35th Paratroopers Brigade (Israel): Difference between revisions
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The first commander of the Paratroopers Brigade was [[Ariel Sharon]]. |
The first commander of the Paratroopers Brigade was [[Ariel Sharon]]. |
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The Paratroopers Brigade has had only |
The Paratroopers Brigade has had only two operational combat [[parachute]] drop, during the [[Suez Crisis|1956 Sinai War]]. In the [[Six Day War]] (1967) the brigade took part in the capture of [[Jerusalem]], along with the [[Jerusalem Brigade]], [[Harel Brigade]] and armored support. The Paratroopers were the ones to capture the [[Western Wall]] and the [[Temple Mount]], considered a historic moment and the highlight of the war by the Israeli public due to the sanctity of these places to the [[Jew]]ish people. |
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In the following years, the brigade was the source for many [[Israel]]i Chiefs of Staff, including [[Shaul Mofaz]] and [[Moshe Ya'alon]]. |
In the following years, the brigade was the source for many [[Israel]]i Chiefs of Staff, including [[Shaul Mofaz]] and [[Moshe Ya'alon]]. |
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Revision as of 23:27, 30 April 2010
| Paratroopers Brigade | |
|---|---|
| File:Tag shfifonN.jpg Paratroopers Brigade Insignia | |
| Active | 1955 |
| Country | Israel |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Paratrooper |
| Role | Infantry |
| Size | 4 Battalions |
| Part of | 98th Paratroopers Division (IDF) (Reserve), Infantry Corps |
| Motto(s) | "Initiate, Lead, Make an Example and Win" |
| Colors | Maroon beret, Red & White Flag |
| Mascot(s) | Snake |
| Engagements | Operation Entebbe, Mitla Pass, Jerusalem, Second Lebanon War, Operation Cast Lead |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Colonel Herzl Halevi |
| Notable commanders | Ariel Sharon, Rafael Eitan, Moshe Ya'alon |
The Paratroopers Brigade (Template:Lang-he-n, Hativat HaTzanhanim), also known as the 35th Brigade, is a unit of paratroopers within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and forms a major part of the Infantry Corps. It has a history of carrying out special forces-style missions dating back to the 1950s. It is currently involved primarily in counter terror operations within the West Bank.
Serving in the brigade is voluntary and requires passing a one and a half day physical test. The IDF has three reservist Paratrooper brigades at any given time, consisting of personnel who served their mandatory service in the brigade, and whom are mostly in their twenties (aside from officers). These are most likely the most highly-trained reservist brigades in the IDF.
History
The brigade was created at the mid 1950s when the commando Unit 101 was merged with Battalion 890 (the IDF's Airborne Commando unit) in order to form an elite infantry brigade. The new unit was equipped with the IMI Uzi submachine gun as their primary weapon as it provided light and small automatic fire - essential properties for recon units and commandos.
The goals in creating the Paratroopers Brigade were:
- To have an elite infantry force.
- To innovate and improve fighting skills within other infantry units.
- To raise the next generation of military commanders and officers.
The first commander of the Paratroopers Brigade was Ariel Sharon.
The Paratroopers Brigade has had only two operational combat parachute drop, during the 1956 Sinai War. In the Six Day War (1967) the brigade took part in the capture of Jerusalem, along with the Jerusalem Brigade, Harel Brigade and armored support. The Paratroopers were the ones to capture the Western Wall and the Temple Mount, considered a historic moment and the highlight of the war by the Israeli public due to the sanctity of these places to the Jewish people.
In the following years, the brigade was the source for many Israeli Chiefs of Staff, including Shaul Mofaz and Moshe Ya'alon.
Structure and Insignia
The 35th (Paratrooper) Brigade consists of three regular battalions, each carrying the name of a venomous snake. The 101st commemorates Unit 101 and is the Brigade's 1st Battalion. The 202nd is the Brigade's 2nd Battalion and was numbered to keep it in line with the 101st. The 890th kept its original unit numbering but is the Brigade's 3rd Battalion. A Yahsar ("Special Troops Battalion") designated Yahsar Tzanchanim ("Airborne Special Troops Battalion") is under the direct command of the brigade headquarters.
Soldiers of the Paratroopers Brigade are distinguished by their maroon beret, paratrooper wings, reddish-brown leather boots and the paratroopers tunic (Yerkit), which is slightly different from the regular ground forces service dress.
Units
(Paratrooper units are named after snakes.)
- 101st "Cobra" Airborne Battalion
- 202nd "Viper" Airborne Battalion
- 890th "Echis" Airborne Battalion
- "Flying Serpent" Special Troops Battalion
- "Eryx" Signal Company
See also
External links
