Sayeret Matkal is one of Israel’s most elite military units. Think of them as the Israeli version of the Navy SEALs or Delta Force. People often wonder how these commandos train and what makes them so special. This article will take you inside the world of Israeli Sayeret Matkal and show you what their training is like.
Table of Contents
The Beginning: Selection Process
Becoming a member of Sayeret Matkal is no easy task. It all starts with a tough selection process. Young soldiers from different parts of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) get the chance to try out, but only the best make it through. The selection process is called “Gibbush.”
Gibbush is a series of grueling tests. These tests push candidates to their physical and mental limits. They have to run long distances, carry heavy weights, and perform all kinds of difficult tasks. The main goal is to see who has the stamina, determination, and bravery to become a Sayeret Matkal commando.
Physical Training: Building Strong Bodies
The physical training for Sayeret Matkal is extreme. Candidates have to be in top physical shape. They do lots of running, swimming, and climbing. The exercises are designed to build strength, endurance, and agility.
One big part of the training is learning how to carry heavy gear. Soldiers practice carrying backpacks that weigh up to 55 pounds. They carry these while running, climbing hills, and doing obstacle courses. This helps them prepare for the tough missions they’ll face in the future.
Mental Toughness: Preparing the Mind
Physical strength is important, but so is mental toughness. The training for Sayeret Matkal includes tasks that challenge the mind. Candidates face stressful situations to see how they react under pressure. For example, they might have to find their way through a maze in complete darkness. This helps them learn to stay calm and focused even when things get tough.
Candidates also go through survival training. They learn how to find food and water in the wild. They practice escaping and evading capture. This training makes sure they are ready for anything, even if a mission goes wrong.
Specialized Skills: Becoming Experts
Sayeret Matkal commandos are experts in many different areas. During training, they learn all kinds of specialized skills. For example, they practice parachuting and scuba diving. They also learn how to handle explosives and how to infiltrate enemy territory without being detected.
Another important skill is marksmanship. Commandos spend a lot of time at the shooting range. They practice with different types of weapons, from handguns to sniper rifles. The goal is to make sure they can hit their target no matter the situation.
Teamwork and Leadership Among The Israeli Sayeret Matkal
Teamwork is key for Sayeret Matkal. Commandos need to trust each other with their lives. During training, they do many activities that build teamwork. For example, they might have to carry a heavy log together or solve a problem as a group. These exercises teach them to communicate and work together effectively.
Leadership is also important. Training includes lessons on how to lead a team. Commandos learn how to make quick decisions and how to motivate their team. This is crucial because in the field, good leadership can make the difference between success and failure.
Simulated Missions: Getting Ready for the Real Thing
One of the most exciting parts of training is the simulated missions. These are practice runs of real-life scenarios. Commandos get to put all their skills to the test. They might have to rescue hostages, gather intelligence, or take down a high-value target.
These simulated missions are as close to the real thing as possible. They take place in different environments, like urban areas, forests, and deserts. This prepares the commandos for any situation they might face.
Physical and Mental Challenges: Pushing Limits
Even after they make it through Gibbush, the challenges keep coming. The ongoing training continues to push the commandos to their limits. They go on long hikes that can last several days. They carry everything they need on their backs, including food, water, and equipment.
Sleep deprivation is another part of the training. Commandos often go without sleep to see how they perform when they’re exhausted. This helps them learn to function even when they’re tired, which is a common situation in real missions.
Technology Training: Using Cutting-Edge Gear
In today’s world, technology plays a big role in military missions. Sayeret Matkal commandos receive training on the latest tech. This includes night-vision goggles, drones, and advanced communication equipment. They learn how to use these tools to their advantage.
For example, they practice using drones for surveillance. This helps them gather information without putting themselves in danger. They also learn how to use encrypted communication devices to stay in touch with their team during missions.
Psychological Support: Staying Mentally Healthy
The life of a Sayeret Matkal commando is very stressful. To help manage this stress, they receive psychological support. Mental health professionals are part of the training program. They teach techniques for coping with stress and staying mentally healthy.
Commandos learn how to recognize signs of stress and how to take care of their mental health. This support continues even after they complete their training. The goal is to make sure they are prepared not just physically, but also mentally, for the challenges they will face.
Real Missions: Putting Training to the Test
Once the training is complete, it’s time for the real missions. Sayeret Matkal commandos are sent on some of the most dangerous and important missions for the Israeli military. These can include counter-terrorism operations, espionage, and rescue missions.
Each mission is carefully planned. Commandos use all the skills they learned during training. They work together as a team and use their specialized skills to achieve their objectives. Their training prepares them for anything, but real missions are always unpredictable.
Achievements and Recognition: Earning Respect
Sayeret Matkal is highly respected both within Israel and around the world. Their successful missions have earned them a reputation for being one of the best special forces units. They have been involved in some famous operations, like the rescue of hostages at Entebbe Airport in Uganda in 1976.
Their achievements are a testament to the rigorous training and dedication of the commandos. They are not just physically strong, but also mentally tough and highly skilled. Their training prepares them to handle any situation, and their achievements show they can do just that.
Life After Sayeret Matkal: Continuing to Serve
Many former commandos continue to serve in different ways even after they leave Sayeret Matkal. Some go on to have careers in the military, while others work in security or intelligence. The skills they learn during their training are valuable in many different fields.
Former commandos also often become leaders in Israeli society. They carry the lessons of teamwork, leadership, and mental toughness with them. These skills help them succeed in whatever they choose to do next.
Conclusion: The Making of a Commando
The training for Israeli Sayeret Matkal is one of the toughest in the world. It tests candidates in every way possible, from physical strength to mental toughness. The result is a group of highly skilled, dedicated, and resilient commandos.
Their training never really ends. They are always learning, always improving, and always preparing for the next mission. This commitment to excellence is what makes Sayeret Matkal one of the most elite special forces units in the world.
So the next time you hear about a successful mission, remember the intense training that made it possible. The path to becoming a Sayeret Matkal commando is tough, but it produces some of the best soldiers in the world.