Security and defense: Preparing for the next round in Gaza

[Jefferson23]

Incorporating the lessons of last summer’s 50-day war, reservists are undergoing intensive battle drills

Two reservist infantry battalions from Training Base One near Mitzpe Ramon recently completed a grueling 10-day war exercise – which lasted double the time of past drills, was far more intensive, and sheds light on changes in IDF preparations for the next clash with Hamas in Gaza.

Training Base One is the main facility for qualifying army officers, but also serves as the center for a reserve combat brigade.

Col. Avi Gil commands both the reserve brigade and the training base. He told The Jerusalem Post this week that the drill’s extraordinarily difficult conditions are designed to “simulate the physical and mental difficulties” of combat, adding that despite some real doubts, the reservists successfully got through the exercises.

The drills saw frequent last-minute mission changes, and relentless pressure on the reservists – who had to carry out combat tasks in heavy heat, to simulate the fog and strenuous conditions of war.

in full: http://www.jpost.com/International/Security-and-defense-Preparing-for-the-next-round-in-Gaza-404445