The Paratrooper Brigade, one of the IDF's leading brigades, is currently entering an intensive period of comprehensive training and exercises, parallel to ongoing security activities in the Judea and Samaria sector. The move comes after two years of continuous fighting in four different sectors - Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Judea and Samaria - and aims to ensure peak readiness for any possible development, with special emphasis on the northern arena.
Captain Y., a company commander in the Paratroopers, explained the rationale behind the current exercise in an interview with Arutz Sheva-Israel National News. "The exercise is intended, first of all, to prepare all soldiers to be in constant readiness for combat and operationally competent for all arenas. We want to be ready for any scenario."
One of the main challenges the brigade faces is assimilating the lessons learned from the prolonged fighting. "I think that a lot of lessons are being learned - also in the world of training. A lot of the brigade's tactical lessons are being applied in the exercises we are currently conducting," says Captain Y. "We are holding a lot of professional discussions within the brigade, to see that we are making the right adjustments to the lessons we have learned. The issue of preserving knowledge and drawing lessons from combat is a top priority for us."
Regarding the Judea and Samaria sector, where the brigade is currently operating, Captain Y. points to the significant change in perception that has occurred in the IDF's activities in the region. "The main lesson from October 7th is to be an army that takes the initiative and attacks, that knows how to carry out operations alongside the defense and also operates from within the enemy's space. In Judea and Samaria it works and is very successful. We are carrying out many operations aimed at disrupting terrorism, allowing us freedom of action and providing security to the residents."
