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| |dates= 1974-Present | |dates= 1974-Present | ||
| |country= {{flagicon|Israel}} Israel | |country= {{flagicon|Israel}} Israel | ||
| |branch= ] | |branch= ] ] | ||
| |type= Airborne Search and Rescue | |type= Airborne Search and Rescue | ||
| |role= ], ] | |role= ], ] | ||
Revision as of 13:00, 17 January 2010
| Unit 669 | |
|---|---|
| Unit669logo.jpg | |
| Active | 1974-Present |
| Country |  Israel |
| Branch |  Israeli Air Force |
| Type | Airborne Search and Rescue |
| Role | Combat Search and Rescue, MEDEVAC |
Unit 669 (Hebrew: יחידת 669) is an Airborne Rescue And Evacuation Unit (Template:Lang-he, "Yechidat Hilu'z Vehapinu'i Behethes"), which is the name of the Israeli Air Force elite heliborne medevac extraction unit.
History
Unit 669 was founded in 1974, in the aftermath of 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.
The Unit's symbol is a green-eyed cat. The Unit's warriors are subsequently sometimes referred to as "Cats".
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. Upon completion of their training, unit soldiers are expected to sign on for 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 wartime 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
An administrative error recently led to the first-ever female Muslim Israeli-Arab soldier joining Unit 669. She had just graduated from her IDF paramedic training course with top honors, and was immediately placed with Unit 669. Subsequent investigation later revealed that an administrative error had been made. Due to her exceptional skills, her commanding officer decided to allow her to remain despite the breach of IDF regulations. Due to the sensitivity of the unit, Muslims and Arabs are prevented by the IDF from enlisting in Unit 699, as it fears a conflict of loyalties should Israeli-Arabs serve in Palestinian areas or have to fight Muslim states.
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.
- dover.idf.il/IDF/English
- 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.
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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