New computer system
Photo: Avishag Shaar-Yeshuv
IDF completes drill with new computer system
System improves officers' decision-making ability by displaying maps of battlefield, movement of troops
The IDF completed a large-scale drill in northern Israel Thursday, which simulated war on the northern front.
The IDF stated that although it had not identified "an intention to attack by the Syrian army", it was important to "prepare for any future development".
The drill lasted five days and tested officers' ability to make decisions during difficult situations. It included the Air Force as well as numerous IDF units. Defense Minister Ehud Barak visited the scene, as well as IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi and GOC Northern Command Gadi Eisenkot.
Eisenkot with Brig.-Gen. Zamir (Photo: Avishag Shaar-Yeshuv)
A senior IDF officer explained that the drill had been scheduled ahead of time, and was unrelated to enemy activity on the Syrian side. "However the Syrian army is able-bodied and we need to be ready at any time," he said.
The drill included a new computer system, the Ground Forces Digitalization Program, which provides ground forces with updated data from the field. The system is especially useful for officers requiring continuous updates in order to make important decisions.
Colonel Gil Maoz, who heads the program, explained that the system helps all commanding officers to observe the same compiled data. It has already been used during Operation Cast Lead in Gaza, and reportedly prevented friendly fire in at least two instances.
But the system does more than prevent friendly fire, Maoz says. It provides maps of the battlefield and an updated picture of where forces are located and their movement. With the machine, which weighs just five kg, officers can do everything from aiming artillery fire to ordering supplies.
The drill was not the sole subject of conversation among the IDF commanders holding a meeting at the Northern Command Thursday. The officers also discussed the rocket fire from southern Lebanon over the weekend.
Brigadier-General Zamir, who heads the northern Gaash Division, said a faction of the global jihad was behind the fire. "Hezbollah does not physically and consciously control the entire area," he said. "It can't prevent fire of this kind."
He said Hezbollah was still determined to avenge the death of Imad Mugniyah, but that it was noticeably afraid of the IDF's response to such an attack. Zamir added that Iranian involvement in the organization had grown beyond financial support, and that there were Iranian agents "deep" within Lebanon.
