"“In a short time, you will find yourselves in the various army camps to which you have been assigned. Remember then, that you are entering a gate of opportunity that few are allowed to pass through, there to meet a challenge that is a great privilege as well as a great responsibility.
"You are equipped with a strong ethical value system and each of you is held close to the hearts of the 
"Each of you is held close to the hearts of the Jewish people."
Jewish people. Go forth, take your places as commanders, fulfill your objectives successfully and return home safely.We have faith in you and are proud of you.”
These words were part of the address given by Chief of Staff, Major General Gabi Ashkenazi, at the ceremony marking the completion of the 26th infantry officers training course on Tuesday at the IDF Officer Training School (Bahad 1) in Mitspeh Ramon. Also present were the Minister of Defense, Ehud Barak; Commander of the Land Forces, Brigadier General Sammy Turgeman; officers from various army corps and the Commander of the Officers School, Colonel Yehuda Fuchs.
400 soldiers completed the course and will be awarded the rank of second lieutenant . 7% of them are young women, 25% are religious, 5% are from kibbutzim, 61% from cities.
For the first time, three of the infantry officer graduates are women who completed the grueling combat course. The highest number of awards for excellence went to the Golani Brigade.
At the end of the ceremony, the dedication of a new dormitory for the cadets was held in the presence of the Chief of Staff.