The IDF held a series of brigade exercises in the North as part of the its annual training schedule to improve the readiness of troops and commanders, the army said on Thursday.The Galilee Formation that guards the northern border from Rosh Hanikra in the west to the Mount Dov (Shaba Farms) area in the east, saw regular and reserve brigades drill in rapid deployment, fire capabilities and readiness to fight in Lebanon.The 188th Brigade also held a brigade exercise with troops from armored, engineering, infantry and artillery units taking part. Over the course of the week the troops drilled on various scenarios including prolonged fighting as well as operational and logistical exercises.“This past week we practiced significant scenarios with challenging obstacles in which we improved our operational, physical and mental readiness,” said Col. Gal Shohami, the commander of the 188th Brigade.“We clearly saw how the connection between the armored, engineering, infantry, reconnaissance and fire forces – combined with intelligence capabilities – all relying on the capabilities of computerization and support of the various logistics fields will enable us to realize our mission in the exercise and on the battlefield,” he continued Shohami warned that while the troops have shown professionalism and commitment throughout the drill, they must “remember that this training can and may the last one before the real test” the battlefield.“The 188th Brigade will be ready to fight on the battlefield, wherever and whenever it is necessary,” he said.Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eisenkot, along with the Northern Command head Maj.-Gen. Yoel Strick, visited the drill where they were presented with the main activities and operational capabilities of the brigades.“We place preparedness at the top of our priorities,” said Col. Meny Liberty, commander of the 769th Brigade. “We have strengthened defense capabilities in this sector with a combination of attack capabilities and we are in a continuous process of improving out defensive capabilities. We will continue to prepare in order to ensure the security of the public.”
