Graduation Ceremony of the 71st Ground Forces Combat Officer Course

23.02.25

IDF

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IDF Spokesperson: The Ground Forces Combat Officers Course concluded today (Sunday) with a ceremony held at the "Toto" Hall in Holon. The ceremony was led by the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, and the Commanding Officer of the Ground Forces, MG Nadav Lotan, and attended by the Prime Minister, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Minister of Defense, Mr. Israel Katz.

The Officers Training Course graduation ceremony was held at the conclusion of seven months of training. During this period, the course graduates completed their initial training phase in the "Sadeh" track. In the second phase, infantry cadets trained in the "Gefen" track at Bahad 1, while cadets from other corps completed their specialized training in their respective instruction bases.

During the ceremony, officer ranks were awarded to the 548 new officers. This Officers Training Course took place during the war, with the cadets having fought in various sectors before beginning the course. Some were wounded and returned to battle, while others experienced the loss of family members, friends, commanders, and subordinates.

The new officers are joining the IDF’s command ranks and are set to take on key roles in combat units, leading and guiding the IDF forward in operations across all sectors.

Remarks by the Commander of the IDF Officer School, COL A. : "Dear cadets, today you complete your officer certification. As officers in both active duty and the reserves, you will be required to translate what you have learned into leadership and command, to shape reality in complex situations—sometimes under fire. You may face difficult sights, but despite every challenge, you will be expected to fight and to win.

To the dear families standing here with us, and especially to the spouses who share in the burden of command and the responsibility it entails—this rank is awarded to you as well. You are the strongest support system for those who chose to lead and answered the call saying: ‘Here I am.’

Today, I certify you as graduates of the Officers Training Course, worthy of wearing the officer’s ranks. Go forth and succeed!"