IDF’s First Female Tank Crew Prevents Drug Smuggling Along Egypt Border

Deep in the Negev desert, a historic scene unfolds as a pair of Merkava IV tanks are manned by Israel’s first all-female tank crews. These trailblazing women are vigilantly guarding the Egyptian border, standing ready to thwart any potential threats.

This stretch of border, one of Israel’s longest at 240 kilometers, has seen peace with Egypt for over 40 years. Yet, it remains a hotbed of activity for the IDF, with frequent smuggling attempts and terror attacks from the Islamic State’s Sinai Province.

Operating under the command of the Paran Brigade, these female tank crews are part of the mixed-gender Caracal Battalion. This deployment is a second pilot program assessing the feasibility of integrating women into the IDF’s Armored Corps.

Nineteen women initially joined this pilot, undergoing rigorous training alongside mixed-gender Border Defense units before continuing their specialized training at Shizafon Base, the IDF’s Armored Corps School. Eventually, ten women were deployed to the Egyptian border, taking on operational duties under the Caracal Battalion’s command.

Cpl. Noam Hen, a driver of one of the tanks, shares her awe at handling such a powerful vehicle. “Driving a tank is not like driving a car,” she explains, noting the unique dangers faced inside the tank, beyond the threats outside.

The female crews perform identical tasks to their male counterparts, from basic training to executing operational orders. “The hardest part is maintaining the tank,” Hen admits. “It needs constant care and attention.”

Despite initial skepticism and the rigorous demands of tank operation, these women have demonstrated remarkable resilience and competence. They have proven their capabilities through extensive training and active duty, addressing challenges such as long hours inside the tank and the physical demands of loading shells.

The success of this pilot program could lead to more opportunities for women in combat roles within the IDF, though female tank crews will be deployed only to border areas, not enemy territories. The outcome will be determined by various factors, including long-term operational effectiveness.

Women have fought for years to reclaim their right to serve in combat roles, with the IDF now offering an estimated 90% of its positions to women, including roles in the Navy, Home Front Command, and Artillery Corps. The Navy’s new Sa’ar 6 missile ships, for instance, will feature female sailors comprising 25% of the crew.

While there are still restrictions on women serving in certain elite units, the progress made is significant. Critics argue that integrating women into combat units is a risky social experiment, but the female soldiers and their supporters see it as a crucial step toward equality and maximizing military potential.

For Cpl. Noam Hen and her peers, their mission is clear: to protect Israel, just like their male counterparts. As Hen proudly states, “We are proving that women can do everything. We are proving the stigma wrong.”

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