IDF ORBAT

[Mighty_Zuk]

I'd rather not create overly specific threads so I'm dedicating this to the IDF's ORBAT in general. 

It has been revealed today that the IDF will be shutting down its "recon-fire" companies in the armor and infantry brigades. Initially revealed in 2021 as an evolution of the old support company, it was criticized primarily by the armor brigades as removing a force multiplier.

The IDF cites the need for added capacity for a maneuvering force for this reversal.

I do not know how wise it is. Certainly gives off an internal politics vibe. I do know that the ability to operate drones, direct fire, and employ unique assets, is essential for the modern maneuvering force, so it is likely just redressing the same thing.

https://news.walla.co.il/item/3651896

 

Another point I want to raise is the supposed lack of training. @Marsh said earlier that the general training level in the IDF is low, and they lack certain basic skills. I have no relevant experience to add my own input here. However in Gaza we have seen that aside from Rafah where a ground operation has not commenced yet, the IDF was able to effectively neutralize Hamas's combat capabilities throughout the entire Gaza strip, leaving them only with limited guerilla warfare capabilities. This despite the sheer complexity of Gaza as a combat theater, being perhaps the first battleground that was truly multi-tiered (above ground, ground level, and below ground) all across. Although tunnels aren't a new concept, it is the largest extent of their combat usage to date.

As of February 29th, the IDF claims to have eliminated 13,000 terrorists. As of yesterday, the IDF has lost 251 soldiers. The US assessed there would be thousands of IDF casualties. Every Israeli death is tragic, but the results could have been much worse considering the task at hand.

My intuition tells me that perhaps the average Israeli combat soldier may lack a few basic skills when compared to NATO counterparts, but task-oriented training, solid combat planning and C2, streamlined tactical-institutional communication and learning, and streamlined training logistics allow the IDF to extract excellent results from its manpower nonetheless.

[Sardaukar]

Thing is, majority of IDF soldiers have never experienced heavy combat. Which is good and bad (basically good). Very few in any army has.

After 2006 officers were accused of "leading war behind screen", which as backlash now getting higher-ranked getting killed because of..what?

There should at least be some sort of rule that none above Major should not exhibit stupid antics. Those universally hated should be encouraged.

[Mighty_Zuk]

On 3/20/2024 at 2:23 PM, Sardaukar said:

Thing is, majority of IDF soldiers have never experienced heavy combat. Which is good and bad (basically good). Very few in any army has.

After 2006 officers were accused of "leading war behind screen", which as backlash now getting higher-ranked getting killed because of..what?

There should at least be some sort of rule that none above Major should not exhibit stupid antics. Those universally hated should be encouraged.

I don't think it's that relevant. Compared to many other armed forces, the IDF seems to institutionalize lessons learned on the low tactical level quite well. Troops undergo refreshment exercises relevant to their theater, and reservists who form the core of the army are there to close the gaps for conscripts with their own experience. 

High ranking officers are indeed being killed at higher rates than some might have expected, but this approach of leading from the front is regarded as highly effective in both the tactical gain and in terms of morale. It doesn't seem like there is any opposition to it based on what I heard. 

I think if we can understand what the IDF is doing right, some of it can be applied in the future in, say, Europe, where the topic of mandatory conscription is debated in some higher degree compared to pre-Ukraine-invasion. 

[WRW]

Rgarding IDF Orbat - I have started iding units from the news reports - way too much time on my hands

I have noticed an absence of single didgit battalions - 1 - 9 - what happened these?

 

also I have two 33 battalion, Border protection and Infantry reserve? 

askin for too much but is there any good listing of battalions?

[Mighty_Zuk]

4 hours ago, WRW said:

Rgarding IDF Orbat - I have started iding units from the news reports - way too much time on my hands

I have noticed an absence of single didgit battalions - 1 - 9 - what happened these?

 

also I have two 33 battalion, Border protection and Infantry reserve? 

askin for too much but is there any good listing of battalions?

Every mention of the 33rd battalion other than the border guard Caracal unit seems to point to the 1948 and 1967 wars so it's likely obsolete and only used by Caracal.

[WRW]

much appreciated