The Israeli Army 1956 to 1997
An army with an immense amount of combat experience, and at one time probably the most effective army in the world. The exact organization is still secret. Since 1985 the army has had no structure above company level, these are attached to Combat Forces, which in turn are formed into Combat Units. You will note the incredible likeness to the US Army Pentomic organization except units are not permanently assigned to a higher headquarters.
Israeli Brigade Headquarters 1956 to 1960 (May Command 4 Battalions)
HQ 1 HQ,
1 Engineer Company 3 M3 HT or Truck, 3 Engr
2 Artillery Batteries each 1 FAO, 2 Truck, 2 25H or 105H
Or
3 Mortar Batteries each 2 Truck, 2 120M or 2 M3/120
1 Scout Company 3 Jeep/MG, 1 Jeep/106
1 Anti Aircraft Platoon 1 M16
Note The Artillery and Mortar Batteries are exclusive. Infantry units use towed Mortars, motorized units use Mechanized use M3/120. The Scout company may be combined into a Recce Battalion, see below. In addition may add independent tank companies of M50 Sherman, or AMX13.
Israeli Tank Battalion 1956 to 1960
HQ 1 HQ
4 Squadrons each 3 M4/76 or Sherman HV or AMX13/75
Israeli Infantry Mechanized or Motorized Battalion 1956 to 1960
HQ 1 HQ, 2 Jeep/MG, 1 81M, 1 MG, 1 Jeep/106, 2 Trucks
3 Infantry Companies each 3 M3 HT or Truck, 3 Rifle
Note Jeeps, Mortars, Machinegun and Anti-tank weapons at Headquarters may operate independently. Mechanized units use M3 HT; motorized use Trucks, and Jeeps.
Israeli Parachute Battalion 1956 to1966
HQ 1 HQ
3 Infantry Companies each 3 Rifle, 1 MG
Weapons Company 1 81M, 1 MG, 2 Truck
Note Trucks are not available if the unit is air dropped or airmobile.
Israeli Brigade Headquarters 1961 to 1983
HQ 1 HQ, 1 FAO
Engineer Company 3 M3 HT or M113, 3 Engr
3 Artillery Batteries each 2 AMX/105 or M7
Or
3 Mortar Batteries each 2 M3/120
1 Scout Company 3 Jeep/MG, 1 Jeep/106, or 2 AMX 13, 1 M3 or M113, 1 Scout
1 Anti Aircraft Platoon 1 M16 or M3/20 or M163
Note This unit commands either 2 Tank & 1 Mechanized Battalion, or 3 Mechanized & 1 Tank Battalion or 3 Infantry Battalion and a Tank Company. The M113 and M163 appeared from 1973 onwards, after the October war. Although the memoirs of General Dan indicate that his command post was an M113, allow some M113 as command post vehicles.
Israeli Tank Battalion 1960 to 1984
HQ 1 HQ
2 to 4 Companies 3 Tanks
Mortar Battery 2 M3/120
Note There are a multitude of tank types that can be used. The designations Sho’t and Mag’ach apply to the upgraded Centurions and M48/60 respectively. Up to 1963 the tanks are AMX-13, and Sherman M50 or M51. From 1964 add Centurion 5 (actually any mark, 5 was the first type sent). From 1965 add M48, Sherman M51 and Centurion 5 105mm. All Centurions had 105mm by 1967. From 1967 add M48 with 105mm, few were converted for the 6-day war, add T55. From 1968 delete the AMX13, add Tiran 67(T55 with 105). From 1970 add M60, Centurion UG, and Delete Sherman M50. From 1980 add Merkava and the first of the Sho’t and Mag’ach types. From 1995 add Merkava with 120mm gun. During the 1973 war a Mechanised Infantry Company was added to the battalions. 4 Companies were found in Regular Army units, most reserve units had 2 to 3 companies.
Israeli Mechanized Battalion 1960 to 1983
HQ 1 HQ
3 Companies each 4 M3 HT or M113, 3 Rifle, 1 MG or Dragon (From 1978)
1 Anti-Tank Platoon 3 Jeep/106 or M150 (M150 from 1972 onwards)
Note In 1967 reserve battalions were as for the 1956-60 Motorized Units. The M113 was not common until after 1973, although some were used in the October War as brigade and division headquarters transport.
Israeli Parachute Battalion 1967 to1983
HQ 1 HQ
3 Infantry Companies each 3 Rifle
Weapons Company 1 Jeep/MG, 1 81M, 1 MG, 1 Jeep/106, 1 Truck
Note Trucks are available if the unit is air dropped or airmobile. From 1973, the 81mm mortar is replaced by a 120mm mortar and Jeep (if air dropped or air mobile)
Israeli Recon Battalion 1956 to 1973
HQ 1 HQ
3 Companies 3 Jeep/MG, 1 Jeep/106
Note Formed part of one brigade in 1967, with two AMX13 companies, and 1 AMX105 Battalion. There were five such units available in 1973 each with 2 Jeep Companies and 1 AMX-13 Company
Israeli Combat Force 1985 to 1997
HQ 1 HQ
1 to 4 Rifle Companies each 3 M113 or M113/Zelda, 3 Rifle 1 Dragon (Javelin ATGW from 1989)
1 to 4 Tank Companies each 2 Tanks
1 Engineer Company 4 M113, 3 Engr, 1 Engr, 1 AVLB
Anti Aircraft Section 2 ZSU23 or M3/23, or RBY/23
Fire Support Company 2 M113/ITV
1 or 2 Mortar Companies 2 M113/120
Artillery Battery 2 M109
Note The Force Headquarters commands four combat companies, and 1 Engineer Company. There appears to be no restriction on equipment, or company type. If two mortar batteries are fielded delete the Artillery battery. Tanks can be Merkava or Mag’ach in front line units, Sho’t, Tiran and T62 in reserve units. M113 Zelda is an M113 with Israeli made add on armour package.
Israeli Combat Unit Headquarters 1985 to 1997 (Commands 5 Combat Forces)
HQ 1 HQ
1 Recce/Anti Tank Company 4 BRDM2/AT
Anti Aircraft Section 2 ZSU23 or M3/23 or RBY/23
Helicopter Flight 2 AH1 or OH500M
Israeli Artillery Unit 1985 to 1997
3 Batteries each 1 FAO, 2 M109 or M107 or M110 or BM24 or MRLS
Note These units are at “Divisional Level”.
Large Units:
Division – Ad Hoc combinations of Brigades brought together under one commander, add a Recce Battalion and an Artillery Brigade and a few extra Anti-Aircraft companies.
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