The Intelligence Division employs combatants whose job it is to carry out technological missions in enemy territory • Commander of the unit, Lt. Col. D.: "Bring the best women in technology
The Warriors of 8200
Photo:
Oren Cohen
Unit 8200 of the Intelligence Division employs combatants, whose job is to perform complex technological missions in the field.
The 8200 Warriors Unit was established about a decade ago, with the goal of reaching places and performing operations that cannot be done remotely using the keyboard.
This need was born after rival countries and organizations realized they were infiltrated by intelligence, and began to take various steps to avoid exposure.
Initially, only boys served in the unit, but about three years ago it was also opened to female combatants.
There were several reasons for this, including the desire to increase the unit, the shortage of fighters and above all - the success of women in combat roles in other units in the IDF.
Unlike other combat units, the 8200's combat unit requires first and foremost technological skills, and only then combat skills.
"We bring in the technologists at the highest level, who are also the fighters at the highest level," says Lt. Col. D., commander of the unit.
The fighters in the unit undergo long combat training, followed by technological training designed to enable them to operate all 8200 systems and equipment in the field.
Sometimes they are required to install means or gather information, and sometimes to crack something in the field to extract information from it in real time.
The unit operates in all sectors, with all the security units and organizations in front of which its mother unit also works - 8200. Most of its operations are "boutique operations" that require long preparation and are supposed to provide a solution that could not be reached otherwise, and should operate in any war outline.
The inclusion of girls as fighters in the unit has so far been kept secret, but now it has been decided to expose her to allow more young women to enlist in its ranks.
"Not that we have demand problems, but such an article could open the minds of many women who are being interviewed by the Armed Forces, even those who did not think of reaching the combat lineup and want to reach 8200.
The story of the fighters in the unit is an excellent example of the integration of women in combat roles. "
The fighters in the unit serve in a separate company from the boys, but also carry out similar operational operations at their level of risk, including in the face of an enemy.
"Warrior women have more mature judgment at this age than warrior men. In our work maturity and judgment are important, because the price of error is dramatic. On the modern battlefield you need more than a grenade or a rifle," says Lt. Col. D. "Once upon a time there were only battles. Xin in Xin (armor in armor) or infantry in infantry.
Today technology brings tremendous benefits.
The warriors will be part of every outline of action in the war.
The only consideration in which we make decisions will be professional, not gendered. "
"Like being on another planet"
Captain A., commander of the Warriors Company, was a fighter and an officer in the Karkel unit, before arriving at the 8200 fighter unit. "In the early days I felt like I was on another planet. Open-minded, and I decided I accepted the challenge.
"Every time I felt difficult, I repeated in my heart the mantra that helped me keep my head above water all the time - that I push my limits. Over time I discovered how much I love it and how good I am at what I do. I try every day to find the challenge. Knowing "Having conquered another summit, higher and steeper than its predecessors, brings with it immense satisfaction to continue looking forward to the next summit."
