Mixed combat units receive upgrades
The IDF's ground arm is currently in the process of upgrading equipment and infrastructure for new integrated combat units set to begin operating along a new front; IDF hopes improved conditions will positively impact recruitment to these battalions.
The IDF's Ground Arm (GOC) presented the new front Thursday to four integrated infantry battalions: Caracal, the Lions of Judea, Bardelas and the 47th battalion.
In addition to the new front, the battalions will receive a new command base, which is set to be operational between August and November. Until now, the integrated battalions were divided among the headquarters of other all-male infantry battalions such as Golani, Givati and the Nahal.
Additional upgrades to the new battalions include lighter helmets and new, fitted combat vests. Furthermore, the IDF decided to enact a series of equipment changes including the repositioning heavy machine guns and grenade launchers on vehicles, instead of the backs of soldiers.
In terms of small arms, all the battalions will be outfitted with the Tavor assault rifle—already in use in the Caracal battalion—as opposed to the shortened version of the M-16.
An IDF officer told Ynet that negative publicity on conditions directly influences recruiting motivation into these units. "A few weeks ago, we had 35 new draftees refuse positions in observation units due to negative publicity."
The new layout of the four battalions on the new front will take years to influence some of the largest and most central security operations the IDF employs in border regions. Battalions of the regular divisions such as Nahal, Golani, Givati and the Paratroopers still fulfill this task and will be the designated units to maneuver in enemy territory during wartime.
