Future Israeli Leaders in the Negev

The southern Israeli desert called the Negev

has been in the news this week.

Sadly, two lives were lost there,

and the details are still emerging.

On a recent trip to the Negev 

we passed dozens of Bedouin encampments

like this one along the roadside.

Thousands of Bedouins live in hundreds of homes like these

that just “popped up” along side the Negev roads.

But I would rather share a new, special “village” with you,

an elite army training base named for Ariel Sharon.

Entering the grounds, a large

outdoor stadium is on the right side of road.

Near the entrance,

 one of three synagogues sits on the main square.

The commander of the base, Colonel Avi Motola,

says he feels more like a mayor, with a budget and services

for 10,000 soldiers who are on the training base.

A map of the base, larger than some Israeli cities.

This slide shows the governing structure of the IDF and its branches

on this state-of-the-art consolidated training campus.

A convention center, pool, library and more are planned.

There are six dining rooms with huge kitchens to serve up meals.

This view from one central location

and another show the barren desert in background.

Desert lands take up a third of the country.

New infrastructure, such as roads, were built to benefit everyone.

Civilians work on the base, which helps the local economy.

The plan is for families to come and further develop

the surrounding Negev cities.

Inside the training center,

simulator rooms have sound and smoke

to prepare young soldiers for action.

Especially impressive are the areas to train medics.

On the ground covered by a “blood” stained blanket

is a dummy with equipment around the walls.

The window on right lets medical teams be supervised.

There are multiple rooms, reflecting the various terrains.

Training with artificial bodies and body parts

helps prepare efficient medical response teams.

With the shorter attention-spans of new recruits,

plus shorter terms of service,

new means of more effective education are crucial.

Basic training is three weeks,

the special courses can last from 3 weeks to 14 months.

Young soldiers learn to drive on these simulators.

The large truck dashboard and weather conditions

are two factors which can be programmed.

Outside were new plantings to landscape the campus.

One journalist on our trip commented on the relaxed

atmosphere of the base, so different to army life in China.

This is a perfect spot to sit in the shade and talk on phone.

As more young women are serving in IDF,

it was impressive to see their presence on the base.

Hope you enjoyed this brief look

into the training of new officers for the IDF.

Oh, the last words as you exit,

Go in peace.