Retired Colonel Amir Noy Calls for Expanding Israeli Armored Corps After War Lessons

In an interview with Hadar Miller, retired Colonel Amir Noy discussed the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) readiness following the recent war, emphasizing that key lessons from the conflict remain unaddressed. Noy, who served 14 years in the Armored Corps and commanded a tank company during the 1982 Lebanon War, highlighted that the IDF's force structure has not significantly changed since the war, despite ongoing challenges. He stressed the need for practical steps to expand the armored corps and increase tank production to meet rising operational demands.

Noy also reflected on the warnings issued by retired Major General Yitzhak Brick before October 7, which he described as justified but insufficiently acted upon. He characterized the gaps in military preparedness as failures stemming from a flawed security approach that reduced the army without adequately addressing emerging threats.

A significant part of Noy's focus was on establishing the IDF's first ultra-Orthodox tank battalion. He noted cooperation with military and defense officials to advance this initiative, citing interest among ultra-Orthodox youth, partly because armored service accepts recruits with profile 72, unlike other combat roles. The plan is to integrate this battalion into the Harel Brigade, creating a full ultra-Orthodox framework that balances tailored service with operational capability. The army has committed to forming this battalion within about two years.

Regarding women in the armored corps, Noy expressed support for their integration but advocated limits based on physical demands. He supports women serving in roles without significant physiological strain but opposes their deployment as tank crew due to the service's intensity and operational load.

Noy described combat as a demanding experience where leadership responsibility outweighs personal feelings, emphasizing the paramount goal of returning soldiers safely home. He concluded that while the IDF has achieved combat successes, it must urgently address structural and readiness gaps to prepare for future conflicts.