The IDF Spokesperson's Unit announced today (Thursday) that the Ground Forces Command has undertaken a comprehensive transformation in its combat capabilities since the outbreak of the Iron Swords War, focusing on force building, enhanced training protocols, battlefield learning implementation, weapons development, and operational efficiency. These measures aim to ensure sustained maneuverability, combat readiness, and increased battlefield effectiveness.
The past year has witnessed an accelerated development of cutting-edge technological capabilities designed to enhance combat performance, including the deployment of advanced surveillance and attack drones, alongside the installation of state-of-the-art training simulators at military training facilities.
Significant policy shift
Military officials confirmed that the November 2024 recruitment cycle for ground units began last week, marking the fourth such cycle since the war's commencement. "Combat training programs for both regular and reserve forces have been adapted to meet immediate wartime operational requirements," the IDF stated.
In a significant policy shift, the military leadership has mandated the provision of X95 Tavor rifles to all observation post personnel, following the completion of appropriate weapons training. The initiative is scheduled for full implementation within six weeks. Currently, only command center officers carry personal weapons, supplemented by secured arms in the command centers. This decision addresses critical vulnerabilities exposed during the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, when field observers found themselves defenseless against Hamas infiltrators.
The Ground Forces Command is also establishing a fourth combat engineering battalion, responding to unprecedented operational demands. "The current three-battalion structure has proven insufficient given the scope and duration of combat engineering operations," military officials explained.
The reserve component has expanded significantly, incorporating 52,000 new members – comprising 22,447 combat reservists and approximately 30,000 volunteers. The military has also trained 588 new officers (162 combat officers and 426 rear-echelon officers),2,130 reservists (both combat soldiers and combat support personnel), and appointed 81 new battalion commanders.
Massive equipment procurement
The military has initiated a massive procurement program including 23,000 new M4 rifles, conversion of existing weapons to Micro-Tavor configuration, 10,000 night vision devices (both monocular and binocular), 22,000 advanced thermal weapon sights, 30,000 tactical helmets, approximately 150,000 ceramic ballistic vests, and 4,000 armored vests.
Current Ground Forces inventory includes more than 11,000 armored vehicles, approximately 11,000 tactical vehicles, over 350,000 individual weapons, more than 350 ammunition variants, and in excess of 100,000 types of spare parts.
In a historic development, the military has begun establishing the Hashmona'im Brigade, a dedicated ultra-Orthodox unit, to be based in the Jordan Valley. Preparations include procurement of specialized training equipment, establishment of core staff positions, and initiatives to boost ultra-Orthodox recruitment.
This new formation complements broader Ground Forces expansion efforts, which have included the training of thousands of additional combat personnel and commanders since the war's onset.
