IDF Paratroopers in Poland

“We have concluded a very intense and fascinating exercise with the US army and other countries as well,” says Maj. Ido. “The cooperation was focused on specific techniques and drills. This is the first time that Israeli troops are taking part in an exercise of this scale. We actually flew a platoon of 40 officers and soldiers from our reconnaissance battalion that took part in the jump and drills.”

During the exercise, armies from America, Italy, Spain, Poland, and other countries joined and fought together. From planning the status of the mission to the jumping exercise, this international exercise accomplished its goal of bringing armies from around the world to work together and share knowledge.

Maj, Ido says, “We focused our collaboration with the US army and other armies that took part in the exercise. We focused on the tactical and how to work and seize an airfield or other objectives. We shared knowledge. Our guys and the US troops shared so much knowledge and so many experiences.”      

“Our main focus was to learn and observe, to focus on the collaboration part of it and the tactics,” continues Maj. Ido. “We have a lot of experience, but the US army and other armies brought their own experiences and shared their knowledge.”

Another interesting part of the exercise for the IDF was the Polish terrain. The IDF usually performs exercises in forest and bushes. In Poland, the forests are thick and the ground is more swampy and muddy.

Major Amir, commander of the paratroopers, also participated in this exercise. “I was particularly moved to land on Polish soil and to train with my fellow soldiers during the 70th anniversary of the State of Israel, in an exercise that demonstrates the strength of cooperation between the IDF and the US Army,” he says. “For me, it’s a great pride to lead the paratroopers who represent the IDF and Israel in this exercise.”