From the Heavens: First Live Parachuting Drill in 15 Years

Since the IDF’s very first battles, the Paratroopers Brigade played a vital part in maintaining Israel’s security. The brigade’s history is considered legendary, and comprises several retribution operations, parachuting into the Mitla Pass, special operations, the Battle of Ammunition Hill and the release of the Western Wall during the Six Day War (1967).

First Operational Parachuting Drill in 15 Years

On Wednesday, January 18th, nearly a thousand paratroopers gathered to participate in the first exercise to occur on a brigade-wide scale in the last 15 years. The exercise included parachuting from flying planes in combat situations and tested the soldiers’ readiness in extreme conditions. It was supervised by the Paratroopers Brigade Commander, Colonel Amir Bar’am, and in the presence of Major-General Gershon Hacohen.  Once on land and still carrying 60 kilograms, the soldiers began a march and a live-fire drill in open terrain.

IDF Paratroopers Get Ready for Operational Parachuting

The Paratroopers Brigade Commander, Col. Amir Bar’am, explained the importance of the drill: “The ability to parachute an entire brigade into battle is an extrodinary capability, and one which needs to be a part of the IDF’s aresnal.”