“Once a Paratrooper, Always a Paratrooper”

“Today, you’ve earned the title of combat soldiers. As I stand here with you, soldiers who represent every part of Israeli society, we tell the generations of past Paratroopers: we remember you, and we are committed to continue carrying the brigade’s legacy with responsibility and pride.”–– COL Yoav Brunner, Commanding Officer of the Paratroopers Brigade

On Wednesday, March 22, 2023, families and friends gathered at Ammunition Hill Park in Jerusalem to watch the August ‘22 Paratroopers Brigade receive their red berets.

Paratrooper’s persistently train for eight months in order to receive their beret and continue on with the rest of their service. They spend weeks in the field, which tests their physical and mental abilities. They practice endurance, discipline and teamwork. They close weekends on base, complete countless hours of guard duty and hike tens of kilometers wearing weighted vests and carrying stretchers on their back, all while being shoulder to shoulder with their fellow soldiers.

The eight months of training teach soldiers determination, responsibility, trust and hard work. The IDF is challenging, but it is ultimately rewarding, as they are pushed outside of their comfort zones while training to protect their country and the people that reside within it. 

To conclude the soldiers training, they endeavor on a Beret March. During the last kilometer, their families join in support of their journey thus far. Lastly, there's an exciting Beret Ceremony. 

Following these events, soldiers officially enter their active service ('Sadir'), proudly wearing the Paratrooper Brigade red beret. Commanders pass down their berets to soldiers who show what it means to be outstanding. It’s also customary for soldiers to receive family members berets who served in the same unit. Receiving a family member’s beret holds a great amount of significance, as it symbolizes carrying on a family legacy. Beret’s indicate the challenging journey a soldier goes through to become part of defending the State of Israel and its civilians.

“Wear your red berets with pride. You earned them due to your great effort. Honor the brigade and its values; that is the way you were taught, trained, and the way you will achieve victory. IDF berets, especially red ones, are an obligation to always be first. First to demonstrate values, first to serve as a role model, first to persist in completing every mission exceptionally and strive for victory. The red beret obligates us to prioritize our society and our contribution to it over concern for our own selves. I am proud of you. You volunteered, chose to contribute more of yourselves and from next week onward, you will lead the IDF in training and in the operational sectors. I am confident that you will excel as Paratroopers.” ––COL Yoav Brunner ,Commanding Officer of the Paratroopers Brigade