Inside Israel’s Weird Tank Units (Merkava)

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Sources:
Conversations with Israeli veterans

[@BattleOrder]

Receive an Amazing New Player Pack, only available for the next 30 days! Play Conflict of Nations for FREE on PC or Mobile: 💥 con.onelink.me/kZW6/m2cnjju6 _________________ Some corrections and clarifications: 6:45 - I've been told there are different preferences, but the CO/XO in the commander's position and training NCO/tank commander in the loader's hatch seems to be the most practical way of doing it so the CO/XO can access the battlefield management system 8:35 - The Armor Support Companies were recently transferred to infantry brigades. I think this had to do with their update I mentioned at 9:11 , but the veterans I talked to originally might have gotten out right when they were doing it or shortly after. This video didn't really go into task organization, like how tanks would be attached to infantry units. See this Twitter thread from another veteran with some further context: twitter.com/plovejet/status/1663296788227342336

[@pyeitme508]

Nice

[@MyReiners]

@@carkawalakhatulistiwa Did not happen in the last 75 years, Wil not happen in the coming 75 years. After that, Gaza will have imploded and Jewish settlement will control all West bank (as Judea and Samaria) as a majority

[@recoil53]

Please do a video on US Air Cavalry.

[@addictedtoadrenaline979]

Downloaded the game but didn't received the gold. Hmm

[@mojrimibnharb4584]

FYI: You're using the brigade symbol for the arty regiments.

[@arielbemeliahu8619]

I was a tank driver in 188th, 71st brigade and this is the most accurate video ive seen on this topic. Only thing is with reserve companies they can be a bit weird, ive seen them use our tanks in exercises, use merkqva 3s while we used merkava 4s and from what i understand they are trying to put them in their own brigades seperate from active brigade. Great video

[@bruskqadir6208]

may curse be upon all jews and all of those who support them

[@Deif311]

Hancur dengan mudah di gaza why why why RPG AL YASIN 105 MIMPI BURUK ISRAEL IDF DAN MERKAVA SAMPAH BUSUK

[@tombegar4397]

כ או ל? בכל מקרה אש בתותחים

[@arielbemeliahu8619]

@@tombegar4397 ל אחי, אש בתותחים

[@dogebot4619]

The armor support company have gone major changes in recent years. A couple of years ago, it was a company that is part of the battalion which has a recon platoon and a mortar platoon. In recent years it has been changed and now every battalion is provided a support platoon from on of the infantry battalions from their division (except the 188th armor brigade, which is provided from the 933th nahal brigade from the 162th division.) These support companies have a drone platoon, AT platoon which is also used as the recon platoon and a mortar platoon.

[@BattleOrder]

Thanks mate. The guys I talked to might've gotten out right when they made the change or shortly after

[@eitanamir7918]

The mesayaat i knew didnt have drones, just 5,7 and 8

[@dogebot4619]

@Eitan Amir the 5,7,8 platoons are still present. The change that was made was to rename from mesayat to "Exposure-Strike company" (פלוגת חשיפה תקיפה) and to make the 5th platoon both Spike AT platoon and recon, and make the 8th platoon exclusively drone platoon. 7th platoon is still the same (4 m113 mortar carriers).

[@BattleOrder]

@@dogebot4619 is this stuff written down anywhere online?

[@jonathanpriel5013]

@@dogebot4619 לא יודע כמה כדאי לכתוב כל כך הרבה פרטים בתגובה ביוטיוב...

[@TheGrenadier97]

Israel has a very rich history in armoured warfare. Reading the battles in the Cold War one could almost think that the army only had tank units.

[@ronmaximilian6953]

The Israeli Army certainly was very tank heavy. Maneuver warfare worked for them given their geography. They also believed that soldiers in tanks were better protected. This was not the case with Sherman tanks in 1973. Lost a cousin that way.

[@alonraigorodetsky1803]

@@ronmaximilian6953 The Yom Kippur was a very brutal war Israel did not spare any tank as it knew a defeat would mean an end to the Jewish nation.

[@Connor-vj7vf]

​@@ronmaximilian6953 They used Shermans in '73?!

[@MrDgwphotos]

@@Connor-vj7vf Yes, Shermans were still employed in combat in 73, although I believe they were reserve units that had to be called up.

[@MrDgwphotos]

@@ronmaximilian6953 In the 1956 war, they employed tank heavy tactics, and that was behind their failures early in the 1973 war when combined arms tactics were not employed to defeat the Egyptian Sagger teams. Given the vulnerability to suppressing fire that the technical limitations of the Sagger system imposed (Anti tank teams using the Sagger had to guide the missile to the target with a joystick), combined arms tactics, working with Infantry and artillery, would likely have resulted in severe, if not crippling, losses on the Egyptian anti tank teams, reducing the casualties for IDF tank units.

[@rc59191]

The Merkava is by far one of the most aestheticly pleasing tank design's definitely makes my top 5.

[@Cecil_Augus]

Really a strange world we live in where people compare the aesthetics of weapons designed to inflict destruction and mass murder.

[@Lestibournes]

​@@Cecil_Augusit's not designed to inflict mass-murder. It's designed to prevent genocide.

[@danielfield5885]

@@Cecil_Augusshut up

[@bruskqadir6208]

may curse be upon all jews and all of those who support them

[@IlllIlIlIIlll]

​@@Cecil_Auguspeople compare different car even though they kill more people every year

[@FlyWithMe_666]

Fun fact: if you can solve the “which platoon-coy-battalion-brigade?” symbol riddle, you’re considered overqualified for the Army by recruitment officers 😂

[@anarchosnowflakist786]

I'm sorry what's the riddle ?

[@larryalvares1369]

what's the answer?

[@FlyWithMe_666]

@@anarchosnowflakist786 You’re Army material :)

[@GaryArmstrongmacgh]

@andreasandersson2994 Funny account!

[@rext87able]

fuck me why do they have to make it so cryptic, no wonder they leave it out there, have to be a crypto-linguist to desiphire that shit

[@TheZungul]

You mistakenly refer to only some of the soldiers as "conscripts" (as opposed to NCO's or officers). Actually they are all conscripts. It's just that some of them sign up to stay longer as professionals. Unlike in some other militaries, an israeli soldier can't enlist directly to be an officer. They all start as conscripts, and the ones who are capable and willing might become officers later...

[@yuvalgabay1023]

@@consequences5638 there is some ways to be in like 3 -5 months as a con and then automotacly transported to officer courses rotes but its mainly for non comabt jobs. mainly high skill one or ones that getting officers in are hard(like computer units and human resourcse ).

[@AlbatrossCommando]

That isn't strictly true since you have academic officers.

[@captainsharpeNEL]

they go to boot camp first still, before officer school,@@AlbatrossCommando

[@dannyzero692]

Sounds meritocratic

[@GGU]

*spontaneously watching the video* suddenly see my commander 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@orenco]

Lol I know who you're talking about, I was just as surprised. I've done my recruitment training with him and he's from my city. Guy's hella chill/cool, super nice and down to earth. You were lucky to be under his command ;)

[@Oxide53115]

your with the IDF?

[@GGU]

@Oxide53115 like everyone who aware for the region history.

[@shaishaul]

​@@Oxide53115were all with the idf

[@shaishaul]

​@Oxide53115 I'm artillery but the tanks are just awesome.

[@kafrit1]

As a retired NCO in the 205th. I must say you gave an firly accurate run down. However during war time we do not operate as organic brigades or even at the betalion level we will integrate other coys to have combined arms force

[@MyReiners]

Do the reserve brigades also have the same configuration, instead of 2 regular (1reserve) tank companies per battalion, 3 reserve companies?

[@kafrit1]

Yes

[@freakallopps]

since most of ur targets are kids with heat seeking 155mm anti tank guided rocks

[@busukevm8288]

So broken up and attached to infantry units? And by “attached” in the US sense I mean under a different commands tactical control.

[@kafrit1]

@@busukevm8288 pretty much. Basically mix and match with other units to get a combined element

[@DoomMiasma]

The hatch at the rear is so when the tank is in a hill down position for defense, the crew can enter/exit/resupply without exposing themselves to enemy fire while climbing thru the top hatches. Mostly because it was designed as a defensive tank.

[@bradleyheck7204]

Hull-down. Totally makes sense, and that rear hatch is not insubstatial as far as materials, judging from what I have seen. It just isn't that soft a spot, especially for products of brute-force-and-massive-ignorance Soviet Engineering.

[@certaindeath7776]

the clip of the tank firing at 0:20 is awesome. you can even see the flying shells effect on the ground.

[@David27883]

Israel said no to being basic 😂

[@theslavicsailor6654]

Until they bought the jeep 😂😂

[@binyominsilverman1592]

Basic has its place, look up the Davidka Mortar. Funny story.

[@Shinzon23]

They like to flex on the POS training and gear their neighbors have

[@cascadianrangers728]

They also said no to freedom or liberty for Palestine. A hard no on that.

[@is6031]

​@@cascadianrangers728 crybully

[@אחלהערוץ]

I really enjoyed watching a video from my channel in your video. I was in the 7th brigade in the 82nd battalion, I was a gunner. You did a good investigation on the Israeli Armored Corps .

[@yoridyse5411]

Would you mind telling me your service to the idf ? And where were you deployed,gaza? Jerusalem ?

[@catlover-banana24]

@@yoridyse5411 no tanks in jerusalem / 7th brigade in the Golan hieghts

[@yoridyse5411]

@@catlover-banana24 thank you

[@qusairashdan7705]

🔻🔻🔻

[@filipgutehall7925]

Officially, the rear hatch of the merkava is for easier replenishment of ammo when in defensive positions

[@BattleOrder]

yup

[@unqualified_engineer]

@@BattleOrder why would you change your pfp?

[@Kaebuki]

@@unqualified_engineer? Battle Order has had that pfp since the last Pride Month.

[@unqualified_engineer]

@@KaebukiJune is pride month

[@roitadmor]

Actually, the hatch is meant for a safe evacuation of injured soldiers while the tank is under fire from the front. Regards, veretran combat medic, Givati brigade.

[@jacey320]

the rear door is for storing tuna and bread for years at a time

[@IDFArmor]

And also for the best sleep of your life

[@jacey320]

@@IDFArmor I always prefered my drivers seat, as long as the safety wasnt busted on the מטף

[@thelastninja4825]

and luff

[@Akarnf2]

​זה מראה את הגיל שלך! 😂 הלוף יצא לדעתי כבר לפני 20 שנה ממנות הקרב.​@@thelastninja4825

[@coisasdewookie8668]

Some shnitzles also

[@erichammond9308]

The hatch in the back is for Infantrymen (4 or 5)- and can also be used to evacuate casualties. The Merkava was originally designed for crew survival above speed and firepower.

[@eitanamir7918]

You can't fit 4 or five infantry in a merkava without removing the ammo pods. At that point its not particularly useful as a tank.

[@sulomor]

Understandable they are so FEW

[@sulomor]

To fight so Many

[@turkeysandwich1998]

​@@eitanamir7918Yeah you're right, it's useful as a battle tank AND a transport/ support vehicle, even better

[@eitanamir7918]

@@turkeysandwich1998 what is a namer ifv then? A mobile disco?

[@synthilein]

I love how Israel is a box in countryballs memes

[@ronmaximilian6953]

Israel cube is a 4D hypercube.

[@GuyLandau2835]

y they made israel a cube?

[@dylannix4289]

Israel is a Borg war cube. This is canon now

[@synthilein]

because israel is different. poland is a little different also, thats why poland is upside down in countryballs. @@GuyLandau2835

[@Panopasta]

​@@GuyLandau2835 it's apparently a WW2 thing. During WW2, Mustache man thought that quantum physics as "Jewish propaganda". And in quantum physics a ball (supposedly) could just be seen as a 4 dimensional cube

[@saiprateek5779]

Hey Battle Order, can you analyse Indian Armed forces in your future videos? Just wanna know how you see India in a "Tactical perspective".. and maybe some constructive criticism on their battle strategy Love from India 🇮🇳❤

[@s3quencial]

they all suck

[@td6460]

Has the Indian army integrated indoor toilets in their battle order?

[@recon17]

​@@td6460 why the hate dude?

[@Katie18483]

@@td6460 funny how this comment is tryna be racist, but like lmao what army has a toilet in the field? you get a bucket if youre lucky. really goes to show racist people are the inferior ones

[@yko_7313]

​@@recon17it's an Israel video. That naturally brings the worst in people.

[@TheDoctorMD]

In the 80s, there existed a 5th Company in some of the IDF's armour brigades, but instead of a V they were denoted with a "Z" marking. Some Merkava Mk. 1s in the Negev Desert and Golan Heights were part of this 5th Company.

[@9k111]

The Z most probably was there because the hebrew V can mean God's name and that's a no no in the bible so it's skipped just like with the hebrew calendar

[@bruskqadir6208]

may curse be upon all jews and all of those who support them

[@ClvrFarmer]

As a former mk4 TC, this is amazingly precise

[@TitanMoon746]

As someone who fought in the latest Merkava 4, I can tell you its a spaceship on tracks, with emmense fire power. It's safety systems are second to none, and it more than just a tank. What that means can be left to your imaginations.

[@zarakdurrani7584]

"Safety systems are second to none". I got a recent live example of one being shafted by a drone delivery bomb 😂

[@bradleyheck7204]

...So, are you and the tank dating now?😜

[@TitanMoon746]

@@bradleyheck7204 we're now engaged. The in-laws are a pain though.

[@TitanMoon746]

@@zarakdurrani7584 it actually wasn't damaged at all. It lit the fabric in the logistic bay on fire and the tank was actually fine. But as seen on the news now, pictures clearly show that the Idf found a way to prevent that now with anti drone canopies. The drones are temporary because Israel for the first time has actually decided to wipe out hamas and not merely hurt it to buy a few years of peace. Now that hamas has showed it is worse than isis, it is over.

[@bradleyheck7204]

@@zarakdurrani7584 Yeah, that never happened.

[@indominus7515]

the merkava is hot

[@croskerk]

If Im correct, i may be wrong, but merkava may have an assisted loading system Something like an Autoloader, but cut in half and helps thr loader to load the ammunition. In short Semi-autoloader The only other tank I know that has it is the American Heavy T30 (source being Chieftan's video on American Autoloaders) Trying to remember where i heard the info and trying to see if its somewhat accurate

[@thereyougoagain1280]

I don’t believe so, there is a shielded ammunition bustle in the turret that can rotate to the desired shell, but the loader still has to physically remove the ammunition and load it

[@croskerk]

@@thereyougoagain1280 Aah, I see, i guess that is where mis information came from

[@dannyzero692]

It’s a ready rack for the loaders to grab the desired shells. I think it was made because manual loading can only be done quickly within the first several rounds before the new rounds are in an awkward position for the loader to grab and handle, its not meant to be a true autoloader but it does solve the awkward round placement problem seen on the Leopard 2 and Abrams.

[@yuvalbeery2493]

About the forward observation company: they are working under a concept developed in the IDF of discovery and attack, meaning they spot for the tank companies, they have light vehicles and well trained soldiers (same rifle qual as regular infantry whereas tank crews have lower qual) and then they can share targets using the target sharing system with the tanks or suicide drones or attack drones or the helper company (heavy weapons).

[@bradleyheck7204]

That's one of the things US Army Cavalry Scouts do, too.

[@n8ivspat3n56]

0:14 that made me laugh so hard and that show randomly came flooding back into my memory

[@iivin4233]

It's so different that it's hard to compare it to other forces. Their infantry is quite a few steps removed from the tanks they would be supporting. I when I see something different in an organization, I wonder if It's wrong. But I also wonder if they know something that other organizations don't. My guess is they separate out their infantry and tanks so they can deploy their limited infantry and tanks on terrain features that best suit them. The tanks of the 36th seem to be guarding open terrain where infantry would not likely dismount. Meanwhile, 36th's infantry sits on the border with Lebanon where infantry maneuvers might be expected. And 36th's artillery is probably sitting on some heights ready to act in support of either brigade. These uncombined brigades may also make it easier to assemble reserves. Or maybe Israel figures that if they are only going to get so much time to train their conscripts, they had better make sure they learn how to be infantry if they learn nothing else. Also, Israel is small. Maybe their infantry isn't as far away from their tanks as it appears.

[@jamesharding3459]

Israel is quite small indeed. Ft. Irwin is between 1/2 and 1/3 the area, and maneuver-heavy exercises can cover most of that area in a day. I presume that Israel thinks they can rapidly move tanks or infantry wherever they're needed in short order.

[@Extys]

You've forgotten one important thing: Israel doesn't operate at brigade or even battalion level, it's all combined arms force.

[@AntonAdelson]

A retired NCO in the comments here said that during war time the forces are integrated together into combined forces

[@recoil53]

Also what specialized conditions are they operating in.

[@funnysword1414]

how long do pro soldiers train in other countries coz my training in 09 was 1 year 9 infantry +3 medic in israel infantry brigade, that 9 months also depends on soldiers specialty it can be more.

[@revere0311]

Wild to hear those stats. NCO’s with

[@berelhinjonathanhanin6265]

dont forget unlike the Us which has a professional army everyone has to enlist in Israel to the army. to make it even possible for everyone to both serve and have a non militaristic life they serve 3 years unless they decide to stay in the army as their profession.

[@revere0311]

@@berelhinjonathanhanin6265 for sure. They have a smaller population pool to pull from. Just interesting. Obviously what they do works for them. Just interesting.

[@Riceball01]

@@revere0311 It's possible that they use the Russian system of instant NCOs. Under the old Soviet system, which the Russians might still be using, NCOs were nothing but conscropts who looked more intelligent/capable than the average draftee, these conscripts would then be sent to a special NCO school and became instant Sgts or Cpl after graduation. And from what I've read, amongst the enlisted, time in service counted for more than actual rank so a senior Pvt that's due to be discharged soon actually holds more clout than a Sgt. fresh from Sgt's school.

[@binyominfranks2910]

NCOs are very weird here, you go from basic to ait and then you can optionally go to a 4 month commander course, after that you’re an nco at sergeant rank, you can be in charge of other enlisted that didn’t go to commander school including kids who are staff sergeants( which combat soldiers get after about 2 years)

[@trespire]

Some Israeli need to shave as early as age 6, leads to faster promotion in the IDF.

[@thesaturn6763]

this is awesome. would love to see you cover infantry orgainsation for the IDF as well.

[@tomerlubashevski2315]

There are no armor support companies anymore the whole way that the army is organized during combat has changed to a more hybrid version with units that are more versatile and can operate in their own

[@JustaRandomGuy890]

9:30 small correction, the recon companies were integrated to other recon units and not to amor units

[@terapode]

These Merkava tanks are so beautiful... Very futuristic, almost like you can find one on a manga.

[@TrangleC]

I think most armies that stick to the 4 tank platoon size do so for tactical movement purposes. 2 tanks can give over-watch cover while 2 tanks move. That is especially useful and important during tactical retreats and delaying action. Yes, modern tanks with modern fire control systems can shoot accurately on the move and could cover themselves, but what you usually can't do while moving is staying hull-down.

[@wecx2375]

We never did drills like that in the U.S. Army because you don't need over watch to move due to turrent stabilization. You can do over watch while moving

[@TrangleC]

@@wecx2375 Yes, but the basic structure of having 4 tanks in each platoon was made long before fire control systems and gun stabilization were good enough for that. Some tanks laying in ambush while others move can still be a useful thing, no matter how good the systems are at firing on the move. Of course different armed forces even within NATO still have different doctrines and some (mostly Germany) value stealth and the use of camouflage more than others. In any case, the rationale for why most western armies have 4 tank platoons still applies, even if it were outdated, which is debatable.

[@wecx2375]

@@TrangleC no, you don't understand history, during the cold war the U.S. Had 5 tank platoons. 4 tank platoons is a new formation. Most countries especially Europe moved from 5 tank platoons to 3 tank platoons like Germany. Israel went to 2 tank platoon. You don't know anything about armored warfare.

[@TrangleC]

@@wecx2375 Germany definitely does not have 3 tank platoons and I never saw any NATO country with 3 tank platoons. Where do you get that from? I don't claim to be a great expert, but I base the things I said on old military training videos, interviews with soldiers and books.

[@TrangleC]

@@wecx2375 I just did some research and apparently Germany did have 3-tank platoons for a brief time between 2007 and 2010 or so, but that was entirely a organizational decision due to a lack of tanks. They had the choice of reducing the number of platoons/companies and sending the people who commanded them home, or retain the number of platoons and reduce the number of tanks within each platoon. It wasn't a decision based on some new combat doctrine or something and as soon as they had some more tanks again (less through new purchases but by older tanks being upgraded and coming back from the factory), they went back to the traditional 4 tank platoon they had been using since the early 60s or so.

[@_golden_9626]

Just 3 weeks from completing my Tank commender course in IDF and it's ironic that 70% of the video is a new infomation for me

[@200131356]

You’re seriously on here boasting about being in a terrorist organization 😳

[@Light-at-Dawn]

Best Tank in the world

[@royupton2031]

Tanks don’t use infantry titles, they are not platoons and companies,they were formed from cavalry during ww1, they use the terms troops & squadrons

[@bob-wo3ir]

btw: Just yesterday, They started serial delivery of Eitan APC to the IDF. Would be cool to see a video on that new APC in the future. I don't think they use the M113 anymore.

[@thereyougoagain1280]

The M113 is still widely used in the IDF, primarily as combat support and command vehicles. The Eitan will likely replace them in the Nahal and Kfir Infantry Brigades, but whether it will see more widespread use in the future remains to be determined

[@bob-wo3ir]

@@thereyougoagain1280 Didn't they stop using it after the second Lebanon war? It was a death trap.

[@davidsanders1803]

@@bob-wo3ir The deaths during the second Lebanon war prompted the development of newer APCs but it takes a while for full deployment. As mentioned the M113 is no longer used as a front line infantry transport but it can still function as an all terrain logistics transport and a rearguard command vehicle. The IDF doesn’t like to get rid of anything that still works and those M113s will probably be used in one way or another until they turn to rust

[@alonraigorodetsky1803]

@@bob-wo3ir Hi. We kept using the M113 in fact there was an incident during the 2014 invasion of Gaza that resulted in the creation of the Eitan project during the Battle of Shuja'iyya in which an M-113 was hit by an Anti Tank missile it resulted in the death of the crew as well as the infantry unit patrolling it.

[@TheAngriestGamer.]

0:20 the slow mo of that shells flightpath over the ground was MAGICAL! Gib more

[@Raul_Menendez]

That moment when your conscript forces are as professional as regular forces. Never under estimate conscripts or reserves.

[@i20010]

In Israel conscript is regular. You serve 3 years, when you're young and able, than you become a reservist.

[@Alguien644]

I guess that often happens in places where fighting is common

[@damianm-nordhorn116]

0:23 what an awesome (camera) shot!

[@Chris177579]

The merkava 4 is what the millennium falcon would look like as a tank...

[@VIT-ey8wo]

The millennium falcon didn't get destroyed by some combatants wearing flip-flops though

[@yourlocalboaty]

@@VIT-ey8wobecause spaceships are in starwars not ground units with rpgs that cant even do damage because of the trophy system?

[@VIT-ey8wo]

@@yourlocalboaty looking at the footage from the conflict, it doesn't look like the trophy system is capable of dealing with such threats. I guess it can (just in theory) engage such munitions as RPG-7 grenades only at a considerable distance, when the munition already bled a lot of speed. Or else it fails to intercept. Not to mention a bunch of footage where the the covers for the APS's launchers are simply closed, meaning that the system hasn't even been turned on in the first place(or maybe it malfunctioned or smth).

[@yourlocalboaty]

@@VIT-ey8wo the APS is probally covered for dust, these projectiles can easily penetrate the cover. Maybe it was just completly offline, but then you cant blame the APS. Multiple propaganda videos have shown tanks „exploding“ whilst it was only the APS engaging the missile. APS for sure cannot be trusted everytime and does have it weakspots, altrough it disables most of it threats.

[@Sterben295]

@@VIT-ey8wolmao there’s only be 4 confirmed destruction of merkavas lmao, and ofc they where flip flops to blend in with the civilians and dont wear the uniform in their promotional videos

[@liorb1970]

A lot of the difference you heard from different veterans have to do with budget problem and man power differences . Mostly very accurate stuff (use to be a tank driver)

[@KenjiMapes]

Weird structure I was in a US Army armor company in an armored battalion (5 companies with 1 HQ Co with mortars, support, etc). There were 4 armored line companies. Each armored company had 14 tanks. 3 line platoons with 4 tanks per platoon. Same structure there with a platoon leader commanding 1 of the tanks & platoon sergeant in another tank with the 2 others in the platoon commanded usually by staff sergeants. Gunners were E-5’s & E-4’s. HQ platoon had 2 tanks, 1 for the commander of course & 1 for the XO. In HQ we had a 113 for the CP/TOC & a deuce & 1/2 for supply. So 14 tanks total & 18 vehicles total which included 2 humvees. I was a driver, loader & gunner & spent time as 1SG driver & training room NCO/Info Sec NCO. Good times. To me 2 tanks in a platoon is bizarre. In tank gunnery we practiced individual, section (2 tanks), platoon, & company level tank gunnery. You fight differently depending on how youre lined up. You have to practice how to shoot & move as a section, platoon & company along with the various formations. For example you don’t want to be fighting in a company & all 14 tanks shoot the same enemy target. It gets complicated moving & shooting cohesively as a unit let alone commanding it al in the heat of battle. That’s why you train & why experience is helpful. Lots to know & do. People don’t realize how hard it is to be a competent & tactically & technically proficient professional soldier. Don’t miss freezing my nada off or sweating in the field but I do miss shooting that 120mm main gun. Good times😉🤜

[@edmundcowan9131]

Never fired the 120but did shoot the m1. Great tank compared to m60 series or M 48, which was still in service hen I went in.

[@subjectc7505]

I kinda dig the Merkava, idk why it's a troop transporter aswell but hey 😂 being different is good.

[@helpdeskjnp]

Fantastic video, info, presentation, pace, tone, etc! Subscribed! Thanks for your work!

[@Bosenko]

I like it bro. Thanks for the info. Cuzevi served in 401 like 10 years ago and we had platon of 3 tanks

[@stilgar2007]

"Get a tech over here!! There are several rock scuffs on my hull!!"

[@talknight2]

More likely "my carburetor is busted." or "the damn treads broke AGAIN".

[@bradleyheck7204]

The unit size makes sense since they are operating big beasts like the merkava in much narrower geographical confines than Abrams and Leopard II formations were concieved for.

[@Riceball01]

I find it very interesting how open the Israelis are about unit markings on their tanks. While it makes it easy for friendlies to know which unit any given tank is and which tank is the CO's tank, so does the enemy. I wonder if Israel's enemies in Isreali tanks unit symbology and train their people to aim for the clearly marked CO's tank first when possible. I also find the idea of a separate TC for command tanks very interesting. It's not an entirely bad idea, it allows the CO and XO to focus more on commanding their units than on fighting their tank.

[@PrograError]

I think in real war that openness will be the death of the enemy... best not to underestimate the enemy... just like putler's grand Imperial Ruzzian army..

[@dmk124]

Russians would actually use their painted designations in battle wouldn't they, heh... IDF is organized chaos. We are not disciplined enough to be that stupid.

[@talknight2]

Simply, friendly fire is a bigger threat to Israeli tanks currently than whatever Hamas have. The Israeli army was never very interested in camouflage tactics, since they've more or less always had air superiority anyway. It's about overwhelming firepower - doesn't matter if they can see you as long as they can't get their heads up to shoot.

[@bradleyheck7204]

It does reduce the chance of blue-on-blue.

[@Wright1331]

"One of the oddest tanks" Who TF is this guy? It is by far the coolest and aesthetically pleasing tank to every look at.

[@dannyzero692]

Compared to other main battle tanks fielded the Merkava is certainly very strange. The rear hatch, frontal engine placement, shorter main gun, very thick side turret armor gives this tank a unique look.

[@Arday60]

Odd doesn't mean ugly, it means unusual, which as far as general tank design it is.

[@usapatriot4163]

Great info! Thanks!

[@andrewmccain8297]

Regarding the recon companies!!! The Seventh armoured and 401st brigades had their own recon companies in active duty up to a couple years ago while the 188th had a company which was compromised of reservists often made up of veterans front he other two. The active companies have not be intergrated but have been desolved like I said about two years ago. Since then all the armored brigades have recon companies made up of reservists. Ps. The 7th armored recon is one of the oldest recon/commando units of the IDF, second only to the Golani infantry brigade's recon. It has served in almost all major conflicts and is one of the most decorated units in IDF history.

[@jbeneliezer]

The largest component of the IDF is the reserve army, but you relate to the IDF as if it is like a Western army with a small reserve component. You know very little about the IDF.

[@aurelguerbas4807]

One correction, a second lieutenant would typically have at least 2 years of experience prior to becoming an officer, since they enlisted as a regular soldier.

[@ishay10000]

Actually recognised the last tank, served as a driver in the second company of that battalion

[@richardbradley2335]

That AP shot across the desett was bloody amazing.

[@i20010]

Pretty epic yes.

[@TindahanPampalipasOras]

all i know instead back engine they put the engine in the front to increase armor and safety of the crew when bailing in they can use the back hatch and escape the tank safely.

[@Jinisinsane]

Seeing one get taken out by a 1,000 dollar drone just blows my mind, future antidrone warfare is going to be wild.

[@dannyzero692]

That drone kill looks like a mission kill where the Merkava couldn't continue the mission but otherwise that looks repairable if given a few days at the depot, unless the tank is completely burnt out or the turret popped it likely could still be recovered and repair. Seeing that Hamas don't have any towing equipment and Israeli air defenses have gone up significantly I expect that tank to be recovered quite soon and is in the depot for the repair.

[@jacobnugent8159]

I wonder what anti drone counter measures will be used in the near future

[@willyvereb]

​ @jacobnugent8159 E-War if you can afford it. Optical sensors that scan the air for objects. Widespread light anti-air weapons. Also cope cages, they can be surprisingly useful against light improvised bombs such as these. Israel has a lot of these equipment but not all and often not in the right quantities. They are actively learning how to best use them as the war progresses.

[@Alguien644]

Australia or new zealand (I dont remember) made drones out of paper

[@supercrazpianomanaic]

It didn't actually get taken down by a drone. Just because you see fire on the outside, doesn't mean that there is fire on the inside

[@stupidburp]

I wonder if they will go with an auto loader and reduced crew in the Merkava 5? Perhaps with dual side engines instead of a front engine? Maybe a remotely operated vulcan gun on top with radar assist for shooting down drones?

[@christopherwang4392]

This video has become more relevant as of Saturday, October 7, 2023.

[@lad7436]

wow I've learned more about the structure of this whole thing here then in the actual 460th

[@binyominfranks2910]

Yo you gotta do IDF artillery, I’m a recently released cannon guy if you want

[@dankoz6340]

The moment I heard the all-hands-to-station whistle it sang through my heart.

[@מלאכישלום-ק4ת]

As a tank commander in the 7th brigade I had a lot of fun, I would be happy if you made a video about the new Merkava tank the lightning

[@fahoodie1852]

@JAWADESLAMor the shawaz they’re also good

[@fahoodie1852]

@JAWADESLAM that was such a crazy video man

[@MrAudioBill]

Excellent rundown. Thanks.

[@Lukeclout]

Weird yet terrifically effective is the signature of Israeli design ingenuity Am Israel Chai !

[@stefanonazzani5153]

this different platoon structure is very interesting, probably the urban combat component to which the Israeli forces are subjected has its own importance

[@johngolden3714]

Very interesting video there. I always assumed that the IDF armor units were organized along typical Western/NATO lines, etc. With this info, their armor battalions are rather "light" when compared to a US armor battalion for example.

[@i20010]

IDF hasnt got the numbers the US has. They adapt according to needs/specific task.

[@specopsv1nce541]

0:41 look at the tank on the right that is closest to you its barrel is in the chassy not the turret

[@edyartzi]

Amazing. A score of 99.999 accuracy. Rare 24 karat video. I salute you!

[@AnAngryCanuck]

rear door in the Merkava is for loading. I have my AFV recognition level 2.

[@Tokieejke]

Tell more about Trophy system please!

[@historyre-visited4597]

Sometimes the commercials preceding videos hit a nerve. The one selling 'metal can openers' as if they're a fantastic, revolutionary tool, when, in fact, the exact design their peddling is pretty old. My folks had three of them back in the 70's that looked identical to the 'new and improved' lid opening device.

[@tacticooldude7509]

I wonder how they are operating now in the current war.

[@aljoa4350]

We won't be really seeing that much tank action in this war. We'll see more IFVs and APCs in this war especially the setting is in urban combat.

[@tacticooldude7509]

@@aljoa4350 agreed

[@googleplex1589]

We saw 3 of these mk4's destroyed till now.

[@tacticooldude7509]

@@googleplex1589 oh wow i only saw the one and i thought it was the APC version.

[@googleplex1589]

@@tacticooldude7509 I can send you the links if you want.

[@zivunknown]

Just to clarify (paused at 2:18) , we do have more ranks above the displyed SSG, of course, and they used to server for 3 years (SSGs), back in my time, but now I believe that has been cut down to 32 months.

[@Foreign0817]

When a US army vet who volunteers for the IDF runs into a US soldier who's former IDF. 👁👄👁

[@firasajoury7813]

So you kill children in both Iraq and Palestine nice multitasking stuff

[@lukejohnston4666]

The power of Aliyah.

[@philippeszwarcbart6507]

How did that encounter go? What’s the story behind this?

[@Foreign0817]

@@philippeszwarcbart6507 Just a hypothetical, as I've heard of foreign volunteers. But I did run into 2 former IDF in the army. One an SSG at NTC, the other an SPC at the PX.

[@mo_ops9426]

the us solider has honor and doesn’t shoot at children and mothers 🤷‍♀️ the idf brainwashes you to be genocidal to indigenous nations. they dehumanize entire ethnicities of people by saying they’re hamas, more than 30 Air force personnel have signed for conscientious objector and Aaron Bushnell lighting himself on fire in protest of the genocide

[@dnauel9700]

Could we perhaps get a video on Israel's paratrooper brigade?

[@k53847]

Abrams was found to be most effective with 3 tank platoons, but due to availability/reliability issues the Army went with 4 tanks per platoon so you would always have at least 3 tanks per platoon. Apparently platoon effectiveness goes off a cliff when you go from 3 to 2 tanks.

[@Kazako83]

I’ve heard that most infantry platoons have at least 3 units so that one can be covering and one can be in reserve while one moves. So you always have a covering group, maneuver group and a group you can quickly move to reinforce. I’d imagine the concept could apply for tanks.

[@bradleyheck7204]

The critters DO get red-lined a lot. Most tanks do. They start tearing themselves apart the instant they begin to move under their own power.

[@ditzydoo4378]

A two-tank platoon with supporting infantry/engineer elements makes far more sense in the modern fluid urban warfare environment. This being a Company of ten tanks forming in effect 5-plattons is far easier to field/maintain/control/direct and employ.

[@stephenkaiser9780]

Excellent presentation!

[@simondarr8181]

Fairly accurate description with some exceptions. There are a couple of mistakes in your division - brigade diagram. The you are missing 2 sub units at the brigade level. Oh... and the rings on the cannon do not indicate the battalion number within the brigade.

[@Super_Black1]

Jewish Engineering at its most original

[@sprypuma4007]

13k gold from the sponsor thing? dammm , thats good ngl

[@tw1r0y]

The moto of the Israeli armoured unit is “the man in the tank will win” mainly referring to the quality of the soldiers as the secret weapon. Israel has really high quality soldiers as it has mandatory conscription. It offers these 18yo kids from all backgrounds a lot of freedom to innovate, be creative and due to the small size of the country you can almost always see the lights of the nearby town you’re defending so you know why you cannot afford to lose.

[@yossi3008]

You should make a video about the new Markaba 5

[@dongraf1222]

Pretty cool organization. Looks very practical. But not sure how the units stay combat effective if they start taking losses. The companies and battalions seem very thin.

[@jb76489]

Fortunately Palestinian children are pretty light on anti-armor weapons so casualties are unlikely

[@sharonmx]

@@jb76489 they seem to use most of it on civilian buses, quite a waste if you ask me.

[@yourmomslover2288]

Well its enough against Palestinian childs with stones but against armies the Performance wasnt good (Libanon war)

[@deven6518]

Well, they dont face anything serious, but we'll see.

[@MyReiners]

By having 2 tank platoons, they can act like independent units on a smaller level. They did the same thing in the Yom Kippur war. Even if only two tanks remain in a company they can still independent act. And in a hit and run scenario a 2 man platoon can still hold an enemy tank company. A 2 tank platoon with an infantry platoon in an urban environment can easily pin down a battalion for some time. Also you see that effect in the Ukraine war there you see one or 2 tanks supporting a infantry platoon (with artillery on call support) performing better than Combined Arms companies/ battalions. Personal, I think small units will be warfare for the coming decades. 30 man infantry (with sensor and recon /AT capabilities) with 2 tanks support would be very effective in future warfare. The effectiveness of sensors and AT/artillery will make lager armour operations a thing of the past.

[@dannyzero692]

I wonder if the Merkava could use some ERA blocks on the sides and rear seeing how much RPG fire they took especially in urban area? Weight already isn't a big concern for Israel due to the lack of rivers and mobility requirements. ERA blocks won't counter some ATGMs that Hezbollah like to use but they would help to improve the protection and composites, even though they are great at stopping RPG fire there's no such thing as being too safe. Replace the smoke launcher with frag grenades is also an option on older Merkavas without APS since you can damage the very delicate and expensive radar.

[@maxjohnson6815]

they could and as you said "Weight already isn't a big concern for Israel due to the lack of rivers and mobility requirements." the main reason is the effectivness of composite armor of nato tanks now the challengers, abrams and lecrlercs do have era but thats because their side isnt the same as mekavas the merk has a 400mm compisite side armor (it may be less than 400mm but there is a screen there) that protects from medium cannon fire and heat warheads. ofc it doesnt stop from merks getting disabled if not blown up as we did suffer couple loses so far in the new gaza war and as you seen in ukro war the tanks went from being "stock/naked" to having added extra protection cope cages and all other stuff and im sure we will see reactive armor on merks soon

[@bluntpunk83]

very informative. im sure hamas is grateful for your work

[@Rangerluck]

This info does not help any Enemy

[@Alguien644]

This is outdated, but there are some comments explaining the updated versions

[@jonathanj.3695]

Huh... They operate pretty similar to a U.S. mechanized brigade.

[@thecorason6286]

now Israel have the new mrkava siman 4 barak, or just the Barak tank , with the highest tecnology like AI

[@earnestbrown6524]

0:20 That is a sweet shot.

[@CrimsonJ3ster]

Can we get a video about Israel MBT it's such an amazing tank designed to fit Israel's needs with amazing tech

[@AntonAdelson]

Tbh there are a TON of videos about it already. My favorite is the one from German museum

[@CrimsonJ3ster]

@@AntonAdelson yeah but I like this guy's content

[@hooks4638]

It might help if you explain that they read right to left instead of left to right.

[@juanzulu1318]

Also interesting: the Israeli army seems to have adopted the concept of the Wehrmacht's Panzer Lehr Division. I guess this is a good idea as the downside of this concept (having no experienced trainers in training duty) is most probably irrelevant in Israel's strategic situation: any war in which Israel might be heavily involved will not last long enough that a new generation of conscripts needs to be trained. It is all or nothing for them.

[@recoil53]

Hasn't Israel had a 6 day war and a 19 day war? I agree it's serious. At the same time they don't seem to be surrounded by countries with great planners

[@mrrosenthal85]

Wehrmacht's Panzer Lehr Division. what concept are you referring to

[@juanzulu1318]

@@mrrosenthal85 the concept of taking the experienced teachers from the training schools/camps and create a combat unit out of them. It is shortly mentioned in the vid.

[@Sam_Guevenne]

This is correct the new Brigade is called Ghost and is all about hitting hard and finishing the fight quickly.

[@Cherb123456]

Thank you!

[@juanzulu1318]

Very interesting. Never heard of 2-tank platoons. I mean, a two tank unit can make sense, just as two half-squads makes sense. But calling such a mini unit platoon sounds a bit strange.

[@BattleOrder]

The other big example I could think of 2-tank platoons was Soviet heavy tank platoons and assault guns during WW2

[@rossg4788]

More like what we in the US Army would call a Section instead of PLT

[@BattleOrder]

@@rossg4788 In terms of size yes, but in the Israeli case those 2 tanks have an officer commanding them and they'd be commonly split up to support an infantry unit/patrol alone. So a little more independent than an American section

[@aztec0112]

Excellent information!

[@alanstrong55]

Israel takes its armed forces quite seriously. No choice matter. It is not afraid to fight right back. Takes much more rigorous training to even serve. High rather high standards. God bless the nation of Israel and its armed forces.

[@renato9590]

Make a video explaining how the formation of the fronts happens in wars!

[@umbra6772]

Waiting to see how these brigades and divisions function with the land assault

[@aljoa4350]

Tanks in urban combat is asking a very easy way to get ambushed and flanked. I don't think they would be using tanks inside the Gaza Strip. More like trying to secure the borders where theres like open ground. We would probably see more IFVs than tanks in the battle.

[@umbra6772]

@@aljoa4350 I know but with other countries getting involved it's possible to see another tank battle not big but small. But I do agree I am excited to see some ifv use to get to urban areas.

[@aljoa4350]

@@umbra6772 i don't think the Hamas even has heavy armor. We would probably see technicals being used in this battle.

[@umbra6772]

@@aljoa4350 I'm not so much saying Hamas moreso Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria as well potentially

[@umbra6772]

@@aljoa4350 But ya technicals are a staple for these kinds of things

[@chung729chung]

Their tanks can carry dismounts, I think it’s smart!!