Illustration
Medical Corps soldiers use Fabebook to find stand-ins
Potentially wasting IDF funds and risking field security, Medical Corps soldiers are looking for stand-ins on a private Facebook group; group admin says 'in light of the concern, I will revise the group's rules.'
IDF medical personnel are using a private Facebook group as a platform for finding replacements for shifts or miscellaneous duties, potentially risking harm to field security.
As part of the activity in the group, IDF Medical Corps soldiers sometimes even request the services of reserve soldiers instead of servicemen, which costs more money for the army.
Photo: Yedioth Ahronoth
The closed group has more than 1,000 members, mainly medical personnel in the IDF who are wither currently serving or are in the reserve—who offer their services in the group as a form of added income.
"I'll be happy for some assistance," wrote a paramedic in the group. "On May 18 we have a slight preparedness issue. The battalion's resident doctor has a ceremony he needs to attend, as do I," the paramedic explained, writing their details and where they serve. "It's an insanely beautiful place," he noted, saying that he needs a replacement for Wednesday-Friday.
During a written conversation with Yedioth Ahronoth reporter, the paramedic freely gave the details of their unit and the times of their operational activities. The reporter pressed him further, saying he wasn't on reserve duty for two years. When asked if he needed to undergo a revision course, he answered that there is no need.
When asked why the commanders don't find him a replacement themselves, the paramedic said that "they can try, but they told me to try and arrange one myself."
About two weeks ago a Yedioth Ahronoth reporter spoke with another paramedic who asked for a replacement on Independence Day. She posted her request along with her name and the details of her position and unit.
"I have a ceremony I need to attend," she explained. "Can't the army arrange you a replacement?" she was asked, to which she responded that "that's how the IDF is."
"Beyond the basic fact that it's the job of the commanders to solve these problems, it also costs the army a lot of money when a reserve soldier stands in for servicemen—it's a waste of money," explained a source in the IDF. "The fact that people also allow themselves to reveal sensitive information is also problematic."
The admin of the Facebook group commented that he does not see himself as responsible for the content posted in the group, adding that "in light of the concern, I will revise the group's rules."
"Paramedics are allowed to change shifts and ask for replacements, as long as it is ok with their commanders and the relevant units," said an IDF spokesman. "Field security protocols for social media have been clarified to the relevant soldiers. The Medical Corps is continuing to look into the matter."
