The First Officers of Chashmonaim: 15 Cadets Commissioned at a Ceremony on the Roof of Yeshivat HaKotel
History in Jerusalem: on the roof of Yeshivat HaKotel, the first 15 officers of the Chashmonaim Brigade were commissioned today. The brigade’s first officers’ course, eight months long, came to a close in a moving ceremony, and the cadets became the first command cadre of the Charedi brigade.
The Chief of Staff: “You Are Making History”
Earlier today, the Chief of Staff met with the cadets who completed the course and expressed his appreciation for their work and their service. He said:
“This is a historic and moving event. You are making history and breaking new ground with the completion of the first officers’ course of the Chashmonaim Brigade. You are leaders fulfilling a great vision of the entire Jewish people.”
“You are already integrated into operational activity, and you can be deployed on any mission, in defense and in offense, including in maneuver. You are partners in building the Chashmonaim Brigade as a strong infantry brigade that will be able to carry out every mission assigned to it. Your success matters to the IDF and to the entire People of Israel.”
Eight Months of Training: From the Field to Command
As part of the course, 15 cadets were commissioned as officers: cadets who grew up in the brigade and advanced through it over the course of their service, alongside cadets who came from various units and previously served as squad commanders in the brigade.
The cadets began in the Field Track, where they studied the professions of combat and command, including fire-control courses and navigation. They then moved on to the “Gefen” corps-completion phase, in which they practiced combat in open and built-up terrain while commanding forces, and took part in the live-fire series and the “Northern Arrow” exercise, alongside trainees of the general “Gefen” track of the Officers’ School (Bahad 1).
Throughout the training, the cadets took part in a number of operations in Lebanon and in Judea and Samaria, alongside other forces of the Chashmonaim Brigade, and proved that the commanders of the future already stand on the front line.
An Uncompromising Torah Environment
The officers’ course, too, held to the brigade’s line: the entire training was carried out in full accord with the Charedi way of life, with strict mehadrin kashrut, fixed times for study and prayer and an appropriately gender-separated environment throughout. The training content and professional instruction were built on the high standard of Bahad 1, without compromise on any matter, minor or major.
A Charedi Command Cadre for the Next Generation
The new officers will take up key positions and lead operational activity in the various sectors. The completion of the course is another significant step in building the brigade’s strength and in forming a Charedi command cadre that will lead Chashmonaim as it moves forward. Screening and selection are already under way for the next officers’ course, expected to open this coming November.
Addressing the officers, the Brigade Commander, Col. Shemer Raviv, said:
“You are the first 15 officers to complete a full training track and officers’ course in the Chashmonaim Brigade. You chose to lead, and you did so with fear of Heaven, with courage, with determination and with professionalism. The brigade is an island of hope among the People of Israel. […] It is a home for the Charedi community, guaranteeing full operational service at the tip of the IDF’s spear while preserving the Charedi way of life.”
The Chashmonaim Brigade congratulates the new officers and wishes them great success on their way. Rise and succeed!
