeeds in returning
around 70% of weapons stolen from bases.

The IDF arrested two Palestinians on Friday morning at the Bekaot crossing near Nablus, having
been discovered with four Bangalore torpedoes (explosives placed on a long tube). The two were
handed over for questioning by security forces.
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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
engineering corps, the armored corps and even the
IAF as they conquer land in the North and prepare
for whatever lies ahead.

If you took a deeper look inside the burnt landscape

of northern Israel two weeks ago, you’d have
discovered a surprisingly human site. Among the
bushes and thorns that survived the Israeli winter,
one could see combat soldiers of the infantry Golani
Brigade, armed and ready for any event coming their
way.

Just before it begins operation in its next division, the number one brigade went out for a few
exhausting days of brigade-wide training exercise in the North. During the exercise, which included
pushing out enemies and conquering allotted targets, the combat soldiers used a relatively new
animal. This was the Namer (meaning tiger in Hebrew), an acronym for a Merkava (a type of tank or)
Armored Personnel Carrier (APC).

Golani soldiers could be found in each APC, swaying back and forth to the rhythm of the moving
vehicle. At a glance it would seem they’re trained for this, from time to time they even close their eyes
and try to sleep.

“You can’t really sleep in the Namer,” they say securely, yelling over the loud roaring of the engine.

“Suddenly there is this boom,” they say and wait for the Namer’s expected jump in the air, which
happens of course, “and then you wake up,” they say summing up those few moments with tired
smiles. They’ve just had two and a half days and two sleepless nights out on the field.

Along with the young combat soldiers, the Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz, too, finds time to
observe the view.

“It’s always beautiful in the North,” he explains as he smiles. “I think the brigade knows what it’s
doing. The combat soldiers still have a long week ahead of them.” One thing that’s certain, despite
the red Paratroopers Brigade beret on his shoulder, he trusts the Golani Brigade’s new tool. “The
Namer APCs are very impressive. Prepared infantry soldiers are an integral part of being ready for
future wars or operations.”

The Commander of the IDF Infantry Corps and Paratroopers, Brig. Gen. Miki Edelstein, joined the
Chief of Staff adding, “The Namer APCs enable maneuvering according to specific targets,” he says.
“They drive side by side with the Armored Corps, at the same speed. So far the vehicles are meeting
expectations and the option of starting to use them in the Engineering Corps and so forth is being
looked into.”

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The Golani Brigade’s Headquarters’ officer, Maj. Shai Ben Yishai, spoke highly of the Namer as
well. “They make infantry forces more powerful. They change fighting techniques and gives the IDF
options it didn’t have before. An enemy who comes across Golani will be hit hard,” he says.

About cooperation

Throughout the exercise the Brigade was in close contact with a battalion of the Armored Corps,
combat soldiers of the Engineering Corps and artillery forces who practiced close cooperation for
battle.

“Ultimately, infantry forces can’t fight alone and neither can armored forces,” explains commander of
the battalion, Lt. Col. Raphi Wolfson. “We fight together – the armored corps, infantry units and the
engineering corps, and the way we operate changes depending on the situation. Some exercises
outline a sudden break-in, in which infantry forces enter first and armored forces after, and there
are situations in which we must destroy a bigger target and in that case the Armored Corps is better
equipped to do so.”

According to Wolfson, the Namer APCs make the exercise much different than it was in the past,
and much better. “Cooperation is much better because of it,” says the battalion commander and
explains, “the infantry forces know combat vehicles with weapons and use them much more than
they used the Achzarit [an older model of the APC]. In the past they preferred to go by foot and now
they understand the benefits of this tool, that it is safer and can drive in tougher terrains.”

Despite the strong smell of grease, the armored corps soldiers were not the only guests in the
exercise. IAF Combat helicopters also took advantage of the opportunity, and practiced helping the
combat soldiers in different situations. Aircrafts followed Golani soldiers as they moved forward on
land and helped reach operational goals. The latter was done through continual practice in logistics,
including sending supplies through the air and evacuating the injured from the battlefield.

Another aspect that was practiced in the North was operating various systems in the Digital Army
Programme (DAP), which gives a full situational report and continual picture and updates about all
forces on the field. The system enables commanders to improve control as they command movement
of units in real-time. Those managing the exercise could be attuned to what units were doing, their
way of fighting on the field and their progress there.

In the afternoon the forces are confronted with an unexpected landing from above: a helicopter used
for spraying crops is about to spray tear gas over the combat soldiers. The Namer’s ramp opens and
tens of soldiers get out into the open air. “It’s tough, this Golani thing,” they say as they laugh and
quickly put on their gas masks. “Just kidding, Golani is home.”

Responsible for supervision over the Golani’s training exercise is the infantry Kfir Brigade. Commander
of the Kfir Brigade, Col. Oren Abman, who served the majority of his service in Golani, says the
soldiers worked very well.

“Each platoon commander in Golani is paired up with platoon commander or deputy platoon commander
of Kfir, and the head commanders of the Golani Brigade our matched up with us,” explains Col.
Abman. “In Kfir’s training exercise it was Golani who taught us and now we are teaching them.”

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I haven’t conquered yet

After several days on the field in which the brigade practiced attacking the enemy and conquering
the land North, the Golani soldiers are searching for a new challenge. Infantry fighters enter the well-
known paths on the way to conquer a new location. Only the elite forces of the Golani Brigade get to
have an upgraded battle and are taken to the region by helicopter.

At six in the morning, while many of the soldiers in Israel are just getting up, commander of the 12th
battalion, Lt. Col. Udi Ben Hamo, is already walking around, wide awake as if this was the first day
of the exercise. “The exercise is challenging. It tests determination and professionalism, especially
with these difficult weather conditions which result in a lot of vehicles’ sinking into the mud,” says the
battalion commander, optimistic, despite the challenges. “I believe working through these conditions
is part of the professionalism.”

Despite the veteran commanders, who aren’t moved by wind and rain, the soldiers look a little less
happy, and are without a doubt more tired. “All in all it’s an awesome exercise, once in a service
experience,” says one of the soldiers. The choppers, which have made their way to the area, heighten
their spirits and thoughts of home and the little vacation waiting just around the corner give the final
boost of energy needed to finish the exercise.
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‫‏‏‬Historical Achievement for the IDF

For the first time since its implementation on
IDF tanks, the Trophy active protection system
intercepted an anti-tank missile fired at an IDF
tank patrolling in the southern Gaza Strip.

The IDF has expressed great satisfaction after

the success of the Trophy (ASPRO-A) system
(designed to actively protect against anti-tank
missiles) in intercepting, for the first time, a
missile fired at an IDF tank. The missile was fired
while the tank was conducting a routine patrol
near the security fence in the southern Gaza
Strip this month.

The system thwarted the missile without any casualties on the IDF's side. “The soldiers were not even
sure an anti-tank missile had been fired at them,” explained an IDF officer in the Armored Corps now
involved in the investigation of the incident to IDF Website. He made it clear that the system operated
automatically and thwarted the attempt to injure IDF soldiers. Shortly after the event, terrorists were
spotted in the area and IDF forces fired, confirming a hit.

The soldiers involved in the incident belong to Battalion 9 of Brigade 401 and had trained with the
system for the first time only three months ago upon the completion of its implementation. During
the exercise, held in the Golan Heights, the soldiers practiced a scenario depicting an emergency
situation in the North.

“The system will significantly reduce the anti-tank injuries in the next confrontation,” explained
Commander of Division 162, Brig. Gen. Agay Yechezkel, who made it clear that the integration of the
system will continue.

“By the end of next year we will have largely integrated the system.” Even Col. Enav Shalev, Commander
of Brigade 401, noted that currently, thanks to the system’s success, “the calculated risk we can take
during operational missions has been increased, because the squad and tank are more secure.”

The Trophy system, the fruit of a collaborative effort between Rafael Advanced Defense System Ltd.,
Elta Group and the US’s General Dynamics, identifies various incoming threats directed at a tank,
including anti-tank missiles, by means of special radars and sensors, firing back at the incoming
threat. This active protection system enables the tank’s crew to contend with dangers they don’t
always foresee.
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Windbreaker brings enlistees

As a result of the Windbreaker’s recent success,
draftees are requesting to join the 401st brigade.

The Windbreaker system against anti-tank missiles

is currently being adopted in the 401st brigade of the
Armored Corps, promising more advantages than
just defending tanks. In the past three draft cycles,
the number of enlistees interested in serving in the
brigade has almost doubled.

For every 100 spots in the brigade there are more

than 200 enlistees wishing to join. The reason for
its high demand, considered high for the Armored
Corps, is clear. The adoption of the Windbreaker system, which proved itself earlier this month
when it thwarted an RPG missile fired from the Gaza Strip, the system belonging to a tank in the 9th
battalion.

The high motivation is associated, too, with the brigade’s use of the Merkava Mark IV tank, the most
advanced tank in the IDF.

“We took the subject of enlistees as seriously as it should be taken,” said commander of the brigade,
Col. Einav Shalev. “The brigade’s legend precedes it and we credit the tank with that.”

The latest draft statistics show that the 401st brigade comes up noticeably often in comparison with
others of the Corps. More than two thirds of enlistees who requested to join the Armored Corps
requested to join the 401st brigade.

As part of the policy of balancing requests, it was decided to send some of the draftees who did not
ask to be in the Armored Corps to the 401st brigade, one usually with highly motivated soldiers.

The rise in motivation to serve in the 401st  brigade has partly to do with its tank, and partly to do with
its latest activities. Lately, the brigade made hundreds of phone calls to its candidates for combat
service and commanders visited army preparatory programs to encourage enlistees to join the Corps.
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‫‏‬Windbreaker system will improve IDF operations in the battlefield

Brig. Gen. Avigdor Kahalani: Windbreaker tank defense system
will enable armored corps soldiers to be more focused and to
achieve goals in the battlefield.

"The Windbreaker system will change our operations in the

battlefield," explains Brig. Gen. Avigdor Kahalani, an Israeli
war hero and the chairman of the soldier welfare association.

The Windbreaker active tank defense system successfully

intercepted last month a rocket fired at an IDF tank during
routine activity along the border fence with the Gaza Strip. No IDF soldiers were wounded in the
incident and the terrorists who launched the rocket were later identified and neutralized.

In a conversation with IDF Website, Brig. Gen. Kahalani explains that the system is "a revolution
in the armored corps. It's significant, especially as an active defense system that saves the lives of
soldiers. Although missiles are scarce, they may cause substantial damage, especially to combat
soldiers, making the system imperative. Until today, antitank weaponry was the Achilles heel of the
armored corps."

Brig. Gen. Kahalani says that tank operation methods will be modified due to the system. He explains
that now that "an armored corpsman sitting in a tank will be safer and less concerned about being
attacked from unexpected angles, he will be more focused on the battlefield and on improving
operational results. Thus, the battlefield will become more organized."

"We must thank the developers of the system," Brig. Gen. Kahalani says. "I say this based not only on
my own knowledge in the field but also as chairman of the soldier welfare association. [The system's]
ability to protect our soldiers is unprecedented."

Brig. Gen. Kahalani said that the Windbreaker system would also increase the motivation among
the tank crewmen of the armored corps, thanks to the stronger sense of security that the system will
provide.
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Unmanned vehilces in the IDF

As their name implies, unmanned air vehicles are controlled and operated remotely thus saving the
need to expose pilots and navigators.
The UAV covers a wide range of Air Vehicles in varying sizes from hand held to relatively large
aircraft-size machines. One of the principal considerations for using these means is the ability of
these machines to remain airborne for extended periods without having to take consideration on
the likely effects on air-crews or exposing these to any danger.
UAV’s have now been serving in the IDF for some time in its struggle against the ruthless terror
war being waged against Israel on all fronts. These vehicles are equipped with sophisticated
photographic and video equipment providing accurate and clear information on the enemy. Aside
from eliminating the risk of losing air crews in this equation, the vehicles are of such sizes that
it makes it almost impossible to target and down them. The cost of these vehicles is of course
much inferior to the cost of manned aircraft. The vehicles are built to fly in any weather, and the
maintenance and operating costs are well below these of conventional aircraft.
They are capable of flying at high altitude, well above regular traffic, making them inaudible and
invisible, without compromising on accuracy and quality of photo material.

THE “SHOVAL”
“The Shoval is a breakthrough in the world of UAV’s in the IDF, due to its size and especially
its operational potential” (Lt.Col H’ – head of the first UAV unit)

The “Shoval”, with its ability to remain airborne

for 30 hours, at an altitude of 30,000 feet with
a relatively large payload, places it in the
technological lead worldwide.
Whilst the “Shoval” formally entered into
service on March 7th 2007, well after the
Second Lebanon War (July/August 2006), it
did manage to make a presence during that
campaign. It played a key role in the detecting
of missile launchers deep behind enemy lines,
participating in complex operations.
The “Shoval” is an Israel Aircraft Industries
(IAI) development and will replace the existing
“Searcher” aircraft. Whilst still in its launching
stages, the “Shoval” is to be equipped with automatic take off and landing systems, as well as ever
more advanced systems as this industry develops at a fast pace.

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The “Eytan”
This aircraft began being developed back in the 90’s, and its cost is considerably higher. The
“Eytan” provides a critical ceiling cover for operations below, with capabilities of staying airborne
well over 24 hours, as well as intelligence gathering mechanisms of the highest standards. Its
airborne cycle facilitates a relatively easy permanent ceiling presence with a small number of
aircraft, and of course the long range photographic equipment offers the aircraft unique qualities.
Control of these aircraft is very remote from safely hidden command and control centers.

The “Searcher”
This tactical intelligence gathering unmanned aircraft entered
service in 1992 and earned the Hebrew name “Hogla”. In 1998,
the improved version was introduced and earned the name “White
Star”. The “Searcher” has served in the Second Lebanon War
against Hezbollah, particularly in detecting rocket launchers firing
incessantly against Israel settlements in the Northern part of the
country.
The improved version of “Searcher 2” is equipped with a superior
motor, a superior navigation system, advanced communications
and the ability to take-off and land automatically. It is controlled
from remote safe stations, and should communication be lost with
the aircraft, it has the capability to return to base independently.

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The “Fast Channel”

In addition to airborne vehicles, the IDF operates this land vehicle for the sue in the regular
watch on Israel’s borders. It entered service in 2009 with principal tasks being Separating Fence
Investigation, IED detection, as well as detecting Fence Violation and Penetration. This is done with
the use of cameras and long distance observation equipment. The vehicle is remotely commanded
and controlled and is equipped with an automatic driver.

UAV’s and Unmanned land Vehicles are playing a growing role in the IDF’s operational activity in
the tasks of intelligence gathering, identifying targets accurately and espionage. In the case of the
Gaza Strip, these vehicles have proven themselves in creating an evident fear among the terrorists.

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‫‏‬IAF Opens New "Eitan" UAV Squadron to Operational Use

The IAF’s new unmanned aerial vehicle squadron
will improve the ability to respond to threats near
and far.

The IAF’s Eitan Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

Squadron’s opening ceremony took place on the
Tel-Nof base a few months ago.

The Eitan UAV was developed by the IAF and

the Israel's Homeland Security Industry and was
officially integrated into the IAF in February, 2010.

This new development signifies yet another

breakthrough in the field of unmanned aerial
vehicles for the IAF and constitutes an improvement in the ability of responding to threats, be they
near or far, routine or emergent.

The inauguration of the new squadron is yet another sign of the new system in becoming operational.

The Commander of the Tel-Nof IAF Base, Brig. Gen. A, said, "Several minutes ago we unveiled the
squadron flag. For the IAF, the term ‘squadron’ embodies values. The value of norms, of operational
abilities, of tending to people, developing weapon systems and many other areas. But most of all the
term ‘squadron’ embodies the values of responsibility. The responsibility to fulfill the expectations of
Israeli citizens, to fulfill our operational goals and the responsibility for our people and for the ongoing
preservation of our legacy.”
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‫‏‬The Rochev Hashamayim (SkyRider) Unit’s New Independence

On October 10th, the new unit Rochev
Hashamayim (SkyRider) was declared
completely independent. At a ceremony held
for the occasion attended, among others, by
GOC Army Headquarters Commander, Maj.
Gen. Sami Turgeman, and Palmachim IAF
base Commander, Brig. Gen. Itay Reiss, the
unit’s new symbol was revealed: a winged
horse with a sword in the background.

Thus far, the Rochev Hashamayim Battalion

was subordinate to the Artillery Corps’ UAV
unit but will now be an independent battalion
in every respect. In the coming year, the unit
is expected to be transferred from the Palmachim airbase to its permanent location at base Julis.

“Rochev Hashamayim’s function is to equip the regiment commander and other commanders with
video recordings”, explained Lt. Eliyah Keffah, Deputy Commander of the Operational Company in the
Rochev Hashamayim unit. “The teams are trained for various missions, with the goal of encouraging
the enlistment of many more soldiers.”

Soldiers learn to operate the Elbit company’s UAVs and are thus able to provide an updated snapshot of
the battlefield at any moment. The tiny plains fly above the soldiers’ heads, their cameras broadcasting
images to those deciphering footage on land.

A special on-land team programs the flying object, setting its route before its takeoff, if necessary
also being able to end its flight midair. The hope is in the future, a representative team from Rochev
Hashamayim will join each infantry battalion, its purpose to improve the IDF’s intelligence gathering
abilities.
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I‫ ‏‬DF aid delegation to Japan includes 50 people, 80 tons of

equipment
The IDF aid delegation to Japan will set up a field clinic
to treat people left without medical care after recent
disasters. Chief Medical Officer: "This is an important
mission and medical assistance to the area is essential".

In the wake of the recent disasters in Japan, and following

Japan's acceptance of Israel's offer of humanitarian
assistance, the Ministry of Defense dispatched a Boeing
747 cargo plane on Saturday night (Mar. 26) loaded with
humanitarian aid equipment, in addition to an Israeli Air
Force plane that departed with a Home Front command
delegation that will establish and run a medical clinic in
the disaster area.

The 50 members of the IDF delegation are facing a busy two weeks ahead of them. Their journey
started with an approximately 20-hour flight, followed by a seven hour drive from the airport in Tokyo
to the Miyagi District in northeastern Japan.

Representatives from the Medical Corps, Home Front Command, government offices and the atomic
energy commission will set up a clinic in a rural town that was almost completely destroyed by the
tsunami and whose residents were left without roofs over their heads, without vehicles or fuel and
without access to medical assistance. The closest hospital is not large and is located an hour and a
half away by vehicle.

"A simple mission - to establish a clinic to treat the population in the region"
The delegation will establish a medical clinic in the area similar to a normal health clinic. The clinic
is expected to operate for approximately one month. The delegation is scheduled to be replaced in
two weeks by new personnel.

Col. Dr. Ofir Cohen-Marom, head of the medical portion of the delegation, said that the members of
the delegation came due to their "inability to see a person suffer."

"This is not a life saving mission, like that of Haiti," adds Chief Medical Officer, Brig. Gen. Dr. Nachman
Esh. "This is quite a simple mission - building a clinic that will treat the population in the area. This
is, however, an important mission and medical assistance to the area is essential."   

On Thursday (March 25), 30 medical personnel of the delegation met at the Tel Hashomer Base
in preparation for the mission which began on Saturday night, with the departure of the IAF plane
to Japan. The size of the medical delegation decreased during the week due to the request of
Japanese authorities to limit the group to 50 people. The Medical Corps chose to include doctor from
the following practice areas: surgical, orthopedic, dermatology, optometry, gynecology and urology,
radiology and imaging, physicians, ENTs, among others. Also included in the delegation are seven
nurses, as well as logistics and teleprocessing personnel who will support the clinic in non-medical
fields.

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"Every delegation member that will be left behind, is an entire medical sector missing from our clinic,"
Col. Dr. Cohen-Marom says. "The ones remaining are truly the cream of the crop, without whom the
mission would fail."

No radioactive threat in area where clinic is to be established

The chief medical officer and the heads of the delegation
stressed to the members that they will not face any threat of
being exposed to radioactivity. The deployment zone is located
many kilometers away from the nuclear reactors in Fukushima,
though personnel from the atomic energy commission will monitor
radiation levels in the area of the clinic throughout the course of
its operation. If any threats are detected, the delegation will be
evacuated from the location immediately. The participants were
supplied with emergency equipment, including special clothing
and Lugol pills, to be taken only if ordered. The members were
also instructed to only eat food packaged prior to the disaster or purchased outside of Japan. They
were also advised to avoid using conditioner that thickens the hair and leaves water on the head for
an extended time period.

The participants were provided with necessary equipment to cope with the difficult Japanese winter
as well as necessary vaccinations. Simultaneously they began preparing for the cultural challenges
of operating in Japan. Although Israel offered aid the Japan on the first day of the tsunami disaster,
it took some time for Japanese authorities to accept the offer. The assistance was accepted on the
condition that the delegation would be able to function independently without logistical help from
Japanese authorities, who are dealing with many other problems.    

The delegation will stay at a hostel in a nearby town and will provide its own food and water.

"Accepting outside assistance is unusual in Japanese culture. It is crucial to note that Japanese
culture is very different than that of the West. They face difficulty admitting that they are in need of
aid. It took time for them to understand that our offer came from true willingness," explains Col. Dr.
Cohen-Marom. Similar to the authorities, the Japanese are people of honor, and members of the
medical delegation have been prepared for the possibility that their patients might play down the pain
they are experiencing.   

Three translators will join the delegation

The population in the region of the town is mostly older, land-owning farmers who remained in the
remote region from which the younger population moved to the center, both before and after the
crisis. One of the biggest challenges the delegation will face is communicating with the locals, since
most of the elderly residents of the region do not speak English and their Japanese dialect makes it
difficult for even native Japanese to fluently communicate with them. Three official translators will join
the delegation, and more translators might volunteer to join upon the delegation's arrival in Japan.

Shay Pintov, who joined the delegation as an internal doctor, will serve as an ambassador for the
delegation, due to his familiarity with Japan and Far East medicine. Pintov came to Japan upon the
completion of his medical training to study local medicine.

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"I'm bringing with me equipment typical in eastern clinics, in hope of getting closer to them," says
Pintov. "Faulty cultural interaction with the locals might drastically minimize the number of people
who turn to us. Although to them we are foreigners, the fact in traditional Japanese culture doctors
are considered extremely intelligent and important will be very beneficial to us."

The medical members of the delegation briefly learned about Japan and Japanese culture from a
professional speaker who explained how to approach the patients and more importantly what to
avoid. Additionally, they took some Japanese classes during which the learned that in Japanese
a doctor is called "Isha" and a nurse is "Kongfu" (just like Kung-Fu, that’s how you'll remember it,"
suggested one of the IDF doctors to his colleague). The medical team received a short Japanese-
Hebrew phrasebook, including terms and questions such as "How old are you," "Where does it hurt"
and "Are you allergic to any medications."

Among the delegation members are some from southern Israel, including a few Lehavim residents in
particular. One such member is Lieutenant-Colonel Orli Weinstein, an optometrist, leaving behind a
husband, three girls and an area that has been exposed to increased rocket fire recently.

"Of course it's disconcerting, leaving behind exposed children, and I hope that my husband will
manage with the situation," she says. "With that, I'm excited to go. The interaction with the Japanese
nation will be an incredible experience and privilege. This is my first delegation, and I imagine that in
this scenario that work won't be any different that in a regular community health clinic. Considering the
average age in the area, I expect to encounter many patients suffering from chronic eye diseases."  
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‫‏‬When the IAF met Maccabi Tel Aviv

Before the recent IAF basketball title game at
Nevatim, Maccabi Tel Aviv faced off on the court
against a squad of IAF officials.

"You understand, this is the reason it is worth

serving in the Air Force. Where else would you
wake up in the morning, take a peek out the
window and see the Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball
team?"

There was a lot of excitement amongst the

soldiers at the Israeli Air Force base at Nevatim
recently when the IAF basketball championship
was held. The base was festooned with signs
and colorful balloons and flags and the guests of honor were the members of the Maccabi Tel Aviv
basketball squad.

The team was invited to the base for a showcase game against a squad of IAF officials, but first the
players got a short tour. For some, it was their first time visiting an Israeli military base.

"We see a lot on television and hear a lot, but this is the real thing," says Maccabi Tel Aviv player
Richard Hendrix. "This is an amazing place, it's wonderful to visit for the first time."

The Maccabi Tel Aviv players were given flight overalls and helmets before entering the cockpit of a
F-16 Hawk aircraft.

"It's a pleasure to be here," says Maccabi Tel Aviv captain Derrick Sharp. "It's crazy that they invited
us here to see all of this. I feel like I'm in some sort of movie."

While speaking, Sharp also signed autographs and took photos with people, all with a big smile on
his face.

"We've heard that the IAF team is strong," Sharp says, laughing. "It won't be easy to beat them, but
we did our homework."

"I think the IAF coaches are more skilled than me in making decisions," says Maccabi Tel Aviv head
coach David Blatt. "We may have the advantage of a few centimeters, but there is no doubt that this
is a question of willpower. There are talented young men on both sides and I'm sure that this will be
an interesting game."

Just before they went to the basketball arena, Blatt looked around slowly, gazing at the airplanes
parked along the runway, and said: "They definitely have a more impressive home court than us."

The IAF team entered the court and began to stretch, including IAF Commander, Maj. Gen. Ido
Nechushtan, who demonstrated remarkable warm-up abilities. The IAF players who raced onto the
court included numerous high ranking officials, such as the commanders of the Nevatim and Sde
Dov air bases.

"It will be interesting to play against these guys," says Maccabi Tel Aviv player Tal Burstein. "I think
there will be many surprises."

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And as Burstein anticipated, there were surprises. The IAF team got off on the right foot, scoring the
first basket. As the game progressed and the IAF team kept  within shouting distance of Maccabi Tel
Aviv, the professional players were impressed.

"Did you see that?" Sharp exclaims after Maj. Gen. Nechushtan hit a shot from behind the arc to give
his team three points.

"These guys are crazy," another Maccabi Tel Aviv player says, laughing.

The first half ends with Maccabi Tel Aviv holding a 30-21 lead over the IAF team.

"We are a serious team," says Maj. Gen. Nechushtan. "These guys aren’t making life easy for us, but
we've succeeded in not giving them too much of a lead."

Another IAF player, a brigadier general, says that "teamwork and morale are the name of the game.
We are really enjoying this and do not intend to give up easily."

The game ends, as expected, with a Maccabi Tel Aviv victory, 46-35. However, the Maccabi Tel Aviv
players admit that the game was more challenging than anticipated.

"Although we won, it was not easy at all," says Maccabi Tel Aviv player Chuck Eidson. "It was a very
enjoyable game."

After the conclusion of the game, Maj. Gen. Nechushtan made it clear how important the game was
to him.

"The spirit of sport is all that matters here," he says. 'The fighting spirit and battle, these are the
things that drive us on every mission and therefore this competition is an important expression of our
work. There are a lot of things incorporated into sports that are also values that lead us forward in
battle, so I am always happy to support sporting events such as this."

After the showcase game with Maccabi Tel Aviv ended, the main event took place on the same court
- the IAF basketball championship game. This year, the two teams were from the Sde Dov base and
the Technical base. It was a tough battle but in the end Sde Dov took home the championship with a
91-89 victory.

'I wish the Maccabi Tel Aviv players had stayed to see this tense game. This was one of the most
beautiful games in the league," says Maj. Gen. Nechushtan during the championship ceremony.
"Despite the victory of Sde Dov, I send much appreciation to Technical who fought until the final
minute. Good job, all of you, it was great to see all of your abilities."

The "King of the Baskets" cup was given to Liran from Technical. Liran scored 198 points throughout
the championship.

After the distribution of various trophies, the commander of the Sde Dov base spoke about his post-
match feelings.

"I didn’t doubt our team for a moment," he says, perhaps with the wisdom of hindsight. "I'm very
proud of our team and we invest a lot in this. I hope they continue this way next year and I wish them
success both as players and as soldiers."

"This is the third time in a row that we've won," says Ben, who won the "Best Player" trophy. "When
we played Technical another time, we won easily, so we were not expecting this when we found out
we would be playing them again. But we pulled ourselves together in the end. It was very important
to me to win this game and I'm very happy to be selected as the best player. This is a terrific feeling."

  
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‫‏‬Army preparatory programs’ championship games

600 young members of army preparatory programs participate in a number of games to win the title
of first place in the championship. Ultimately, the games’ goal is to raise awareness about fitness
and health.

It’s not everyday that soldiers serving in Training Base 8 (the School for Combat Fitness) at the
Wingate Institute come across hundreds of civilians running around their base. Delayed reactions as
they enter the base are understandable - they try to understand what’s special about this particular
day, if they forgot some holiday or an entire year has gone by since the IDF Championships (which
takes place around October) and they simply didn’t notice.

Those who looked into the matter understood that there’s no need for concern. These hundreds of
civilians are 600 soldiers-to-be, participants in mechina programs (or army preparatory programs)
to be exact, who came together for their programs’ championship games, this year taking place for
the second time. Participating in the championship games were ten mechina programs competing in
six events: the high wall, navigation, tug-of-rope, stretcher-carrying, a messenger race and on-field
running.

The army preparatory program is an educational program intended for soldiers-to-be, its main
objectives preparation for a full service in the army and educating members on the meaning of taking
active roles in their communities. Teens who choose to take part in the program put off their army
service for a year during which they live together, study a variety of classes, travel around Israel,
volunteer in the local community and prepare for life as soldiers and adults.

As a result of lessons learned from the Second Lebanon War and a desire to draft young people with
a higher level of physical ability, the Head of the Combat Fitness Division, Col. Dr. Avi Moyal, initiated
a program for 27 mechina programs. Within its framework, some of the most talented trainers at
Wingate go to mechina programs and train teens in combat exercises twice a week. The goal is to
raise awareness about sports and improve fitness.

“There is great response from young members doing their training”

“Today, we are seeing a high level of fitness which indicates excellent physical abilities. It’s something
that I’m sad to say we didn’t have three years ago,” says Col. Dr. Avi Moyal. He continues, saying,
“We saw, a number of years ago, that these teens weren’t getting in enough exercise. We got involved
and ultimately both they and the IDF benefitted hugely. It’s a gift to those who are going to be the
next combat soldiers and officers of the IDF.”

And, according to Col. (res.) Muki Betzer, head of the Minsharim Kalo preparatory program in Kibbutz
Ma’agan Michael, the program brings results. “There is great response from young members doing
their training, they are all very motivated and want to have a meaningful service in the army,” he says
and adds that, “last year we won first place and we are hoping to keep that up this year as well.”

As is known, Col. Betzer was the first commander of the air force’s elite rescue unit and participated
in some of Israel’s most important operations throughout its history. The members of his program,
it seems, are stubborn about following his path. From a group of 47 members, 11 are set to join the
elite unit.

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“I tell them that the volunteering for infantry units is most significant in terms of service to the army,
or serving in the Armored Corps or in Engineering but they are stubborn, aiming for the best,” he
concludes with a smile.

Improving competitiveness for next year

The day quickly progresses and screams of encouragement can be heard in every direction from
the different programs. Everyone waits for the most interesting competition of all, the tug-o-rope. As
results of each team’s scores come up and less and less teams are left standing, ultimately just two
programs remain. These are the preparatory program Meitzar, in the southern Golan Heights and
Minsharim Kalo. After several minutes in which both fight hard for the win, Minsharim Kalo wins the
tug-of-war.

The excitement reaches its peak as young members anticipate the closing ceremony in which winners
will be crowned. Meanwhile, members of the programs have a few things to say.

“I believe this mainly improves the competitive spirit of everyone in the program,” says Omri Bismut,
a member of the Meitzar program.

The winner is once again the Minsharim Kalo program, the mechina in Sderot getting second place
and Meitzar third. The mechina programs going home without trophies are disappointed, but members
remind themselves that there’s always next year.