162nd Armor Division gets new commander

Brig.-Gen. Nadav Padan was appointed head of the formation, replacing Brig.-Gen. Moti Baruch, who held the post for two years.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
From left to right: Brig.-Gen. Moti Baruch, Maj.-Gen. Alon Nitzan, and Brig.-Gen. Nadav Padan. (photo credit: IDF)
From left to right: Brig.-Gen. Moti Baruch, Maj.-Gen. Alon Nitzan, and Brig.-Gen. Nadav Padan.
(photo credit: IDF)
The 162nd Armor Division, also known as the Steel Formation, received a new commander on Thursday evening during an appointment attended by OC Central Command, Maj.-Gen. Nitzan Alon.
Brig.-Gen. Nadav Padan was appointed head of the formation, replacing Brig.-Gen. Moti Baruch, who held the post for two years. The division is an all-purpose wartime formation that can be deployed to any sector during a conflagration.
During the ceremony, Alon praised the outgoing commander, telling Baruch that he instilled in the division the importance of a ground maneuver, flexibility, while focusing on professionalism and safety.
This in turn enhanced the division's ability to deal with the challenges on "each of our borders," Alon added.  Turning to the incoming commander, Alon said, "You are receiving a division that is ready for its missions. I'm confident that with your skills and wisdom you will know how to lead the division to further achievement, especially during this challenging time that is washing over the IDF, and the regional upheaval that is expected to accompany us down the line."