The IDF plans to establish an elite reconnaissance unit with a high level of
maneuverability for providing logistical support for military forces operating
behind enemy lines.
Under a plan drafted by OC Logistics Corps
Brig.-Gen. Mufid Ganem, a special unit will be added to each IDF division
and will be responsible for bringing critical supplies to troops operating
behind enemy lines when regular logistics units are incapable of doing
so.
A decision on the establishment of the new units will be finalized at
the upcoming General Staff workshop during which Chief of Staff Lt.- Gen. Benny
Gantz will rule on the military’s next multi-year procurement program.
The
IDF came under harsh criticism following the Second Lebanon War when it failed
to open up supply lines to units that were operating just a few kilometers
beyond the border.
Since then it has put an emphasis on beefing up
battalion logistics units to ensure that they will be able to bring supplies to
combat soldiers as needed and in line with the progress of the ground advance
during a war.
Each new unit will consist of several dozen soldiers who
receive high-level combat training with an emphasis on navigation. The units
will be equipped with fast and durable vehicles for easy maneuverability in
difficult terrain.
“This will be an addition to the regular supply lines
for getting special equipment to a unit or reaching forces that are operating
deep inside enemy territory,” a senior officer from the Logistics Corps
explained.
In April, the Logistics Corps held an exercise to improve its
delivery of ammunition and supplies to forces cut off from regular supply lines.
During the drill, the IDF practiced dropping ammunition, food, supplies and even
Hummer vehicles from C- 130 Hercules transport aircraft.
In another
improvement, the IDF recently completed the installation of new software for its
Tzayad digital program that enables commanders to monitor supply levels. Tzayad
creates a digital picture of a battlefield and allows units to share information
on the location of friendly and hostile forces, as well as imagery collected
from ground and aerial sensors.