What gear do the local militia groups carry?
As I've mentioned before, the Israeli Government recognizes the needs of communities to defend themselves. The Police, and IDF can't be everywhere, so local militias were sanctioned.
The militia's, called First Response Teams are coordinated by the IDF.
The IDF issues M16A1 rifle, magazines and ammo, (and trains us in anti-terror and Hostage Rescue tactics).
All other gear must be purchased privately.
Here's my Kit:
Helmet, Knee and Elbow Pads, Glock 17, Glock 33 round magazines, Bayonet, Camp USA Folding Knife, Bandage, Tourniquet, Illumination Flare, Smoke Flare, Leatherman, Binoculars, Reflectiv ID Cap, Light Stick, Spare Foam Ear Plugs, and Ceramic Flack Vest.
Ammunition:
5.56 - 180 rounds
9mm - 85 rounds
It's a bit weighty, but a few workouts every week help lighten the load.
I'll try to find some related video to upload here.
20 March 2008
Local Militia Gear
Legal Weapons Storage in Israel
I was reading online at HogOnIce about how he's dealing with locking up his weapons. And it occurred to me that I haven't answered one of my reader's questions.
Where do you keep your gear?
In a Rifle Safe of course!
Here in Israel, all weapons are the sole responsibility of the owner. If you lose your weapon, you are required by law to file a police report. All weapons must be in your possession or under lock and key at all times.
A basic locally manufactured rifle safe is ideal for what I need.
An additional Pistol Safe is the perfect place to store important documents and Mrs. DoubleTapper's Glock 26 when she's not carrying.
19 March 2008
Israel to Host Talks on Women in the Military in September 2008
IDF General Staff Adviser on Female Affairs Brigadier-General Yehudit Grisaro will host an international conference on the role of women in the military in Israel in September. Participants in the three-day conference will visit IDF bases and hear from female soldiers. Lectures will focus on women’s experience in the military in countries worldwide.
Grisaro explained that Israel was a natural location for the conference due to the relatively high level of female integration in the IDF. Israel has drafted women since the state was founded, she said, and 38 percent of IDF soldiers and 26 percent of officers are women.
As you've probably already heard, Israel drafts all men and women into the IDF at the age of 18. Men serve three years in the IDF, while women serve two. The IDF allows women who volunteer for combat positions to serve for three years because combat soldiers must undergo a lengthy period of training. Women in other positions, such as programmers, who require lengthy training time may also serve three years. Women in most combat positions are also required to serve as reserve for several years after their release from active service.
Related Post:
Women of the IDF
M4 Rifle in IDF
There are currently more M4 rifles in use in the IDF then any other rifle.
The M4's (and M16A1, M16A3, and various other M16 variants) have been in constant use by the IDF since the 1970's.
My M16A1 is so old that it rattles loudly. But it still shoots great.
The IDF uses the M4 for the majority of it's rifle tasks, from sentry duty, to specialized Urban Warfare an everything in between. Anti Terror squads, marksmen, infantry, combat engineers, all carry the M4 in various configurations, with all kinds of accessories.
Chrome lined barrels, scopes of all kinds, and even M203 grenade launchers are in use by the IDF on their M4's.
Training with the M4
Nahal Hareidi Infantry Unit with lots of footage of the M4 in action. You can see how it's used while manning checkpoints, arresting terrorists,with various scopes, bi pods, and other accessories.
M4 with detachable carrying handle
M4 carbine with M203 40mm grenade launcher
M4 with forward mounted handgrip and night vision sight
M4 with M203 40mm grenade launcher, note the retaining cord on the dual magazine, and attached rifle sling.
M4 with 90 degree angle mounted magazine (in holder) to keep the magazine handy, and attached rifle sling.
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17 March 2008
Some people think Americans are armed to the teeth
It can happen anywhere, anytime even in Rhode Island
Readers frequently comment on how dangerous it is to live in Israel. Apparently it's not much safer for Israeli's in Rhode Island. PROVIDENCE, RI, USA — A Molotov cocktail was thrown into the apartment of a graduate student from Israel but did not explode and a second liquid-filled bottle landed in the yard outside the apartment building, exploded and burned itself out early Saturday, triggering an intensive investigation by several agencies including the FBI. Targeted in the 1:15 a.m. episode was the second-floor apartment of Josef Knafo, 25, at 122 Camp St., a Brown University graduate fellow who also works at the the Brown University/Rhode Island School of Design Hillel House, on the city’s East Side. Knafo was home at the time, said Deputy Police Chief Paul J. Kennedy. “At this point, we just don’t know whether to call this a hate crime because we don’t know the motivation,” Kennedy said yesterday. Knafo, who is from Afula, Israel, has been in the United States as an emissary for the Jewish Agency for Israel, an organization that sends young people around the world to conduct educational, religious and cultural programs. Kennedy said Knafo was in the kitchen of his apartment when he heard a bang. After looking out the window and seeing the fire on the ground, he came upon the unexploded bottle inside his bedroom, Kennedy said. Whether the attack was directed at Knafo as a result of some personal grudge, or for some other “global reason, we just don’t know,” Kennedy said. “However, we are taking this very seriously.” The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI’s Anti-Terrorism Task Force sent investigators to the scene. Some members of the Jewish community did not learn about the attack until later Saturday, after reading about it on the Web sites of the Jerusalem Post and another Israeli newspaper. Marty Cooper, the community relations director and security coordinator for the Jewish Federation of Rhode Island, said local synagogues and other Jewish institutions were strongly advised yesterday to heighten their security. “We are thankful nobody was hurt in this attack and we commend the Providence Police Department for the seriousness with which they are investigating,” said Stephen Silberfarb, executive vice president and CEO for the Jewish Federation of Rhode Island. “We have been in close contact with Mayor [David] Cicilline, the Providence police, the FBI and Homeland Security officials and are grateful they share our deep concern over this attack.” Knafo was described by the police and other officials as deeply concerned but not frightened. However, as a precaution, the police said they felt it prudent to move him to another location while the investigation continues. He left word yesterday through the Jewish Federation that he did not want to be interviewed. And according to the Jewish Agency for Israel (the official Israeli governmental agencey that supports Jewish Communities outside of Israel) ...Agency officials cite tensions that may have risen over the weekend due to a massive Jewish Agency campaign on dozens of university campuses and in hundreds of synagogues and schools in the US and worldwide to commemorate the March 6 terror attack on Jerusalem's Mercaz Harav Yeshiva which killed eight students...(from here)From the NEWS Israeli’s home hit by Molotovs
01:00 AM EDT on Monday, March 17, 2008
I'd love for someone to explain this one to me.
15 March 2008
Hero silenced by the liberal media
As you may remember, Rabbi Yitzchak Dadon shot the terrorist at Merkaz HaRav Yeshiva High School in Jerusalem last week.
You probably haven't heard his name since. Why? After all he is a hero.
Apparently the liberal media don't like heroes that speak the truth. He made a major media blunder. The reporters of Israel’s television stations enthusiastically interviewing the hero of the evening in a live broadcast got more than they bargained for.
Rabbi Dadon insisted on associating the massacre in the yeshiva with Shimon Peres (currently the President of Israel and one of the architects of the failed Oslo peace plan that armed the terrorists), and with Ehud Olmert, Israel's current Prime minister, who has picked up where Peres left off.
The two reporters quickly cut Rabbi Dadon off, attempting to censor him.
The media was in a bind. The hero said all the wrong things. But they quickly found a solution. David Shapira, the yeshiva graduate who continued to shoot the terrorist after Rabbi Dadon had already severely wounded or possibly killed him, became the new hero. He was perfect for the part. He is still serving in the IDF (he was on a weekend furlough at the time) and cannot give interviews and say embarrassing forbidden truths in live national news broadcasts.
There you have it. Another hero silenced by the liberal press.
Related Posts:
Armed Civilians Kill Terrorist
Terrorists Attack High School
14 March 2008
Glock 17 In Israel
Readers are surprised that with all of the pistols available here in Israel, I chose the Glock 17.
The Glock 17 was the first pistol designed and manufactured by the Austrian company Glock. It is a locked breech, short recoil 9 mm Para semi-automatic pistol with a standard magazine capacity of 17 rounds of ammunition. It uses a modified Petter/Browning barrel locking system. The Glock 17 appeared in the early 1980s for the Austrian Army weapons trials. It entered service under the designation P80. In 1988, it entered service in the Swedish Army under the designation Pistol 88. It is also used by the Norwegian Army and police. The designation 17 is derived from the gun’s being Gaston Glock’s 17th patent, rather than its magazine capacity. The Glock 17, like all Glock pistols, has a well known reputation for being extremely rugged and reliable.
The Glock stirred up quite a scare when it was revealed to have a polymer frame. Some people thought that, based on early reports, the whole gun was plastic and/or ceramic, and therefore undetectable by metal detectors. In fact, the slide, barrel and many other internal parts, comprising about 80 percent of the gun’s mass, are made out of metal. The slide and barrel are QPQ Tenifer treated, a process that makes their steel more durable to wear and tear as well as to corrosion.
The Glock 17 has become very popular because of its simple controls, high durability, and moderate price. It is also reported to be highly reliable in extreme environments like desert, jungle, and arctic regions. The pistol enjoys widespread use in law enforcement, but is also a very popular military, sports, and self-defense pistol. More than 50 countries use it for law enforcement or military service.
Description and Specifications
The Glock 17 and all others that Glock has since produced use the “Safe Action” fire control system, a single-action mechanism utilizing a striker instead of a hammer and firing pin. Like most other striker-fired pistols, the Glock pistol requires the trigger to pull the striker back the rest of the way, and to release it. In its ready-to-fire state, the pistol could be considered to be “half-cocked”. This arrangement translates to consistent trigger pulls which some claim makes training easier. Notably absent is any manual user safety, although a trigger safety and additional internal measures prevent accidental discharge. Its frame is made out of an advanced polymer. Glock barrels use polygonal rifling for increased accuracy which works best with jacketed ammunition, otherwise lead build-up in the barrel is likely to cause malfunctioning.
The Glock 17 (and only model 17) could be modified with “amphibious kit” that allows underwater firing (in very shallow depths, thought). Basically, the underwater shooting itself has very little effect in real combat, since the effective range is extremely short. The real purpose of that feature is to show the strength of the gun and to allow safe shooting in severe weather conditions, with possible water in the barrel (in many guns this may result in blown barrel).
- Caliber: 9 mm
- Cartridge: 9×19 mm
- Weight: 22.04 oz / 625 g empty
- Produced: 1980 - present
Both Mrs. DoubleTapper and I carry ours on a daily basis.
12 March 2008
More Progress
From Kim du Toit
March 12, 2008
8:12 AM CDT
Now that’s much better:
Nicolas Sarkozy wants to rebuild France’s frayed ties with Israel, notably by echoing its tough stance against Iran.
Peres’ five-day trip to Paris this week is the first state visit the French president has hosted since taking office 10 months ago — itself a potent message of support at a time of renewed Middle Eastern tensions.
And during a pomp-filled dinner Monday, Sarkozy lost no opportunity to assure Peres of his friendship, saying France will always work to ensure Israel’s survival.
“Not from time to time, Mr. President — always,” said Sarkozy. “And those who call in a scandalous, scandalous way for the destruction of Israel will always find France in front of them to block their route.”
France’s gushing display for Peres was a clear effort by Sarkozy to get past often-turbulent ties during President Jacques Chirac’s tenure.
If by ”often-turbulent” you mean a nakedly-Arabist, pro-terrorist official attitude, epitomized by the Frog diplomat who referred to Israel publicly as “that shitty little country”.
Of course, Sarkozy’s attitude is going to cause the immigrant Arabs of France to boil and seethe—but, in the paaphrased words of the great man, screw ‘em. He’s not going to get their votes anyway.
And to paraphrase another great man’s words, ever so slightly: Israel is not what’s wrong with the world. It’s not even what’s wrong with the Middle East, despite all the efforts of the murderous totalitarian Middle East leaders to make us think so.
Nuff said, thanks Kim!Women of the IDF
For some reason IDF Women fascinate my readers.
I've received lots of requests to post this one.
The IDF has many opportunities for young women. From combat to support positions. As shooters and shooting instructors.
Here are some videos showing the women of the IDF in action.
Women of the IDF promotional video
Training Slideshow
Another Slideshow
Slideshow of Women of the IDF
Maxim magazine even did a photo spread on Women of the IDF 
11 March 2008
What do Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Heussein Obama have in common?
Masada Rifle from Magpul Industries
Featured at the Shot Show. Well made, beautifully designed, and innovative design. It's basically a remake of the popular M16 / M4 with your entire wish list available in a modular format.
Steve at the Firearm Blog has posted several write ups on the Masada Rifle:
- Magpul Masada Cutaway Poster
- Magpul Masada is now Bushmaster ACR
- Magpul Interview: The Masada , firearms industry and internet marketing
07 March 2008
Not Coincidental
It is unfortunately not coincidental that what I was doing yesterday evening was directly related to the massacre at the Mercaz Harav high schoolYeshiva.
Two weeks ago, terrorists attempted to commit a massacre at a high school in Gush Etzion.
Those terrorists were killed by people at the school who had undergone training for these situations.
Over the past few weeks there have been roadside bombs in Gush Etzion. Major stonings, and firebombs at passing Jewish cars. Shootings. Murders. Infiltrations into Settlements.
This past week we saw the attempted lynch by the Arabs in Jerusalem, the attacks on soldiers and police officers in Jerusalem, and the general escalation.
Last night, before the massacre, we were training in one of the local schools.
Specifically, we were working on the various techniques, protocols, and procedures for handling different situations where a terrorist has entered a school.
As we trained, we laughed and joked.
Yes, its serious training, but you can’t hang around for hours with a bunch of armed (unloaded) guys (most of us with serious combat training and experience) and not joke around.
Some local high school kids were invited to participate with us for the color.
When it was my turn to play the terrorist, I grabbed one high-schoolers and used him as a human shield while I mowed down the first rescue squad - until they figured out how to effectively neutralize me.
But then it came in, we got notice over our radios that there was a major attack on the Mercaz Harav Yeshiva in Jerusalem. Maybe dozens dead and injured. The attack and shooting was still going on as we listened to one side of the report.
Our training session ended immediately. We quickly did a summation while the security chiefs checked to see how things were on our own perimeters. We went home to listen to the news.
An hour after we got home, we got a full-scale, emergency drill call-up.
It was decided that we needed to finish the entire session that was planned for the evening.
In that session (as we were to find out), a group of terrorist had entered a high school dormitory and were shooting away – a scenario far too similar to that evenings events.
A scenario that is expected.
We all drove/ran to get there.
Students and dorm counselors from the school lay “dead” and “injured” on the floor as we began combing the building for the terrorists. One terrorist had been killed at the beginning by a dorm counselor. We quickly engaged the others and “killed” them (of course “confirming our kill”).
For obvious reasons I’m not going to go into details, but the students all undergo drills on how to act and respond to a terrorist infiltration.
Unlike the earlier training session, this drill had the taste of reality lingering over it.
This time there was no joking, no humor.
Just pure professionalism as we quickly took the building and “saved” these high school kids from the Arab terrorists.
People like to say think that this stuff only happens in the Yishuvim (settlements) which is why we need to train like that all the time, and perhaps as an excuse to say we don't belong in this part of Eretz Yisrael (Land of Israel).
But last night’s massacre occurred in Jerusalem (an uncontested area).
And this guy was prepared. He was well armed. He was obviously trained well enough to use his weapons and multiple magazines effectively. This was an operation that was thought out and organized.
It is not coincidental that we do these training sessions and drills regularly, and why they should be expanded to other schools around the country.
The Arabs have no compunctions about going into schools, be they nursery schools or high-schools, and killing all the little children they can find.
And that’s not coincidental either.
Armed civilians kill terrorist in Jerusalem
An Arab Terrorist armed with a Kalashnikov Rifle and a bomb vest infiltrated the Merkaz HaRav Yeshiva library tonight at 20:40, and opened automatic fire in all directions at the scores of rabbinical students there. After several minutes, 40-year-old Rabbi Yitzchak Dadon, shot the attacker in the head with his personal weapon. David Shapira, a graduate, heard the shots from his nearby home, ran to the yeshiva and "finished [the terrorist] off."
The Terrorist was resident of the south Jerusalem suburb and was an Israeli citizen. His bomb vest did not detonate.
Once again armed civilians managed to prevent a terrorist from killing many more.
Schools should always allow legally armed civilians on campus to act as a deterrent and to protect the unarmed.
Current reports, six dead, more injured, and a tragedy was prevented.
Click here to see extremely graphic pictures of the Terror Attack.
05 March 2008
How do you offend the most people at once...
Here's a rhetorical question. How do you intentionally offend 22% of the World's population?
The Finnish cartoonist Seppo Lehto decided to videotape himself drawing a Mohammed caricature. He posted the result on YouTube: Mohammed as a “pig pedophile prophet”.
At least he said have a nice day at the end!
04 March 2008
Guns and Mothers
28 February 2008
Guns In Israel, More Questions From Readers
Red wanted to know, "How difficult is it for an Israeli citizen to obtain a carry permit?"
Israeli citizens over the age of 21, regardless of race and religion, are entitled to apply for a Carry Permit. That means that here in Israel, there are Arabs, many of whom are related to known terrorists, walking around with legal handguns.
The powers that be here in Israel understand that more guns in the hands of law abiding citizens means better security for all. So they issue carry permits on an as needed basis to everyone over 21 that has a valid need.
Valid need can be a business need (if you deal in large amounts of cash, diamonds...), Security guards, and anyone living in a dangerous area (small towns, border areas, etc), Volunteer Auxiliary Police, etc.
Ambulance drivers, paramedics, firemen, mail carriers, all are issued pistol permits almost automatically.
The license process takes 3 months. Your health, mental stability, and criminal background are thoroughly checked. And new immigrants need 3 years of citizenship prior to obtaining a carry permit.
If you have any questions, let me know and I'll try and answer them.
26 February 2008
25 February 2008
Welcome Blog Reader from...Iran?
This is a first for me. I've had readers from most everywhere. Cia headquaters, the Pentagon, lots of other US governmental ISP's. Iraq, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Lebanon, to name a few.
But never before have I had a blog reader from Iran.
Welcome!
Guns, at the Western Wall
I was at the Western Wall the other day and had my 13 year old son take a few pictures with his camera/phone.
The Western Wall is open to the public. And is usually packed with tourists.
People from all over the world come to pray at the Western Wall.
On any given day you can hear dozens of different languages.
The entire area is well guarded and there are several layers of security. The Police and Border Patrol are there in force. ID checks, carry permit
verification, the works.
Israeli civilians come to pray three times a day.
Yes, even at Judaisms holiest site there are guns.
24 February 2008
Whose side are they on?
Hattip to Cryptic Subterranean
Whose side are they on? "They were unable to tell us that they were not going to support the PLO," he said. "We had 25 victims in the room, and they were unable to say they would support American citizens over a terrorist organization."
Terror victims from across the US and Israel came here this week to urge the Bush administration not to interfere with their multi-million-dollar lawsuits against the Palestine Liberation Organization. They left feeling they'd been listened to, but not necessarily heard.
That a US government organisation would need to mull over siding with American citizens or foreign terrorists is disgusting.
"It's obscene that they would get in involved in our case," said Elliot, who was shot in the chest while waiting for a bus on Jerusalem's Jaffa Road in 2002. She lost a lung and suffers chronic pain. "It's obscene that they could be against the terror victims."
But this is the State Department we're talking about.
"There has been a rethinking in the State Department that I wholeheartedly welcome," Afif Safieh, head of the PLO mission in Washington, told The Washington Post this week. He labeled the suits "politically and ideologically motivated to drive the Palestinian Authority into bankruptcy."
I'm confused- can someone explain why a terrorist group like the PLO is even permitted to set foot on American soil, let alone have a political presence? I was under the impression that the PLO had officially been designated a terrorist group by Congress- and as such were prohibited from operating "an office, headquarters, premises, or other facilities or establishments within the jurisdiction of the United States". Right?
Oh wait, George "you're with us or against us" Bush has been giving the PLO a waiver every six months to continue to operate their mission in Washington. Regardless of the fact that they are responsible for carrying out terrorist attacks on American citizens.
Attorney David Strachman, who represents Elliot and many of the other victims who came to Washington this week, has so far won $288 million in damages from the PLO, but has yet to collect any money for his clients. He said a US government statement of interest against the judgments would "entirely undermine the purpose of the act and would defeat what the judicial branch did." He said the meetings with government officials this week were inconclusive.
Ineligible
Hat tip to Cryptic Subterranean
Ineligible
I found this on my web-search- on the State Department website under the heading of "Classes of Aliens Ineligible to Receive Visas".
Except as otherwise provided in this Act, aliens who are inadmissible under the following paragraphs are ineligible to receive visas and ineligible to be admitted to the United States:
(B) Terrorist activities-
(i) IN GENERAL.-Any alien who-
(V) is a member of a foreign terrorist organization, as designated by the Secretary under section 219, or is inadmissible. An alien who is an officer, official, representative, or spokesman of the Palestine Liberation Organization is considered, for purposes of this Act, to be engaged in a terrorist activity.
So exactly why is, for example, Afif Safieh allowed to head the PLO mission in Washington? The page in question is apparently current and the rules listed are from the Immigration and Nationality Act. Can anyone explain why the rules seem to state that being a PLO official in the USA is considered to be engaging in terrorist activity and yet these people are welcome in Washington?
21 February 2008
Scary fake guns
On the campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills an ROTC student with a fake drill rifle was detained when a report of a man walking around campus with an automatic weapon was made.
The campus was put under lockdown as Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies searched for a suspect.
And another one at UC Davis this time a "Real" replica.
IDF Questions from Readers
Who serves in the IDF and how long is the period of active / mandatory service?
National military service is mandatory for Jewish and Druze men and Jewish women over the age of 18. Men serve three years in the IDF, while women serve two.
The IDF requires women who volunteer for combat positions to serve for three years because combat soldiers must undergo a lengthy period of training. Women in most combat positions are also required to serve as reserve for several years after their dismissal from regular service.
Druze is an Arab sect here in Israel. They are an integral part of the IDF, are highly motivated and in my opinion excellent soldiers.
Who serves in the IDF Reserves?
Following regular service, men may be called for reserve service of up to one month annually, until the age of 45 (reservists may volunteer after this age), and may be called for active duty immediately in times of crisis. In most cases, the reserve duty is carried out in the same unit for many years, in many cases the same unit as the active service and by the same people. Many soldiers who have served together in active service continue to meet on reserve duty for years after their discharge. A well-known Israeli joke refers to civilians as soldiers on 11-month furlough.
What is your Military Background and current rank?I was originally trained as an infantryman. My MOS was APC driver, and 52mm Mortarman ( an honor given to the few that could actually carry the 52mm tube and the extremely heavy rounds that go with it).
I was chosen to "rise through the ranks" and went to IDF Officer Training School, and am currently a Captain in the IDF reserves.
I am also certified in unarmed combat, anti terror, sharpshooter, sniper, and a few others.
What weapons does the IDF Infantry Corps use?
This is a typical IDF infantry kit.The personal weapon of most IDF soldiers is the M16, particularly, the M16A2, shortened CAR-15, M4, and M4A1 assault rifles. The majority of regular-service Infantry Corps soldiers are equipped with the shortened M16, but the longer model is still in use among recruits and reserve forces(like me).
In 2005, the IMI Tavor assault rifle was brought to operational use, and is intended to become the corps' principal assault rifle in the future.
Soldiers are also equipped with various hand grenades. The company and platoon weapons are diverse, and include the IMI Negev (in 5.56mm) and the Fabrique Nationale MAG-58 (in 7.62x51mm) belt fed machine guns. Heavier weapons include the Browning M2 and the General Dynamics Mk 19 grenade launcher. Various units also use sharpshooters and snipers who rely on the M16A2E3, the Remington M24 Sniper Weapon System, the Barret M82, and the SIG Sauer SR86. [edit] Missiles and rockets To engage armored targets, the corps uses a variety of grenades, rockets, and missiles. The corps units are equipped with Anti-tank RPGs such as the RPG-7, the M72 LAW, and B300 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon. These are relatively cheap and easy to operate weapons, and are in high availability to target vehicles or buildings.
19 February 2008
We didn't do it!
Mughniyah is DEAD!
Imad Mughniyah made "Carlos the Jackal" look like an amateur. He claimed up over 400 kills in various terrorist operations he planned. He was reportedly involved in the bombing of the US apartment complex at the Kobar towers in Saudi Arabia. And he had a $25 million reward on his head.We didn't do it! We didn't do it! We didn't do it! (Not that we wouldn't have if we'd had the opportunity.)
There, now do you believe me? Usually the media and the Arabs accuse us of being bumbling idiots who can't get anything right. I didn't think we'd ever be credited with such a bold move.
I mean there was a huge huge funeral in Beirut, full of Iranian Hezbollah terrorists, and we didn't target that did we? If we had we could have taken out hundreds and potentially even thousands of terrorists and their most active supporters.
So, until you hear otherwise, Israel didn't do it.
17 February 2008
IDF Allegiance Ceremony for Giavati Brigade
Thursday I took Mrs. DoubleTapper and the kids to Tel Aviv to attend the IDF Allegiance Ceremony for Giavati Brigade. One of the Servicemen I frequently bribe with Mrs. DoubleTapper's incredible concoctions invited us to attend.
On the way to the ceremony, we picked up another of our local servicemen and took him along.
Givati is traditionally the southern brigade so their area of operations is mostly in the south. Although in a country the size of New Jersey, they send you where they need you.
Givati used to train in amphibious landings and desert warfare. Now they train for everything including unarmed combat, special ops, long range reconnaissance, urban warfare, and anti terrorism. They were recently upgraded to the IWI Tavor.
During the ceremony, which takes place about 2/3 of the way into basic training (at about 3 months) the servicemen make a verbal pledge, and are given a rifle and a bible.
The unit color is purple. The purple unit berets are issued at the end of basic.
I found this video of the servicemen that took part in the ceremony online.
15 February 2008
IDF Infantry Training
I get lots of questions. One of the most popular, How does the IDF Infantry train and operate?
Training video
13 February 2008
IDF commandos love this video
I got a request for this one from one of the servicemen in my neighborhood.
He said the guys in his unit love this one.
The IDF Commandos didn't really get this one but it cracked me up!
Leave a comment and I'll forward it to them.
Stupid terrorists
I got a special request for this one.
Using booby trapped Ammunition in your own weapon is a bad idea!
11 February 2008
I started it!
I thought it was about freedom and the second amendment…
I made a statement. It wasn’t very diplomatic of me, but this is the internet…
Next thing you know they’re saying that I’ve “only a very hazy and ill formed impression of the conditions that exist over here in the United States.”
I don't know about the other 50 states, but growing up in Vermont and living in Israel does get you used to seeing guns.
All carried openly.
Here in Israel we are issued straight Carry Permits, one per person, for a single handgun.
For Israelis choosing a handgun, holster and accessories is a matter of cost, training, effectiveness and comfort. Not who might see my pistol? Will the bulge in my pants (made by my handgun) be considered offensive?
And trying to convince the cops you’re not a pervert, just carrying a concealed handgun in your Under-All Holster, seems to contradict what the second amendment stands for.
Just in case you were wondering Mrs. DoubleTapper carries her Glock 26 open carry too.
10 February 2008
The 2008 Shot Show
I really wanted to go to the Shot Show this year.
I made the flight reservations. I reserved the room. I prepared the Kosher meals. But in the end, I had to cancel.
I've seen lots of pictures online but nothing comes close to the hundreds of pictures taken by SMGLee.
If you're like me and wanted to attend, but didn't get the chance to, you should check out SMGLee's Shot Show Album
There were a few other attendees that took some amazing pictures and posted them online.
Ken Lunde, AR15 Forums, ...
XavierMace
Know your enemy
Sun Tzu's The Art of War makes it clear that to win you must "Know your enemy"
Who are we fighting in Gaza? In Iraq?
What are the origins of Muslim Terrorism?
Is it just a few "radical Muslims" or more widespread?
How could we have prevented terror attacks on the west?
Does the press really know what they are talking about?
What is the solution?
IDF uncovers more eidence of Iranian terrorists in Gaza
IDF forces operating in the PA-controlled northern Gaza region on Thursday morning discovered rocket launchers that had been placed in concrete bunkers hidden underground. The launchers could be activated from a distance by remote control, IDF officials said, which allowed terrorists to escape IDF attempts to immediately retaliate against the rocket-launching cells.
In this 1 min 40 sec video, IDF Servicemen wearing full combat gear and equipped with night vision binoculars, discuss the best camera angles and what to film, as they collect intelligence.
According to military sources, the concrete rocket bunkers in Gaza demonstrate that Hamas has been heavily influenced by the Hizbullah terrorist organization. As was discovered by the IDF, Hizbullah forces have used similar tactics along Israel's northern border, in southern Lebanon.
Intelligence officials have repeated warnings that Iran is supplying terrorists in Gaza with weaponry similar to that the Islamic Republic supplied to the Hizbullah in Lebanon. Evidence of this was provided in January, when a Katyusha rocket fired by Hamas terrorists during an attack on Ashkelon was found to have been manufactured in Iran. The continuing breach in the Gaza-Egypt border has further facilitated the transfer, not only of weapons, according to security sources, but also of Iranian advisers for the PA terrorists.
Intelligence officials say that Iran has used funding, weapons and advanced terrorist training at camps inside the Islamic Republic to build up a critical influence on the PA's leading Hamas faction.
08 February 2008
Israeli Reporter Challenges McCain To Polygraph Test
Jerusalem - This week, Senator John McCain took heat because of an interview that he granted two years ago to Amir Oren, a credible journalist from the Israeli newspaper HaAretz, on May 1, 2006, in which Mr. McCain declared that his administration "would send "the smartest guy I know" to the Middle East .... "Brent Scowcroft, or Jim Baker though I know that you in Israel don't like Baker."
Mr. McCain added "I would expect concessions and sacrifices by both sides."
When Mr. Oren asked Mr. McCain if that meant a "movement toward the June 4, 1967 armistice lines, with minor modifications? McCain nodded in the affirmative."
To deflect criticism that he has encountered on the 2008 campaign trail, the McCain campaign has been quoting an article by John B. Judis., senior editor at The New Republic who wrote in an article in that publication on October 25, 2006 that Mr. McCain was "miffed at his portrayal in HaAretz," saying that "after reading the HaAretz article and subsequent report in The Jewish Press [in New York]," he felt the need to "clear up several serious misimpressions." Mr. McCain said that "in contrast to the impression left by the HaAretz article, I've never held the position that Israel should return to 1967 lines, and that is not my position today."
The senator repeated this week what he said to the New Republic which was that "in the course of that brief, off-the-cuff conversation, I never discussed settlement blocs, a total withdrawal, or anything of the sort."
Reached at his desk in Tel Aviv, Mr. Oren told The Bulletin that Mr. McCain is simply "not telling the truth", and that he would gladly invite him to a polygraph to see who is telling the truth. He said Mr. McCain indeed recommended Mr. Baker and Mr. Snowcroft as his potential candidates to deal with the Middle East, and that he clearly answered in the affirmative when it came to Mr. McCain's expectations of Israel, and how it should relate to further withdrawals. Mr. Oren said that Mr. McCain stated clearly that Israel's policy should be one of "defending itself and withdrawing, defending itself and withdrawing." Far from an off the cuff conversation, Mr. Oren told the Bulletin that this was a formal interview that Mr. McCain provided him at the the Brussels Forum for American-European Relations, following an interview that Mr. McCain provided to the Washington Post. Mr. Oren mentioned to the Bulletin that the interview was conducted in the presence of Mr. McCain's aide, Richard Fontaine.
Coming on an auspicious day when Israel faced more than 20 missile attacks from the Gaza area from which Israel withdrew its troops and citizens from only two years ago, at the insistence of the U.S. government, these words from Mr. McCain may not ring favorably with American voters who do not want Israel to be pushed by future American administrations. To conduct further withdrawals of troops and citizens to the 1967 lines - which would provide further areas in Judea and Samaria from which Palestinian terrorists would launch be able to launch further missile attacks on the vast majority of Israel's population, would be unacceptable to many. It would position Israeli citizens who live along the coastal region of Israel, inside the pre-1967 lines, between six and 12 miles from the hilly region that would come under Palestinian control - and Israel's only airport, in Lod, less than five miles from Palestinian missile sights.
Mr. Oren was clearly upset to hear Mr. McCain was challenging the veracity of the interview from two years ago. In Mr. Oren's words, Mr. McCain should "show the same courage on the campaign trail that he showed in Vietnam."
David Bedein can be reached at Media@actcom.co.il His Web site is www.IsraelBehindTheNews.com
Recent Al Qaeda activity
Recent Al Qaeda activity includes kidnapping children & training children to kidnap hostages!
07 February 2008
Girls and Guns
Women and guns have been inexplicably linked throughout American history, but a recent spurt in female gun-ownership begs a closer examination into what's driving this trend.
A Girl and A Gun paints an illuminating portrait of the rarely seen female gun community through the intimate stories of several women touched by guns in very powerful ways.
A Girl and a Gun The Movie
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