Dozens of volunteer soldiers joined the ranks of the IAF today, in addition to the 350 volunteers already serving there
Date: 09/09/2012, 7:14 PM
Author: Shir Golan, IAF Website
In the past month, 160 volunteer soldiers have been drafted into the IDF. Seventy of them have joined the ranks of the Israel Air Force, following the completion of basic training. In the coming week, these 70 soldiers will be placed in the IAF's various units and squadrons, where they will fill a variety of roles in the Air Force.
"I have a low medical profile, and that's why I couldn't go to a combat unit," said Pvt. Tomer Kimchi (19), from Herzliya, who had hoped to become a fighter in the elite Airborne Rescue and Evacuation Unit 669. Despite not becoming a fighter, he will serve as a fighting instructor for Unit 669. "I looked for the place to which I could contribute the most," he said. "And I heard about this role. After being interviewed, I was accepted, and I was very happy. I'm looking forward to my service there."
After completing basic training, the volunteers will be scattered among a plethora of roles. Amongst others, a weaponry commander, an operations clerk, a flight inspector, a photographer for IAF Magazine, and an intelligence and navigation commander will soon begin their IAF careers.
"The volunteer population is very much in demand in the IDF and in the IAF in particular," explained Maj. Galit Shachar, Head of the Flight Administration Crew Division of the IAF's Manpower Group. "Most of the volunteers are very highly motivated to serve, and motivation can overcome [natural] capabilities. Behind every volunteer, there is personal treatment, complex and deep, from [the initial] telephone communication through the individual position assignment, according to the volunteer. From our point of view, it is the embodiment of the vision of the people's army."