What Is It Like To Be A Paratrooper In The IDF?

by Phil Schneider
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The paratroopers are one of many excellent units in the IDF, but they are known for their bravery and exploits in the many wars and operations that the Israel Defense Forces have fought in Israel’s young history.

The paratroopers are the outgrowth of a crack anti-terrorist unit that was set up by David Ben-Gurion in the early years of the State of Israel. The commander was Ariel Sharon. The Unit, known as the 101 Unit, performed most of the anti-terrorist attacks in the 1950’s. By the end of the 1950’s and 1960’s, Israel had largely built up an Army based on the ethos of following the commander into battle. This grew out of the paratroopers more than any other unit. They performed bravely in the Sinai Campaign in 1956, when they parachuted deep behind enemy lines.

In Israel’s victorious Six Day War of 1967, the paratroopers played critical roles in the south in the War against Egypt and in the center, in and around Jerusalem in the battle against Jordan. It was the paratroopers who liberated the Temple Mount, the Holiest location for the entire Jewish people. The memory of paratroopers entering Jerusalem is deeply embedded in the memories of all people in Israel.

Today, the paratrooper brigade is widely known for their ability to parachute out of planes. But that ability is rarely used in warfare today. It is their seriousness and fierce dedication that set them apart from other units. Not surprisingly, more than any other unit, the paratrooper unit has provided more Chiefs of Staff for the Israeli Army than any other unit. They indeed are an elite unit of the IDF.

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