Seventy Years of the IDF C4I Corps
Version 1.01
Copyright © The Association for the Commemoration of the Fallen Soldiers of the IDF Signal Corps, Yehud-Monoson, Israel, 2018
Col. (Ret.) Daniel Rosenne
1 Haganah Ribbon Remembering 1948-1949 War of Independence 1956 Sinai Campaign
Our Fallen 1967 Six Day War
1967-1970 War of Attrition 574 of our comrades in arms fell 1973 Yom Kippur War doing their duty We didn’t forget and shall not forget 1982 Peace for Galilee War 2006 Second Lebanon War And the sound was heard afar off 2014 Operation Protective Edge (Ezra 2, 13) 2 Haganah Signal Service
The Haganah Signal Service was established in 1937, and became the IDF Signal Corps in October 1948 3 Palestine was Captured by British Forces During WWI
The British Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF), moving Northwards from Egypt, captured Palestine from the Ottoman Empire during 1917-1918 NILI (Hebrew acronym for “the Eternal One of Israel will not lie”) a Jewish espionage network, operating from Atlit, provided the EEF with vital intelligence The Royal Fusiliers Brigade “Jewish Legion” included three Jewish Battalions (38, 39 & 40) that took active part in the fighting In 1922, the League of Nations gave Britain a mandate for administration of Palestine and Trans-Jordan, “until such time as they are able to stand alone.“ Modern Israel was formed during the British mandate The Jewish population grew during the mandate period from 84,000 to 650,000 4 The Haganah Jewish defense force developed during the British Mandate The Haganah was established in 1920 The 1920 Arab riots were the catalyst, as the need for Jewish defense force became evident The Arab riots developed to the Arab Revolt (1936-1939) The Haganah cooperated with British security forces by forming the Jewish Settlement Police, Jewish Supernumerary Police and Special Night Squads The Haganah developed HQ organization, professional services (Intelligence, Signal, Medical), and field forces With three main operational units: Field Corps, Guard Corps, Palmach During WWII, the Haganah cooperated with the British authorities Since 1940, 30,000 Palestinian Jews enlisted to the British forces The Jewish Brigade group was formed in 1943, and was deployed as part of the 8th Army in North Africa and Italy 5 The Haganah Signal Service was established in April 1937 The Arab Revolt (1936-1939) intensified Haganah communications requirements Visual signaling, carrier pigeons and fixed telephony were not satisfactory and the use of radio began As a lesson from visual signaling experience, in which each area used different methods, it was decided to build a single, unified Service The heads of the Signal Service were Simcha Even-Zoar, Yerachmiel Belkin (Since Feb. 1942) and Yaakov Yanai (since Nov. 1945) The Signal Service developed clandestine fixed radio networks, comprehensive training and a logistics
support system 6 Visual Signaling - Flags
Flag signaling team (watcher, writer, sender), 1942 Flag Signaling, Nahalal, 1938 Courtesy of Haganah archive, 3001 Photo by Zoltan Kluger. Courtesy State Archive 7 Visual Signaling - Lights
Dual Mirror Heliograph Lucas Signaling Lamp 8 Carrier Pigeons
Pigeon loft, 1939 The proper way to hold a pigeon, 1939 9 “Music” – 10 Watts HF Morse transceiver concealed inside a household radio, 1940’s
10 Clandestine HF radio station, Kibutz Dorot, 1940’s
Courtesy Government Press office, National Photo Collection, D285-029
11 Clandestine Public Broadcasting
Broadcast transmitter in a suitcase Y. Lavi broadcasting Photo by Zoltan Kluger. Courtesy GPO, National Photo Archive, D814-062 Photo by Zoltan Kluger. Courtesy GPO, National Photo Archive, D814-067 12 Gideonim – Unique & Dramatic Activity Gideonim were the Signal Service radio operators serving the Mossad Le’aliya Bet, Haganah illegal immigration (Ha’apala) and arms smuggling organization All volunteers, extremely dedicated, in tough and dangerous missions This operation was a response to the British 1939 White Paper, limiting Jewish immigration A network enabling command & control of complex operations was established with meagre resources Transmitters and receivers were created out of nothing; operators were trained; cyphers were produced Secret radio stations sprung all over Europe and the Middle East The Gideonim services were vital for the Mossad Le’aliya Bet operations Procurement of ships, fuel, food & water, hiring crews, gathering the Ma’apilim (Jewish displaced persons), preparing them for the sea voyage. The actual sea voyage – all against the might of the British empire, its secret services and military forces, trying to prevent them from reaching Palestine The Gideonim legacy serves as an inspiration to today’s Signal Corps 13 During WW2, 67,000 Palestinian Jews Volunteered to Serve in the British Armed Forces ~200 served in RCS units ~200 Served in the signal units of the Jewish Brigade Group The young Israeli Signal Corps benefited from this experience
14 The War of Independence & Establishment of the Signal Corps
The War of Independence began in November 1947, following the UN Partition Plan, and lasted until July 1949 15 The Establishment of the Signal Corps The Signal Corps was established during the War of Independence, on 14 October 1948 The Haganah Signal Service became the IDF Signal Corps. Yaacov Yanai (Yan), head of the Signal Service, became Signal Corps CO The Signal Service, with PM David Ben-Gurion’s support, secretly purchased in the US on the eve of the war large quantities of military surplus equipment This equipment, that only partially arrived, was the basis for communication in the field units In an overall organization effort, signal units were formed, support systems were founded, a logistics system was created Most of the Signal officers were veterans of the Jewish Brigade Group, using British procedures & methods By the end of the War, Signal Corps manpower was 3,500 strong 16 The Signal Corps developed a comprehensive Military Communications Setup “Historical” communications means: Carrier pigeons – used until 1957 Visual signaling – used until early 1950s Radio Communications: HF, VHF & UHF The Signal Corps motto: Line communications: Field wire The message shall go Civilian network through Operated by the civilian PTT Manual switchboards Military post & courier System Military ciphers 17 Carrier pigeons
Pigeongram: the last message from Neve Yaacov Attaching a leg canister with a pigeongram, 1948 (Neve Yaacov surrended to the Arab Legion on 16 May 1948) Curtsey Lea Ziglar Courtesy Haganah Archive, 0054/DC/122 - 02049 18 Radio Equipment
SCR-300 VHF SCR-536 HF (Walkie Talkie) (Handie Talkie) Wireless Set No. 19 HF/UHF 19 Morse code training, 1948
Courtesy Israel Defense Forces and Defense Establishment Archives (IDFA), B/8476/0
20 Radio Network, 3rd Battalion, Yiftach Brigade, Operations in the Negev, Summer 1948
Curtsey IDFA, 20406 21 The girl with the revolver: Ziva Arbel, the first female Signal Officer, 3rd Battalion, Yiftach Brigade, during the Lod and Ramlah battle, July 1948
Photo by Boris Carmy. Courtesy Meitar collection, 14868 22 Radio operator using a 19 Set in an armored car, in a convoy to besieged Jerusalem
Courtesy Photo Gallery, Palmach Museum, 190 23 Radio operator with 19 Set, Migdal Zedek operation, July 1948
Courtesy IDFA, B/8179/0
24 SCR-300, fighting in Jerusalem, April 1948
Photo by Y Aizenstrak. Courtesy IDFA, Aizenstrak collection, 239/0
25 Major Felix Batos, CO 1st Tank Battalion (the single tank battalion in the IDF) using 19 Set, battle for Lod, July 1948
1st company spoke English, 2nd company spoke Russian. As know one new both languages, orders were given in Yiddish
Photo by B. Rutenberg. Cutesy State Archive, Rutenberg collection 26 Signal lesson, 82nd Armored Battalion, Summer 1948
Photo by B. Rutenberg. Courtesy Meitar collection, 3574 27 Repairing field wire, campaign in the Negev, October 1948
Photo by D. Eldan. Courtesy GPO, National Photo Archive, D083-024 28 Secure Communications
Tactical Cipher Disk #1 One-Time Pad Hebrew Vigenère Table 29 Signal support Workshop, April 1949
Courtesy GPO, National Photo Archive, D381-026 30 Signal Corps female soldiers with SCR-536, Parade in Tel Aviv, July 1949
Photo by D. Eldan. Courtesy GPO, National Photo Archive, D145-046 31 Sinai Campaign
October – November 1956 Within 100 hours, the Sinai peninsula was occupied and the blockade of Israeli shipping in the Straits of Tiran was removed
32 From the War of Independence to the Sinai Campaign (1)
The period between the War of Independence and the Sinai Campaign was the “Austerity Period” (Tkufat haTsena) Between 1948 & 1958, Jewish refugees exodus from Europe and the Middle East grew Israel population from 800,00 to two million All meagre government resources were dedicated to absorb immigration and provide basic population needs (food, housing, basic services) IDF was de-mobilized, downsized and operated under continuous budget crisis During this period, IDF Command & Control basics were developed IDF was rebuilt as a modern, professional military system Regional commands were formed Divisional HQ’s were formed & trained, as ad-hoc operational HQ’s The concept was slow moving infantry warfare
33 From the War of Independence to the Sinai Campaign (2) The Signal Corps went through major transformation Secure teleprinters in fixed sites Air support coordination network, based on SCR-193 high-power HF equipment and dedicated vehicles Mobile multichannel Radio-Telephone network, based on AN/TRC-1 VHF RT System Armor units radio communications, based on SCR-508/608 FM VHF Infantry Units radio communications based on SCR-300 VHF FM backpacks & SCR-536 HF AM handhelds First VHF FM PRC-6 hand-talkies & PRC-9/10 manpacks arrived at the eve of the Sinai campaign During this period, the Signal Corps CO’s were: Lt. Col. Yaakov Yanai Col. Yitzhak Almog (since Nov 1949) Col. Arial Amiad (Since Aug 1954) 34 Armored Units Communications Was Based On SCR-508 VHF Radio
Tank company commander, Captain J. Even, using SCR-508 from the turret of M4A1 Sherman tank BC-604, Radio Transmitter of Photo by B. Carmi. Courtesy IDFA, Bamahane 1 collection, 432/45 SCR-508 VHF System 35 First PRC-6 & PRC-9/10 radios arrived on the eve of the Sinai Campaign
PRC-6 VHF FM Walkie Talkie PRC-10 VHF FM Backpack 36 Multichannel Radio-Telephone
4 Channel Telephone Radio Receiver R-19/TRC-1 Radio Transmitter T-14/TRC-1 terminal CF-1 with EE-1 Ringers 37 Antenna System AS-19/TRC-1 (12 or 15m) with AS-20/TRC-1 antenna
38 Field Wire Communications
CE-11 Reel EE-8 Field Telephone טל8-
Laying field wire WD-1/TT using DR- BD-71 Switchboard 15 Reel & RL-27 Axel Axel RL-31 with RL-17 Reel 39 HF Air Support Coordination Equipment
Fixed Radio Transmitter Radio Receiver BC-348 Radio Transmitter BC-191 MI-8167 40 HF Air Support Coordination network in action, Mitla pass, Sinai campaign
Radio Operator A. Molodic in action Air Support Request Telegram Photo by A. Vered. Courtesy IDFA, Bamahane 1 collection, 1343/1098 Courtesy Dr. A Gilay, IDF Paratrooper's History Site 41 Secure Communications
TG-356 – Nazi Germany “Enigma” cipher machine TG-2022, off-line teleprinter cipher machine Equipment was converted into Hebrew but never used, as it was using one-time key decided the machines do not provide adequate security
42 Motor Messenger
Scheduled & special messengers were important communications means
Photo by A. Vered. Courtesy IDFA, Bamahane 1 collection, 322/15 43 2nd Lt. D. Shalit, Signal Officer, 88 paratroop battalion, Mitla Pass (2nd Lt. Shalit received Medal of Courage for his part in the battle)
D. Shalit coordinating AMX-13 Tank using Exterior D. Shalit with the battalion CO, tank-infantry telephone Lt. Col. Motta Gur 44 Photo by A. Vered. Courtesy IDFA, Bamahane 1 collection, 1323/69 Photo by A. Vered. Courtesy IDFA, Bamahane 1 collection, 1343/137 Radio Diagram of the Paratroop Brigade, Mitla Pass battle
45 The Six Day War
June 1967
46 From the 1956 Sinai Campaign to the 1967 Six Day War (1)
The IDF underwent major transformation Changing from infantry to mobile armored army Increase order of battle scale and deployment of modern arms The signal Corps changed accordingly Doctrine, equipment, training, exercises In 1961, the Corps was renamed as Signal & Electronics Corps During this period, the Signal & Electronics Corps CO’s were: Col. Yeshaiahu Lavi (since Sept. 1957) Col. Zalman Shalev (since June 1962) Col Moshe Gidron (since Aug. 1966) 47 From the 1956 Sinai Campaign to the 1967 Six Day War (2)
Command & Control systems were re-formed Communications vehicles & shelters were institutionalized Division & Brigade HQ’s were built as independent bodies Until then, they were based on teams provided by higher echelons The motto “the message shall go through” was replaced by “Communications – for the commander’s command & control” High degree of training & modern equipment allowed implementation of radio silence, creating tactical surprise “Sadin Adom”, the code to break radio silence, became one of the war symbols WWII surplus equipment was replaced VHF tactical radio was converted to GRC-127/8 and PRC-9/10 HF radio was converted to modern SSB equipment Radio telephone systems were upgraded with Tel-401 carrier equipment Fixed telephony, based on PTT circuits, was widely deployed 48 Radio Networks, Tank Battalion
49 55 Paratroop Brigade Forward CP, fighting in Jerusalem
Photo by A. Zuker. Courtesy IDFA, Bamahane 1 collection, 6200/2009 50 10 Armored Brigade Forward CP, fighting North of Jerusalem
51 Morse code training for radio operators, Signal Corps School, 1959
Photo by Fox. Courtesy IDFA, Bamahane 1 collection, 2439/78 52 Signal training for tank crews, Armor school, 1966
Photo by B. Carmi. Courtesy Meitar collection, 36233 53 GRC VHF Radio Set
Receiver-Transmitter RT-67/GRC with Radio Receiver R-109/GRC Power supply PP-112/GR 54 GRC VHF Radio
Contorl Box C-375/VRC Centurion Tank Commander with GRC Helmet Photo by F. Cohen. Courtesy GPO, National Photo Archive, D325-017 55 HF SSB Radio
Collins 618T (ARC-102) SSB Transceiver & Control Box 618T Mounted in M3 Half-track, in Dust-proof container Courtesy Rockwell-Collins 56 Air Support Coordination
Air Support Coordination M3 Half-track UHF Radio Set AN/VRC-24 57 Multichannel Radio-Telephone
RT Vehicle with telescopic mast and AS-20/TRC-1 antenna Tel-401 four channel carrier Courtesy IDFA, 77920/0 equipment 58 Teleprinters
T-100
T-68
LO-15 Photo by Fox. Courtesy IDFA, Bamahane 1 collection, 2439/83 59 Switchboards
Switchboard BD-91, 1959 Switchboard Model 96, late sixties Photo by Fox. Courtesy IDFA, Bamahane 1 collection, 2439/23 Photo by Bamahabe. Courtesy IDFA, Bamahane 1 collection, 1024/1 60 Early Computers & IT Systems
Philco mainframe, 1962 Punch card machines, early sixties Courtesy Mamram Archive Courtesy Mamram Archive 61 War of Attrition
July 1967-August 1970
Yom Kippur War
October 1973
62 From the Six Day War to the Yom Kippur War (1) The new dispositions, after the Six day war, changed the defense doctrine The pre-emptive strike doctrine, such as the Sinai Campaign or the Six day war, changed to a two stage strategy First stage: the regular forces will halt enemy attack Second stage: rapid mobilization of reserve forces to take war to the enemy’s ground This required defense positions and fortification of the six day war ceasefire lines Battle order doubled First priority – Air Force Second priority – Armored Corps Division replaced Brigade as basic Army unit 63 From the Six Day War to the Yom Kippur War (2)
Egypt initiated the War of Attrition The major fighting was 0n the Egyptian front 33 strongholds (Maozim) were built on the Suez Canal, later 11 more (Taozim) were added Terrorist activity in Gaza erupted and was contained As terrorist activity in Judea and Samaria was contained, the Jordan River front became a major front The Syrian front escalated Failure to attack Israel across its borders initiated terrorist activity against Jewish and Israeli targets abroad IDF made numerous raids behind enemy lines The War of Attrition was long and tough 64 From the Six Day War to the Yom Kippur War (3)
The period was characterized by intensive activity: Besides doubling the battle order – renewal of main communications systems: HF, VHF & UHF radio, as well as Radio Telephone, was replaced by modern advanced equipment Major investment in fixed cable infrastructure and communication sites Underground cables were laid to all strongholds on the front lines Intense training and exercises, parallel to high level of operational activity Keeping high level of readiness During this period, the Signal & Electronics Corps CO’s were: Brig. Gen. Moshe Gidron (since Aug. 1966) Brig. Gen. Shlomo Inbar (since Aug 1972)
65 VRC VHF Radio Set
Radio Receiver Automatic Receiver Transmitter Manual Receiver Transmitter R-442/VRC TR-246/VRC RT-524/VRC
66 PRC VHF Radio
AN/VRC-53 (RT-505 with AM-2060 power Receiver-Transmitter, Radio RT-505/PRC-25
Supply & Audio Amplifier 67 Armored vehicles Intercom System
C-2298 Crew C-2742 Channel Intercom Control Station
C-203 C-2297 Driver Emergency Intercom Station Amplifier
Armor Crews Communications Training 68 AN/GRC-106 HF SSB Radio Set
Operation of AN/GRC-106 in a APC AN/GRC-106 69 Modern UHF AM Radio
Vehicular Set VRC-240 Receiver Transmitter RT-6241/PRC-660
70 Radio Networks, Tank Battalion 71 Field Telephony
Field Telephone TA-312/PT Field Switchboard SB-22/PT 72 Modern Radio Telephone Equipment (1)
UHF Antenna Array AN-1200 UHF Radio Relay FM-200 73 Modern Radio Telephone Equipment (2)
Radio telephone shelter on M3 Half-track Radio telephone APC’s, Sinai front, Yom Kippur War 74 Troposcatter Link antennas, Sharm el-Sheikh, 1971
75 Laying Coaxial Cable in Sinai
Cable Plow Repeater Housing 76 GHQ telephone switchboard, late 70’s
77 “Maoz” - stronghold on the Suez Canal
Photo by A. Doron. Courtesy IDFA, regular collection, 110616/5 78 Signal Corps operator in a Maoz, 1969
Photo by H. Miller. Courtesy IDFA, Bamahane 1 collection, 6821/46 79 Wireless Position, Maoz CP
80 PPS-5 Radar
Photo by A. Shimchoni. Courtesy IDFA, Bamahane 2 collection, 902/2 81 EW Platoon, Sinai, Yom Kippur War
Photo by Morris. Courtesy IDFA, Bamahane 1 collection, 8320/515 82 Computing & IT focused on Logistics & Human Resources
Technology development enabled I/O upgrade: from punched cards to remote terminals
Courtesy Mamram Archive 83 Infantry Brigade Forward CP
35 Paratroop Brigade, Operation “Rhodes” – raid on Shadwan Island, Gulf of Suez, January 1970
Courtesy IDFA, IDF Spokesman collection, 93/12 84 Armored Brigade Forward CP
7 Armored Brigade, Golan Heights, Yom Kippur War
Courtesy “Yad Lashirion”, Armor Corps Society 85 43 Armored Division Forward CP, Tasa Camp, Sinai, Yom Kippur War
Photo by E. Hen. Courtesy IDFA, Bamahane Nahal collection, 3719/40 86 36 Armored Division Forward CP, Golan Heights, Yom Kippur War
Photo by A. Vered. Courtesy IDFA, Bamahane 1 collection, 8320/1630 87 South Regional Command Forward CP Sinai, Yom Kippur War
Courtesy IDFA, IDF Spokesman collection, R/4063/1 88 Peace for Galilee War
June - August 1982
89 From the Yom Kippur War to the Peace for Galilee War (1)
Peace treaties with Egypt (1979) & Jordan (1994) IDF withdraws from Sinai Peninsula Major effort to increase IDF decisive power Doubling order of battle Air Force, Armor & Artillery modernization, with generous US support Establishing Corps, as ad-hoc operational HQ During this period, the Signal & Electronics Corps CO’s were: Brig. Gen. Shlomo Inbar (since Aug 1972) Brig. Gen. Israel Zamir (since Oct. 1975)
Brig. Gen. Zvi Amid (since Aug 1979) 90 From the Yom Kippur War to the Peace for Galilee War (2) Signal & Electronics underwent major changes: Finalized GRC / PRC-9/10 VHF radio replacement by VRC / PRC-25/77 Secure and EW protected radio networks Radio-Telephone digitization and security Command & communications vehicles changed from half-tracks to APCs Deployment on the new border with Egypt 1975 major upgrade of Signal units in regional commands: Regional Command Signal officer’s rank raised to Colonel Separation of staff from operational functions 1979 separation of fixed services battalion from mobile services battalion In 1979, The signal & Electronics Corps became responsible for Computers & IT
Corps’ name changed to C3 (Command, Control & Computers) Corps 91 35 Paratroop Brigade, Forward CP, Peace for Galilee War
Following amphibious landing north of Sidon, cutting off the retreat of PLO forces
Photo by M. Zarfati. Courtesy IDFA, Bamahane 1 collection, 1640/382
92 Outboard Signal position on M-113 APC
93 Communications Node, Radio Telephone & VHF Radio, early 80’s
94 Teleprinter Room, GHQ, 1980
Peace for Galilee war was the last war in which telepointers were widely used
Photo by Bamahane. Courtesy IDFA, Bamahane 2 collection, 451/2 95 Digital Troposcatter Link, Forward CP, Aley – NE Beirut, August 1982
96 Military Telephone Switchboard, late 80’s
97 Broadband Microwave Links A broadband network, built in the early stage of the war, connected sites in Lebanon to the Northern Command and GHQ
Antenna Communication Maintenance Shelter covered in snow by snow conditions
98 Artillery Radars
Shilem Cymbeline Advanced artillery radar, 50 km range Mortar locating radar, 20 km range 99 “Armon” artillery computer in M577 armored command vehicle
100 Data communications Team, Mainframe installation, 1982
Courtesy Mamram Archive 101 EW company
102 Modern Times: the last 30 years
In May 2017, the C4I Directorate (J6) name changed to C4I & Cyber Defense Directorate In September 2017, the C4I Corps & Cyber Defense Directorate received a new turquoise beret 103 Events since Peace for Galilee War (1) Fighting in South Lebanon IDF withdraws from South Lebanon in May 2000 Hezbollah, backed by Iran, built a massive rockets and missiles force, targeting Israel Fighting with the Palestinians Intifada, violent uprising against the IDF, began in December 1987 During the 90’s, Oslo Peach process began, and the Palestinian Authority was formed Second Intifada broke out in September 2000 Operation Defensive Shield, March-May 2002, restored IDF control over the West Bank Israel unilateral disengagement from Gaza in September 2005 Following 2006 elections, Hamas controls Gaza Wars in Iraq 1990-1991 Gulf War (Desert Shield, Desert Storm) 2003 invasion of Iraq War in Syria 2018 operations against Iranian forces in Syria 104 Events since Peace for Galilee War (2) Second Lebanon War, July-August 2006 During 34 days of military conflict, 4,000 rockets were fired on Israel, 119 Israeli soldiers and 45 Israeli civilians were killed, many were wounded and major material damage occurred War results were criticized, resulting in resignation of Minister of Defense, Chief of Staff and several high ranking officers Series of activities against Hamas in Gaza Operation First Rain, Sept.-Oct. 2005, aerial offensive in response to rockets fired on Israel Operation Summer Rains, June-Nov. 2006, ground offensive to suppress rocket firing, prompted by Hamas raid killing two Israeli soldiers and capturing one Israeli soldier Operation Hot Winter, ground and air response to rocket firing on Israel Operation Cast Lead, Dec. 2008- Jan. 2009, ground and air response to indiscriminate rocket attacks on Israel Operation Pillar of Defense, Nov. 2012, ground and air response to 100 rocket fired within 24 hours For the first time, Iron Dome missile defense system successfully intercepted rockets Operation protective Edge, July-Aug. 2014, massive land, air & sea response to heavy rocket firing
Israel’s first NCW (Network Centric Warfare) 105 IDF Developments since Peace for Galilee War
IDF took several steps, adapting to changing conditions and developing military superiority under budget constraints Ground Forces re-organization 1993 reform – creation of Land Field Forces HQ, preparing land forces for the new age 1999 reform – upgrading to Ground arm Command 2017 reform - the Ground Arm was upgraded. Alongside Air & Sea Arms Technology and Logistics Directorate was integrated in the Ground Arm Air, Sea and Intelligence Arms developed and strengthened Reorganization of C4I & Cyber Defense
106 C4I Developments since Peace for Galilee War Re-organization of Signal, Electronics & Computers Corps 1994 – establishment of Computers & IT Division 1999 – The Corps was subordinated to the Logistics & technology Directorate Operations Directorate (J3) took over command of the Computer & IT Division Establishment of C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers & Information) Directorate (J6) The Directorate was established in March 2003, and took over control of the Signal, Electronics & Computers Corps, which changed its name in May 2004 to C4I Corps Lotem, Communications & Information technology Division, was formed In December 2005, command of the Corps was transferred to the Land Arm. In February 2008, command of the Corps was returned to the C4I Directorate Large investments in C4I, EW & Cyber In January 2016, the Cyber Defense Division was established In May 2017, the Directorate’s name was changed to C4I & Cyber Defense Directorate Directorate’s mission changed from combat support to combat command 107 Commanding Officers since Peace for Galilee War C4I & Cyber Defense Directorate CO’s: Maj. Gen, Yitzhak Harel, since March 2003 Maj. Gen. Udi Shani, since December 2003 Maj. Gen. Ami Shafran, since November 2006 Maj. Gen. Uzi Moscovitch, since October 2011 Maj Gen. Nadav Padan, since June 2016 Maj. Gen. Lior Carmeli, since February 2018 C4I Corps CO’s: Brig. Gen. Zvi Amid, since August 1979 Brig. Gen. Shmulik Keinan, since September 2005 Brig. Gen. Motti Bar-Dagan, since September 1982 Brig. Gen. Nahum Baslo, since September Brig. Gen. Benny Meidan ,since September 1986 2008 Brig. Gen. Shlomo Waxe, since May 1990 Brig. Gen. Eyal Zelinger, since September Brig. Gen Avihu Distelman, since September 1991 2011 Brig. Gen. Hertzel Hallali, since September 1996 Brig. Gen. Nethanel Cohen, since July Brig. Gen. Moshe Markowitz, since July 1999 2015 Brig. Gen. Arnon Zu-Aretz, since August 2002 Brig. Ge, Yariv Nir, Since May 2018 108 C4I Development since Peace for Galilee (1)
VHF modernization Even Yekara, broadband HF modernization infrastructure, Operational since 1987 UHF modernization Satellite communications Radio-Telephone Operational since 2005 modernization Vered Harim Mobile Tactical switching Secure Cellular Telephony modernization Operational since 2005 Digital Mobile Troposcatter Command & Control This capability went out of service in the Transformation early 2000’s 109 C4I Development since Peace for Galilee (2) Messaging – and transformation to e-mail Orot Habama military secure messaging system became operational in 1989, and was replaced by e-mail in 2006 Ground based radars systems Efroni, Nurit, Raz Relocation South Corps main training base moved to Ir Habahadim - the “City of Training Bases” - in May 2016 Corps technology & Support units are planned for relocation to a new Beer Sheba campus in 2022 Boosting Cyber Defense capabilities Improving electromagnetic spectrum management & Control
Important military operational space 110 Network Centric Warfare (NCW)
The last two decades are characterized by a radical change in modern warfare, adopting NCW and Intelligence Based Warfare (IBW) concepts The vision of networked IDF, multi-service C4ISR system covering all operational activity, became reality Real time OODA (Observation - Orientation - Decision - Action) loop, secure communications, C4ISR systems and leveraging the power of information by the fighting force are important battlefield elements Information dominance provides the IDF with lethal battlefield capabilities High degree of information superiority, achieving operational advantage, the key for decisive victory Enabling multi-service force to operate as a unified force Quality Information, immediate fusion and high speed distribution substitutes space and maneuvering The Network space, Cyber sphere, is an additional warfare dimension The C4I Directorate’s mission changed from combat support to combat command
111 Modern Digital VHF Radio
Vehicular version Manpack version 112 Armored Vehicles Intercom Training
Intercom amplifier
Crewman control box
113 Modern VHF Radio
114 Vered Harim military secure cellular system
115 Military Digital Multiplexing Units
116 Radio Telephone Systems
117 C4 Shelter
118 Radio Telephone field deployment
119 Deployment of command tent between two APC’s, 1992
Photo by M. Nathan. Courtesy IDFA, Bamahane 3 collection, 4094/24 120 Satellite Communications
Satellite terminal trailer, 2015 Satellite terminal on HMMWV, 2015 121 Ground Based Radars
Raz Nurit Modern multi-mission radar 50 Km range artillery radar 122 באדיבות דובר צה"ל ואתר אגף התקשוב EW Soldier, 2017
123 Antenna Tower, 2017
124 Communications Shelter on Heavy APC, Golan Heights, 2017
Courtesy IDF spokesman
125 Preparation of C4 Shelter, 2017
Courtesy IDF spokesman 126 Antenna setup, 2017
Courtesy IDF spokesman 127 Logistics & Maintenance
The Corps attached high importance to logistics & maintenance, since its early days During the signal service period, clandestine warehouses and workshops were in operation Once the Signal Corps was established a logistics and maintenance system was created: Main depot Depots at area command and unit levels In 2011, VHF system maintenance was privatized IDF moved from buying to leasing VHF equipment, and the concession holder is responsible for meeting defined SLA High proficiency and dedication of the logistics and maintenance is the key for the successful operation of the Corps
128 Training Quality training of enlisted personal, NCO’s and officers is the essence of the Corps activity The best manpower is dedicated to training Corps main training base moved to Ir Habahadim - the “City of Training Bases” - in May 2016 Other training bases include Computers & IT school, EW school and Fixed infrastructure school Military professions and courses are in constant change Despite technology achievements and modern systems, it’s the knowledge and dedication of individual operators that will assure proper system operation
The strive for excellence characterizes the Corps training 129 The Corps’ Task: Information Dominance Since its inception as the Signal Corps, the C4I Corps went through major changes in technology & operations This presentation describes the main highlights of these changes IDF and the Corps went through many complex & difficult trials The Corps was successful in providing IDF with the tools for implementing its task and achieving victory The Corps promotes excellence and is equipped with the best technology However, this is not enough To meet its mission on the battlefields', every officer & soldier is required to give his best, dedication, resourcefulness, initiative Knowledge, professionalism and determination are the key to success The people of Israel and the IDF relay on the Corps soldiers &
officers, have faith in them and wish their success 130 Several of the Corps soldiers & officers were decorated Israel Security Award: Captain Zvi Vardiel, 1960 Medal of Courage: Zeev Milo, 1960 2nd Lt. Dan Shalit, Sinai campaign, 1956 Alex Rozen, 1960 nd 2 Lt. Zalman Peles, 1962 Col. Yeshaiau Lavi, 1968 Medal of distinguished service: Maj. Shaul Aharoni, 1969 Lt. Yigal Talmi, 1955 Maj. Abraham Granit, 1969 Corporal Moshe Israeli, 1955 Sergeant Major Yehuda Kaitz, 1969 Major David Rave, 1969 Corporal Moshe Ben-Nathan, Six Day War, 1967 Capt. Morris Ben-Zaken, 1976 Private Jacob Duanis, Six Day War, 1967 Maj. Uri Vered, 1976 Private First Class Nissim Zeira, posthumous, Six Day War, Master Sergeant Baruch Mazor, 1976 1967 Master Sergeant Jacob Pastizky, 1976 Private Moshe Krity, Six day War, 1967 Lt. Col. Egon Ron, 1976 Capt. Ephraim Fortus, Yom Kippur War, 1973 Lt. Col. Oren Hamilis, 2004 Capt. Moshe Shapira, posthumous, Yom Kippur War, 1973 Col. Rami Malachi, 2015 Chief of Staff Citation: Israel Security Award Citation: Maj. Hanan Schawartz, Yom Kippur War, 1973 Col. Abraham Granit, 1979 Head of Regional Command Citation Zvi Topman, 1979 Capt. Israel Frieder, 1979 Sergeant Maya Kupstein, 1995 Lt. Col. Daniel Rosenne, 1979 Etzel Fighting Force Medal Sergeant Major Gonen Ravid, 1979 Ruth Moritz, 1948 Capt. Ora Shoam, 1979 131 132 Photos in which rights owner is not credited are from the Thanks Association’s collection
The Association for the Commemoration of the Fallen Soldiers of the IDF Signal Corps
http://www.amutakesher.org.il 133