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| Due to the possibility of having to fight their way to casualties beyond enemy lines, unit soldiers are highly trained in special forces tactics, and become highly efficient ground soldiers in addition to their high level of ] training. Typically, their training and selection lasts 18 months and includes training in ], scuba diving, rescue under harsh conditions and more. Upon completion of their training unit soldiers are expected to sign on to an extra 16 months of service following their three-year mandatory service. | Due to the possibility of having to fight their way to casualties beyond enemy lines, unit soldiers are highly trained in special forces tactics, and become highly efficient ground soldiers in addition to their high level of ] training. Typically, their training and selection lasts 18 months and includes training in ], scuba diving, rescue under harsh conditions and more. Upon completion of their training unit soldiers are expected to sign on to an extra 16 months of service following their three-year mandatory service. | ||
| In peacetime, Unit 669 serves as civilian medevac for hikers who have gotten lost or stuck and need extraction from Israel's deserts or canyons. These civilian operations, while expensive, help train the unit fighters for their battle-time roles. There is an ongoing debate whether extracted hikers should be forced to pay at least part of the extraction cost, especially in cases of hiker negligence or improper call for extraction. However, as of |
In peacetime, Unit 669 serves as civilian medevac for hikers who have gotten lost or stuck and need extraction from Israel's deserts or canyons. These civilian operations, while expensive, help train the unit fighters for their battle-time roles. There is an ongoing debate whether extracted hikers should be forced to pay at least part of the extraction cost, especially in cases of hiker negligence or improper call for extraction. However, as of 2009 no such measures have been taken.{{fact|date=July 2009}} The unit's recruits also patrol agricultural areas for illegal animal traps.<ref>{{cite journal|title=The Cat goes for a Hunt|author=Sarusi, Neta; Vinter, Yarden|journal=]|date=July 24, 2009|issue=Issue 2998}} {{he icon}}</ref> | ||
| ==Achievements== | ==Achievements== | ||
Revision as of 10:30, 23 July 2009
Unit 669 is an Airborne Rescue And Evacuation Unit (Template:Lang-he, "Yechidat Hilu'z Vehat'zala Behethes"), which is the name of the Israeli Air Force elite heliborne medevac extraction unit.
History
Unit 669 was founded in 1974, based on lessons learned from the 1973 Yom Kippur War, when an ad-hoc medevac unit made some 5000 extractions. Its initial mandate was to extract and provide initial medical treatment to downed (and possibly injured) pilots beyond enemy lines. However, in later years the unit also participated in extraction of soldiers of other arms of the Israeli Defense Forces, especially special forces (Sayeret) fighters in operations beyond enemy lines and seamen in distress.
Component
The unit is composed of three flights:
- extraction, which has a company of infantrymen.
- evacuation, which has a company of airborne doctors, paramedics and nurses.
- technical support group.
Operations
Due to the possibility of having to fight their way to casualties beyond enemy lines, unit soldiers are highly trained in special forces tactics, and become highly efficient ground soldiers in addition to their high level of paramedic training. Typically, their training and selection lasts 18 months and includes training in parachuting, scuba diving, rescue under harsh conditions and more. Upon completion of their training unit soldiers are expected to sign on to an extra 16 months of service following their three-year mandatory service.
In peacetime, Unit 669 serves as civilian medevac for hikers who have gotten lost or stuck and need extraction from Israel's deserts or canyons. These civilian operations, while expensive, help train the unit fighters for their battle-time roles. There is an ongoing debate whether extracted hikers should be forced to pay at least part of the extraction cost, especially in cases of hiker negligence or improper call for extraction. However, as of 2009 no such measures have been taken. The unit's recruits also patrol agricultural areas for illegal animal traps.
Achievements
One of the unit commanders (1978-1980), Dr. Efraim Sneh, later became a Brigadier General, a Knesset member and Minister (Health; Transportation; deputy Defense Minister).
Note
Recently, an administrative error led to the first-ever female Muslim Israeli-Arab soldier joining one of the Israeli Air Force elite units - Unit 669. She had just graduated from her paramedic training course with top honors in the IDF, and was immediately placed with Unit 669. Subsequent investigation later revealed that an administrative error had been made, but due to her exceptional skills her commander was impressed with the woman's ability and achievements that he decided to allow her to stay, breaking all the rules.
Due to the sensitivity of the unit, Muslims and Arabs were prevented by IDF from joining as it fears a conflict of loyalties should Israeli-Arabs serve in Palestinian areas or fight Muslim states. But this case was clearly an exception on the grounds of the achievements and merits of the Israeli-Arab servicewomen.
The Unit's symbol is a green-eyed cat. Therefore the Unit's warriors are sometimes referred to as "Cats".
See also
- Duvdevan Unit
- Sayeret
- Shaldag Unit
- United States Air Force Pararescue
- IDF Home Front Search & Rescue Unit
References
- "Israeli Air Force Special Units" (Press release). Asia Times. 2004-12-10.
- "Woman & Special Forces" (Press release). Jewish Virtual Library. 2008-05-26.
- Sarusi, Neta; Vinter, Yarden (July 24, 2009). "The Cat goes for a Hunt". Bamahane (Issue 2998).
{{cite journal}}:|issue=has extra text (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) Template:He icon - "First Muslim woman joins Israeli Air Force" (Press release). Middle East Times. 2008-04-11.
- dover.idf.il/IDF/English
External links
Video clips
- Part 1: Blackhawks of IAF Unit 669 Airborne Combat Search And Rescue Squadron on YouTube
- Part 2 on YouTube
- Part 3 on YouTube
- Part 4 on YouTube
- Part 5 on YouTube
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