The IDF paratroopers are the Airborne mobile infantry brigade in the IDF.
The paratroopers standard mode of operations includes ingenuity, deception and innovation in the field of battle. Not forgetting courage and bravery.
The brigade has proved itself throughout Israel's history as a nurturing home for the IDF's chain of command.
The right to handpick recruits is the brigade's tool in protecting it's most important asset: It's fighting men.
Being a paratrooper goes far beyond completing the brigade's training regiment. First and foremost is a commitment to being a pioneer in all fields, growing up in an environment that educates and nurtures towards the highest morals, a strong love of country and being part of an elite group.
The special attention and care given to the brigade's recruits are what gives the brigade it's greatest distinction and serve as the foundation which makes the paratroopers a leading faction in Israel's military.
When one joins the paratroopers he takes it upon himself to uphold the brigade's vast heritage, a heritage which began with the airborne settlers- Jewish volunteers from Palestine that dropped into Nazi occupied Europe in 1943 to assist their tormented brethren.
Upon declaration of the state of Israel the paratroopers took part in the military campaigns waged by the IDF. These include defending against the first reprisal acts, the drop at the Mitle', the famous battle at Givat hatahmoshet, the liberation of the wailing wall and through to the recent fighting in Yehuda, Shomron and Gaza.rom his first day of basic training the brigade's soldier is taught to responsibly initiate and show ingenuity and keenness while utilizing advanced weaponry regardless of difficult terrain or weather conditions.
The brigade's trademark are it's soldiers red beret, very similar to the British paratroopers maroon berets, and boots in addition to their uniform which is unique to the brigade alone.
The brigade's current commander is Colonel Herzi Levi.
The brigade's former commanders have become key figures in Israeli society and include: Ariel Sharon, Mota Gur, Rafael Eitan, Moshe Yaelon, Shaul Mofaz and many others.The brigade's signature call "Acharai!" exemplifies the spirit of the brigade and calls upon those that call it to serve as a personal example of setting a high standard based on hard work and dexterity, earning the right to lead.
"Acharai" summons the top of Israel's youth, soldiers and commanders to lead with an infinite commitment.
GENERAL BACKGROUND
The paratroopers are a voluntary mobile infantry brigade under the command of the Idf's Esh regiment. On January of 1954 the 101st unit and 890th battalion (which served directly under IDF central command) were merged to form Israel's first airborne brigade lead by Ariel Sharon. The Paratroopers are the only voluntary infantry brigade in the IDF.
The brigade's recruits are handpicked after a testing period designed to evaluate both physical and mental stamina. This process is essential as a means of preserving the brigade's most valued asset: It's soldiers.
Being a paratrooper goes far beyond completing the brigade's training regiment. First and foremost is a commitment to being a pioneer in all fields, growing up in an environment that educates and nurtures towards the highest morals, a strong love of country and being part of an elite group.
The special attention and care given to the brigade's recruits are what gives the brigade it's greatest distinction and serve as the foundation which makes the paratroopers a leading faction in Israel's military.
From his first day of basic training the brigade's soldier is taught to responsibly initiate and show ingenuity and keenness while utilizing advanced weaponry regardless of difficult terrain or weather conditions.
The brigade's trademark are it's soldiers red beret and boots in addition to their uniform which is unique to the brigade alone. The brigade's current commander is Colonel Herzi Levi.
The brigade's former commanders have become key figures in Israeli society and include: Ariel Sharon, Mota Gur, Rafael Eitan, Moshe Yaelon, Shaul Mofaz and many others.
The brigade's signature call "Acharai!" exemplifies the spirit of the brigade and calls upon those that call it to serve as a personal example of setting a high standard based on hard work and dexterity, earning the right to lead. "Acharai" summons the top of Israel's youth, soldiers and commanders to lead with an infinite commitment.
BASIC TRAINING TO BECOME AN ISRAELI PARA
A paratrooper's basic training is divided into two distinctive processes: A transition from civilian to military lifestyle and training to become a class 05 rifleman.
Basic training focuses on the principles and foundations of the rifleman with unique emphasis on individual training. The course is 3 months long and is conducted at the brigade's "Shfifon" basic training facility.
The course takes the recruit through marksman classes, basic field navigations training, open space warfare training, helicopter deployment training, special weapons and physical fitness training as well as general education classes. The recruit is also exposed to the other men in his platoon. Men that will conduct their service alongside him, forming a unique bond that exemplifies the atmosphere within the brigade.
The brigade's pledging ceremony is held at the wailing wall in Jerusalem which was liberated by the brigade's men during the 6 day war in 1967. The soldiers receive their personal rifles and bibles at the ceremony.
ADVANCED TRAINING
Advanced training lasts an additional 3 months and is conducted in the field for the most part. Through 13 weeks of training the recruit goes through close quarters battle training, guerrilla warfare, hummer training, APC training, grenade training and of course parachute training.
Throughout training, the recruits begin to take part in some of the regular security tasks around the brigade's bases and throughout Israel's borders.
At the end of advanced training the men qualify as class 07 riflemen. At this point of the training long marching exercises are a part of the norm and in advanced training the terrain becomes evermore engaging and challenging.
The prestigious jumping course takes place over two weeks at the Idf's special skills school. The course begins with ground exercises and preparation jumps. Recruits must complete 5 successful jumps on the last day of the course in order to graduate.
The jumps are conducted at an altitude of 400 meters, allowing for 50 seconds of drift time. in the face of a breathtaking view. At the end of the course the graduates are awarded the parachute wings pin.
Advanced training ends with a fully equipped 90 kilometer march after which the graduates are awarded their red berets. The march begin at Tel Nof and ends at "Givat Hatahmoshet" in Jerusalem with a festive ceremony held with the graduate's families and other honored guests.
GRADUATION TO THE ACTIVE UNITS
After graduation the latest classes split into their respective companies.
A company- specializing in demolition, scouting and sniper's skills
B company-Specializing in mortar, anti tank and suppressing skills
C company- Specializing in close quarters and patrol skills
TAKING COMMAND
Team leader training:
Meant for those showing extraordinary leadership skills during their training. After completing the course the men will have the option to go through advanced sergeant's training conducted at the Idf's officer's academy.
The course is three months long and takes place at the Idf's advanced infantry school,
Officers training:
Those deemed fit will be invited to go into officer's training at the Idf's officer's academy.
THE BRIGADES PURPOSE
Is to to act as a highly mobile airborne infantry brigade.
Always regarding the man behind the soldier as the most valuable asset. To command with the fairest attitude in mind.
Our brigade motto "Acharai!" portrays the personal example, commitment to excellence and constant self improvement, to dictating the norm in the battlefield and above all the commitment of the brigade's soldiers and officers, who have always been and remain the most precious resource in the paratrooper's glorious heritage.
The first official pin issued by the IDF. Awarded to graduates of the IDFs parachuting course upon completion of 5 successful jumps. The pin was designed by Yehuda Harari, commander of the 890th battalion, in 1949 as a cloth emblem affectionately known by the first paratroopers a "guitar". In 1952 the cloth emblem was converted into it's modern form: A parachute and wings on a blue background.
The brigade's ideals are:
1. Love of country
2. Love for one's fellow man
3. A modest desire towards excellence
4. Responsibility
5. A volunteering nature
The brigade's goals:
Relevance: to act quickly and effectively within the given situation. To adapt and stand ready for any mission.
Always regarding the man behind the soldier as the most valuable asset. To command with the fairest attitude in mind.
Ingenuity: To act with guile and originality.
Commitment to victory: To always strive to contact and superiority in every scenario.
Camaraderie and loyalty in combination with a high level of commitment and professionalism.
Modesty
Nurturing professional skills while adhering to a strict method of self criticism.
AN ADDRESS FROM THE COMMANDER
"The Paratroopers brigade is a voluntary brigade who's heritage is forever entwined in the history of the state of Israel. From it's inception the brigade has been at the pinnacle of the defense of our country. From north to south the brigade has always played a leading role in Israel's armed conflicts from the first reprisal acts, operation kadesh, the six day war, the war of attrition, the yom kippur war, the first and second lebanon wars, the ongoing defense against palestinian terror, operation "oferet yetsuka" and in the hundreds of bold operations in between wars as well as standard everyday security procedures.
To be a paratrooper means more than just jumping out of a plane. It is a way of life. At the basis of which stand the characteristics of a paratrooper:
Boldness, originality and sophistication.
These character traits are essential to the completion of tasks which can at many times seem near impossible but eventually lead to victory on the battlefield.
Love of country, love for your fellow man, commitment to heritage and striving to victory are the values countless generations of the brigade's warriors have been brought up on.
We shall continue to train thoroughly and professionally, constantly learning. We shall tend to our fighting men with the greatest of care. For in them lies our true strength. We shall educate to the Idf's highest morals and values. And we shall stand ready for the day when we are called upon.
We will not forget our fallen brethren. Officer and enlisted man alike. We shall march on in their path and in the legacy they have left. We shall lovingly embrace their families and we shall stand by our wounded on their road to recovery.
I pray that we all return safely from our missions and would like to take this opportunity to thank the parents, wives, spouses and children that bravely support us from back home and that allow us to serve the people of Israel.
About the website:
The website has been built with you, the paratrooper in mind. On it you will be able to find information about the brigade's history along with news and updates. The site will also feature details about the brigade's various units, qualification routes and events.
Throughout the years the brigade has lost some of Israel's finest. On the site you will be able to learn about these fine men including details of their fall in combat.
When one joins the paratroopers he joins a family comprised of the brigade's warriors and commanders past and present. "Once a paratrooper, always a paratrooper". I invite you to volunteer and serve with us at the forefront of guarding and retaining the safety and security of the state of Israel".
Colonel Aharon Halviya
Brigade commander
INSIGNIA AND PINS
Parachute wings - The sign of a paratrooper:
The first official pin issued by the IDF. Awarded to graduates of the IDFs parachuting course upon completion of 5 successful jumps. The pin was designed by Yehuda Harari, commander of the 890th battalion, in 1949 as a cloth emblem affectionately known by the first paratroopers a "guitar". In 1952 the cloth emblem was converted into it's modern form: A parachute and wings on a blue background.
Parachute wings (on a white background):
Awarded to parachuting instructors. Introduced during the last months of 1956.
Parachute wings (on a green background):
Awarded upon completion of IDFs commando warfare course.
Parachute wings (on a red background):
Awarded to veterans of an operational combat drop. The only operational drop into combat in the IDFs history was during operation "kadesh" when soldiers belonging to the 890th battalion were jumped into combat at the "Mitle'". The unique pin was awarded by then Idf chief of staff Rafael (Raful) Eitan in February 1957.
Parachute wings (on a black background):
Awarded to parachuting instructors after the Sinai war. The background was changed to white following a protest by parachuting instructors.
Parachute wings + bouquet and star:
Awarded upon completion of 30 day jumps and 15 night jumps.
890th brigade tag:
The brigade tag (also known as the viper) is based on Yaakov's blessing to his sons from the book of genesis. The tag was designed by Yehuda Harari and Arye Efrat his second in command.
Info source
zanhanim.org
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