Tank battalion complete war drill on Golan Heights
02/21/2013 02:08
Nahal Brigade practice sudden mobilization, conquering villages.
A tank battalion from the Armored Corps 401 Brigade held a war drill on the Golan Heights on Feb 20 Photo: IDF Spokesman Unit
A tank battalion from the IDF’s 401st Armored Brigade completed an extensive war
drill on the Golan Heights on Wednesday.
The 9th Eshet Battalion, made up
of Israel’s most advanced tank, the Merkava Mark 4, practiced combat situations
involving potential northern fronts, as well as dealing with multiple
casualties.
Lt. Dudi Segel, the 401st Armored Brigade’s medical officer,
told The Jerusalem Post how doctors and medics attached to the battalion
practiced how to provide first aid to wounded tank crew members within minutes
of their injuries, and then evacuating them from the battlefield to hospitals
via helicopter airlifts, other tanks, and armored vehicles.
“When we
analyze past battles, we see that the way to save the wounded from death is to
bring medical treatment forward, to the front line, and that is what we are
investing resources and money in doing.
A speedy evacuation is the second
key component,” Segel said.
To that end, every tank battalion has fixed
doctors and medics attached to it. Tank crew members also go through a first aid
course, and are equipped with lifesaving medical kits.
“The doctors and
medics are in the firing line, with the forces. We can’t afford to reach the
wounded long after their injuries,” Segel added.
The IDF’s Nahal infantry
brigade also recently completed a major war drill on the Golan Heights,
simulating a surprise development. All Nahal Brigade soldiers were suddenly
mobilized to the Golan on Saturday evening, to test their readiness and ability
to join a battle quickly.
“We are on the highest alert now to carry out
any mission,” Lt.-Col. Oshik Azulai, commander of Nahal’s 932nd “Granite”
Brigade said.
The soldiers practiced conquering villages and assault
maneuvers together with tanks. Artillery forces and the Engineering Corps
trained in how to support their advance.
Attacking underground bunkers
and tunnels was also included in the training.
Segel said tanks from his
brigade often work with the Nahal Brigade to prepare for war. “We cooperate
closely. It’s a very important dialogue,” he said.