How the Women of the IDF Are Redefining Combat Training

Established in 2020 as part of a broader modernization of IDF training, the Red Unit was created to transform routine exercises into realistic, high-pressure scenarios. “Our job is to defeat the forces during training—not to win, but to teach,” explains Second Lieutenant R. By functioning as a dedicated opposing force, the Red Unit allows combat soldiers to train at full strength while facing an enemy that behaves and reacts like the real thing.

The unit operates in a wide range of environments. “We have both urban warfare and open terrain,” Second Lieutenant R. says. “Up north it’s more in forests and open areas, and in the south it’s urban warfare.” Exercises take place at major training bases such as Tze’elim, as well as in field locations across the country.

Before each exercise, the Red Unit works closely with the training forces. “They tell us how many soldiers they need, and then we work together to decide where it makes the most sense to place the enemy,” Second Lieutenant R. explains.

They prepare a wide range of simulation equipment designed to replicate the effects of real combat as closely as possible, including special training ammunition fitted to their rifles to create realistic impact and sound. The unit also uses a variety of simulated explosive devices, some producing loud noise and smoke, and others filled with flour and built with high pressure so that, when they detonate, the powder spreads through the space, visually simulating an explosion.

While the weapons themselves are standard issue, Second Lieutenant R. notes that the unit places heavy emphasis on understanding enemy weaponry as well. Through dedicated training, the soldiers learn the names, ranges, and characteristics of weapons used by hostile forces, allowing them to operate in exercises as if they are using those systems.

“We don’t have those weapons and we don’t use them,” she says, “but having this knowledge is something we can pass on,” strengthening the realism and educational value of every training scenario.

The soldiers are positioned throughout buildings or terrain to create realistic threats, often remaining in place for hours before contact. “Sometimes we wait two, three, even four hours before the forces arrive,” she says. “The waiting is one of the biggest challenges, but also one of the most special parts of the job.”

As an all-women unit, that waiting time often becomes a source of strength. “You end up sitting in a building for hours with someone else,” Second Lieutenant R. notes. “You talk, you play cards, you make the best of it. The connection that’s created between the soldiers is very strong.”

When the exercise begins, the atmosphere changes quickly. “Usually we’ll have an eight-hour exercise with maybe ten minutes of actual action,” she says. “But those minutes are intense.” The goal is not theatrics, but realism.

“Sometimes we start shooting when we see them coming to test their response time. Sometimes we wait until they’re already inside the building before we start shooting. That idea is to show them what happens if you don’t clear it properly. Our guns are obviously tailored to shoot fake bullets, but the sound and speed are the same.”

Still a young unit, the Red Unit is constantly evolving. “Four years ago, this unit looked completely different,” Second Lieutenant R. says. “We’re becoming more known, more organized, and better utilized.” After every exercise, the unit conducts internal reviews. “We always ask ourselves: how can we be better next time? How can we be more impactful, more organized, and better for our soldiers?”

Today, the Red Unit has solved a long-standing challenge in IDF training. Instead of pulling soldiers out of combat units to act as the enemy, forces now train at full strength against a professional opposing force. The result is deeper learning, more accurate simulations, and better preparation for real combat.

Through professionalism, innovation, and the leadership of women at every level, the Red Unit has become a cornerstone of modern IDF training, helping ensure that IDF soldiers are ready to meet any challenge they may face.