The War Drill: New Exercise for Artillery Reservists

Artillery Corps soldiers during the "War Drill"

Lt. Col. Keller, a lawyer, lives in Tel Aviv with his wife and their two children. Every year he spends nearly a month training his men for any scenario that might arise while protecting their country. This time, when he showed up for the usual drill, Lt. Col. Keller was shocked to discover a completely lifelike stimulation which called for war against enemy forces invading Israeli territory - a "war drill."

Artilley Corps reserve soldiers in position during the War Drill

“The drill lasted four days and I can count the number of hours I slept throughout on one hand,” said Lt. Col. Keller.

He stressed that his battalion engaged in physically demanding scenarios and explained that the surprise drill revealed the battalion’s weaknesses and strengths in ways an ordinary exercise could not. "The element of surprise is what allows you to see how people cope for real. Some folks fall apart, but some actually function better under pressure.”

Artillery Corps reserve soldiers just before the War Drill's conclusion

Keller emphasized the importance of withholding fire from a target located next to a civilian building such as a hospital or school. This is a golden rule which must be adhered to at all times, whether in simulation or at war.

“Even during the exercise, it was obvious to us that we mustn’t underestimate the importance of accurate fire, and avoid harming civilians at all costs,” he said.