The Canadian and Israeli navies participated in joint training exercises in the Gulf of Aqaba. The Canadian HMCS Toronto and Israel's INS Kidon exchanged some crew members before participating in a search-and-rescue exercise earlier this month, the Canadian Forces said in a report issued Feb. 22. The ships practiced rescuing a patrol vessel and maneuvering in close quarters. By placing five Canadians on the Kidon and seven Israelis on the Toronto, the two navies learned what to expect if they have to conduct …More

This month, Nevatim Airbase received some special guests: American Hercules C-130J planes, which arrived for a special exercise with the C-130s, the older version of the plane in the IAF. The Hercules J planes in the Israeli version, "Shimshon," will only be received at the IAF in the year 2014, but the Israeli air crew members had the chance to familiarize themselves with the new planes. "This visit is a part of international cooperation that the IAF prioritizes out of understanding that we should learn from …More

A national exercise simulating rocket strikes took place in all schools and kindergartens in Israel. The exercise, held Thursday morning, was planned in advance as part of the 2013 training schedule for the country and was staged by the Home Front Command in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, the Israeli Police, Magen David Adom, the Israeli Fire and Rescue Services, and local authorities. Sirens were heard throughout the country on Thursday morning, sending school children headed for bomb shelters and …More

The Italian Air Force left Israel after finishing a cooperation exercise with the combat squadrons of the Israeli Air Force. This was the Italian Air force's third visit to the Southern Ovda Airbase. "We have a lot of appreciation for the Israeli Air Force, which is famous for its professionalism," said Major Marco, Head of the Italian representatives. "In order for us to work together, we have to understand each other's standards." During the first week of the training, the Italian AMX Tornado pilots practiced …More

A large-scale integrated combat exercise took place last week at the Shizafon base in southern Israel. The exercise, which takes place during every cycle of officers' training, represents the culmination of the training for cadets preparing to serve as officers in the IDF Ground Forces. The goal of the integrated combat exercise is to familiarize the future officers with the activities of the Ground Forces units with which they will work together during their service. At the beginning of the week, the cadets …More

The IDF Ground Forces Command has unveiled a state-of-the-art battle laboratory integrating the latest simulation technology to create life-like operational scenarios. By accurately representing enemy figures, weapons and territory, the new system – which was unveiled last month – allows for the simulation of company-sized operations without the danger of a live-fire exercise. Earlier this month, soldiers of the Givati Brigade's Anti-Tank Company took part in an innovative simulation held entirely at …More

For the first time since its inception, the Artillery Corps' Skylark Unit, which operates the Skylark unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), joined the Kfir Brigade in a brigade-wide drill. By attaching a number of teams to the drill, the Unit broadened the scope of the brigade's training capabilities. The Skylark Unit routinely operates alongside various IDF units deployed in different sectors, accompanying the maneuvering forces wherever they are required to act. The Skylark is equipped with special cameras which allow …More

It is not every day that you get to see an aerial team member get excited over the view of airplanes waiting for takeoff. When you take a closer look at the numerous planes waiting for the control tower's approval, it is hard not to feel emotional. In only a few seconds it is going to begin: One by one, out of every direction, combat aircrafts take off in a dizzying rush. At first you think you could follow their actions, but they disappear out of sight in seconds and dash towards the designated aerial training …More

On Sunday, an IDF Soldier was moderately injured during a training exercise in the Jordan Valley. The Reconnaissance Company of the Paratrooper Brigade was conducting a live-fire exercise when a bullet fragment passed through the soldier’s thigh. The soldier was evacuated via helicopter and transferred to the Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem for treatment. Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz visited the Paratrooper exercise shortly before the soldier was wounded, and, upon hearing of his injury, …More

Before she was prim and proper on “Mad Men,” Alison Brie enjoyed testing the California Institute of the Arts’ optional clothing policy. As a student, she would jog around campus in nothing but her sneakers. She says “I would use it more for comedy purposes … Every now and then I would just throw on my tennis and like, take a jaunt … to exercise my rights.” She adds “If my roommate was having a bad day and I wanted to make her laugh to feel better, I would sort …More