Israel to Pilot All-Female Armored Crews in Border Defense Role
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
The IDF will begin a pilot program in November to integrate female soldiers into the operational armored corps for border defense. The female soldiers will serve in a completely separate framework, not alongside male soldiers in tanks. The initiative follows opposition from religious leaders, leading to the decision for separate training bases. Approximately 50 women are expected to enlist for the program.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The IDF will pilot integrating female soldiers into the operational armored corps starting in November.
- Female soldiers will serve in a separate framework, not alongside men in tanks.
- The pilot program will focus on border defense roles.
- Around 50 female candidates are expected to enlist for the program.
- The decision followed opposition from Hesder Yeshiva leaders.
- Training for the pilot will be conducted at a separate base.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will launch a pilot program in November to integrate female soldiers into the operational armored corps, specifically within the border defense array. These female soldiers will serve in a completely separate framework, meaning they will not be stationed in tanks alongside male soldiers, according to Kan News. The plan, approved in a general staff discussion this week, will focus on border defense rather than regular armored brigades. Approximately 100 candidates have expressed interest, with about 50 expected to enlist for basic training in the upcoming cycle. These recruits will undergo training that meets the same rigorous standards as their male counterparts. The Armored Corps will provide only professional support for the pilot, while the operational framework will be gender-segregated: men and women will not serve in the same tank, undergo joint training, or be part of the same company.
The initiative follows extensive discussions within the IDF and amid controversy regarding the integration of women into combat roles in the armored corps. Over 25 heads of Hesder Yeshivas and preparatory academies had previously voiced opposition, warning they would not send their students to the Armored Corps if it operated with mixed-gender crews. In response to a letter from these Hesder Yeshiva leaders, the Chief of Staff directed that the training for this pilot program also be conducted at a separate base.
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