Shayetet: The Elite Naval Commando Unit of the Israeli Navy
3. SHAYETET 13
INTRODUCTION
SHAYETET 13 is the elite naval commando unit of the Israeli Navy. The unit is considered one of the primary Special Forces units of the Israel Defense Forces. S'13 specializes in sea-to-land incursions, counter-terrorism, sabotage, maritime intelligence gathering, maritime hostage rescue, and boarding. The unit has taken part in almost all of Israel's major wars, as well as other actions. The unit is one of the most secretive in the Israeli military. Shayetet 13 is a veteran Israeli special forces unit. It was formed in 1948 by Yohai Ben-Nun with men drawn from the ranks of the Palyam, the naval branch of the Haganah. The existence of S'13 was only made public in 1960.
Shayetet 13 is divided into three specialized company-sized units : * Raids : Special Reconnaissance and Direct Action missions on land, Maritime Counter-Terrorism and Hostage Rescues. * Underwater : Underwater Attacks and Sabotage, Hydrographic (Beach) Reconnaissance, and Beachhead Reconnaissance and Security. * Above water : Surface Attacks, Sea Transportation of units to and from target areas.
TRAINING
The training of Shayetet 13 recruits lasts 20 months, and is considered one of the toughest courses in the IDF. The training phases consist of: * Selection process: A selection camp to recruit for the unit is held twice a year. Cadets are put through physically and mentally challenging tests. This phase stresses psychological toughness, and tests recruits in their ability to take and operate under stress and fear. * Six months of basic and advanced infantry training with the Nahal Brigade. * Preparation phase: this phase lasts for three months and consists of advanced infantry and weapons training, parachute training, basic elements of maritime warfare, operation of small vessels, long swims, forced marches, and demolitions. * Four weeks of advanced training in combat diving. During this course, cadets learn the basics of
INTRODUCTION
SHAYETET 13 is the elite naval commando unit of the Israeli Navy. The unit is considered one of the primary Special Forces units of the Israel Defense Forces. S'13 specializes in sea-to-land incursions, counter-terrorism, sabotage, maritime intelligence gathering, maritime hostage rescue, and boarding. The unit has taken part in almost all of Israel's major wars, as well as other actions. The unit is one of the most secretive in the Israeli military. Shayetet 13 is a veteran Israeli special forces unit. It was formed in 1948 by Yohai Ben-Nun with men drawn from the ranks of the Palyam, the naval branch of the Haganah. The existence of S'13 was only made public in 1960.
Shayetet 13 is divided into three specialized company-sized units : * Raids : Special Reconnaissance and Direct Action missions on land, Maritime Counter-Terrorism and Hostage Rescues. * Underwater : Underwater Attacks and Sabotage, Hydrographic (Beach) Reconnaissance, and Beachhead Reconnaissance and Security. * Above water : Surface Attacks, Sea Transportation of units to and from target areas.
TRAINING
The training of Shayetet 13 recruits lasts 20 months, and is considered one of the toughest courses in the IDF. The training phases consist of: * Selection process: A selection camp to recruit for the unit is held twice a year. Cadets are put through physically and mentally challenging tests. This phase stresses psychological toughness, and tests recruits in their ability to take and operate under stress and fear. * Six months of basic and advanced infantry training with the Nahal Brigade. * Preparation phase: this phase lasts for three months and consists of advanced infantry and weapons training, parachute training, basic elements of maritime warfare, operation of small vessels, long swims, forced marches, and demolitions. * Four weeks of advanced training in combat diving. During this course, cadets learn the basics of