Semper Fi

Given the "special relationship" between the United States and Israel, it's a bit surprising that military exercises between the two countries don't occur as often as one would suspect. For the US though, and its vast NATO and global priorities, it's in fact understandable. Last week however, the one and only US Marines made it to Israel and were welcomed by the IDF for a joint exercise at the Tze'elim base's Urban Warfare Training Center, the largest of its kind in the world.

The Tze'elim Military Base in Southern Israel

The Urban Warfare Training Center at Tze'elim represents the most detailed training environment simulating contemporary conflict in the Middle East. Where better than the heart of the region itself. It was built entirely by the US Army Corps of Engineers and financed to a large degree by a portion of the US's annual military aid to Israel. It's proven to be an unparalleled asset to both countries in helping train and prepare soldiers for the theater of conflict facing them. Among its facilities is a complete full scale mock Arab village included with multiple mosques, as well as high rise buildings, a hospital, a school, and even an area designated as a soccer stadium. And in addition, a PA system simulating every type of sound imaginable that one might hear on the ground, from the Muslim call to prayer, to gun shots and the sound of explosions. It truly is an unmatched resource. I've never had the chance to get to train there, but from what I've heard from friends of mine, it's a facility bar none that can't be compared to anywhere else. 

'Afghanistan, this is here" "The best warriors in the world, the Marines, arrived at Tze'elim for a special training exercise with Palsar Givati"