The exercise simulated battle scenarios, preparing the soldiers to operate effectively in such real-life circumstances
Date: 22/08/2012, 12:27 PM
Author: Yael Livnat
This month, southern Israel's Tze'elim base hosted a competitive training exercise between two reserve brigades. The exercise realistically simulated potential battle scenarios, so as to prepare the soldiers should they be confronted with such challenges in real life.
"An exercise like this, which incorporates two brigades from the same division, in which brigade commanders are in direct contact with each other, as are battalion commanders, creates a dialog that would not otherwise be possible. And when there is a two-sided exercise, there are many advantages – one brigade develops the mindset of the enemy, and the other [brigade] must develop a corresponding way of thinking," explained Lt. Col. (res.) Yuval Peleg, the deputy commander of one of the participating brigades. "Ultimately, a company does not fight alone."
The exercise was divided into three parts. First, each of the brigades simulated urban warfare. The second and third components simulated battles between the two brigades, with each brigade practicing in both offensive and defensive situations at different points.
The brigades' various battalions were switched at times, so as to make the exercise better imitate a real, comprehensive battle scenario. Additionally, the brigades worked in conjunction with the IAF and with tank, medical, and logistical forces.
Lt. Col. (res.) Peleg expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the drill and emphasized the importance of the analysis that follows such a drill. "As reservists who for two weeks left their families and their work, first of all, it is important that everyone returned home safely," he stated. "In this exercise, we learned a great deal, and it was very successful. But the fact that the brigade exercise is over is not enough, since now the process of learning lessons – the hard work – begins. We will learn what we need to for next year, and we will know what to focus on, so as to be at the highest level of preparedness for the moment of truth."