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Top IDF officers to learn reform implementation in US
Delegation of senior officers from army's ground forces to observe training exercises, share expertise with American counterparts; cabinet to discuss IDF cutback plan
A small delegation of senior officers from the IDF's Ground Forces was expected to leave for the US Saturday evening as part of an agreement to cooperate and exchange knowledge with the US Military's Ground Forces, which was signed during a visit by American officers to Israel last year.
During the five-day visit, the IDF representatives will learn how to implement major reforms, similar to those being implemented in the US Military over the past few months following the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan and Iraq.
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In light of the cutbacks in the Defense Ministry's budget, the IDF recently announced a multi-year plan that will save billions of shekels. The plan, which would need to be approved by the cabinet, includes firing 3,000 to 5,000 career soldiers, and downsizing and closing air force squadrons, armored and artillery units, and naval deployments.
The security cabinet was scheduled to convene Saturday night to discuss the plan, which the army believes could save around NIS 7 billion (some $2 billion) over the next five years.
Speaking to Ynet, military officials described the current changes the US Military is undergoing as dramatic and far reaching.
The four IDF officers in the delegation, which is headed by Ground Forces commander Maj.-Gen. Guy Zur, will observe training exercises and share expertise with their American counterparts.
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