The Israel Air Force will welcome its newest graduating class of pilots on Wednesday next week, and 39 men and 2 women are expected to be among the ranks.
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Altogether since the pilot's course first opened its doors to women in the late 1990s, over 70 females have completed the grueling and prestigious training program, with only a handful being assigned combat pilot roles. In December 2011, a record five women graduated from the course.
The pilot's course was closed to women until 1994 when IDF soldier Alice Miller – an immigrant from South Africa – petitioned the High Court of Justice to be allowed to try for her wings. In a historic ruling, the court decided the ban on female cadets was illegal and although Miller did not become a pilot, her petition paved the way for women to become both pilots and navigators in the IAF.
Next week's graduation ceremony will take place at the Hatzerim Air Force Base in the Negev and is expected to be attended by the prime minister, defense minister, President Isaac Herzog, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi, Commander of the Israeli Air Force Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, as well as other commanders and family members of the graduates.
The event will also mark 40 years since the establishment of the IAF's bases in southern Israel. The military said in a statement that their establishment was a "significant milestone that contributed to the preservation of state security and the development of the IDF in this sector."
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