IDF Today
Today the IDF is known as one of the best trained and equipped militaries in the world. It has an extensive structure that includes the army, navy and air force. The army consists of four command areas which are made up of Ground Forces, Armored Corps, Paratroopers, Combat Engineers, Artillery Corps, Education Corps, Intelligence Corps and Communications Corps. The young men and women of Israel are conscripted into service following high school and make up the core of the IDF. Additionally, men are required for annual reserve duty service until they reach the age of 40. These resources will be called upon in times of war, terror or natural disaster.
Furthermore, the IDF’s Homefront Command operates search and rescue missions around the world. They are tasked to come to the aid in incidents such as floods, earthquakes, wildfires, terror attacks and severe accidents. The IDF was one of the first international rescue crews on the scene during the Haitian earthquake in 2010 contributing search and rescue teams, maternity, ICU, pediatrics and surgical wards and pharmaceutical supplies.
The IDF frequently comes under fire literally on the battlefield and figuratively in the world’s press. Existence in the Middle East today requires the IDF for the survival of Israel. Although, we all pray that one day we will have peace. For now, we pray for the safety of the men and women of the IDF.
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