A strategically vital military base in the central region completed a drill in
recent days aimed at maintaining operations while coming under heavy missile
fire.
The drill reflects the IDF’s assessment that in the next round of
fighting with Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shi’ite terrorist organization will direct
missile and rocket attacks at military nerve centers deep inside Israel. The
exercise took place at the Maintenance and Restoration Center at Tel Hashomer
base near Ramat Gan, where Merkava 4 tanks and other armored vehicles are
manufactured and repaired.
“The aim was to allow a forum of commanders
under the IDF’s Technology and Logistics Branch to... maintain functional
continuity,” the IDF Spokesman Office said. The drill was led by the head of
Technology and Logistics Branch, Maj.-Gen. Kobi Barak, who was joined by 150
senior officers.
The officers received a morning briefing on threats to
the IDF’s bases inside Israel. The officers then learned how every part of the
base is supposed to carry on operations despite being under missile attack. Arms
depots, armament production centers, and soldiers who deal with hazardous
chemicals have all been drilled on how to proceed under heavy missile
fire.
The officers then simulated a barrage of rockets falling on the
base, and practiced putting out fires with the help of a firefighting plane.
Trucks carrying vital equipment were sent out of the base.
“The first
step in maintaining continuous functionality is to be aware of the threat, but
not to reach paralysis,” Barak told his officers. “The threat is widespread, and
it can befall all of the Technology and Logistical Branch’s bases, including
those in central Israel,” he added.
He stressed that displays of
leadership by commanders were key in dealing with the threat. That included
dealing with casualties and ordering units that sustained casualties to get back
to work. Barak said. “The key is functioning under fire,” he added.
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