Extremely-Orthodox IDF troopers graduate Hashmonaim Brigade officer coaching course

The IDF’s haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Hashmonaim Brigade had its first-ever officer course commencement on Wednesday, the IDF introduced on Friday.

Following their commencement, the haredi officers will endure 4 extra months of coaching within the Gefen course, together with the overall infantry course at Bahad 1. They will then be built-in into varied officer roles within the Hashmonaim Brigade.

“You are at a big and essential stage in your path to turning into officers,” the brigade commander, Col. S., told the graduates.

“This is a troublesome and difficult path even in regular occasions, and particularly now, after we are within the midst of a flood that’s stirring up the nation. Even within the unique flood, Noah’s ark stood agency within the midst of the storm and the flood. You, the cadets, are inside this ark and proceed your coaching with distinction. When the scenario exterior is over, and will probably be over, you’ll be right here to guide the brigade and the individuals of Israel ahead.”

The IDF stated that the officer course represented a “vital milestone” in attempts to integrate more haredi people into the military.

“The course is a part of a sequence of unprecedented steps that the IDF has taken over the previous three years,” the IDF said, “with the purpose of enabling service members from the haredi group to turn into command and officer positions, whereas adapting service paths to their wants and totally preserving their way of life.”