Photo By 94th Airlift Wing | U.S. Army 1st Lt. Mauricio Jesus Izaguirre (second row, far left), a nurse assigned to...... read more read more
MITXPE RAMON, Israel – After two months of rigorous training, a 212th Combat Support Hospital (CSH) officer completed a challenging allied training in Mitzpe Ramon, Israel.
U.S. Army 1st Lt. Mauricio Izaguirre, a nurse in the 212th CSH, was one of 363 Soldiers and 12 foreign nationals to complete the Israel Defense Force’s (IDF) combat officer training course outside of Mitzpe Ramon.
This IDF course, undertaken by Israeli soldiers and cadets as part of their grooming for leadership positions in the military, is a nine-week class covering leadership and command, similar in scope to the U.S. Reserve Officers Training Course.
Izaguirre was one of three U.S. Soldiers to attend this training, and was the only one with a medical background to attend. A medical-surgical nurse by trade, the course marked an abrupt change from his normal routine. This course taught him IDF infantry tactics and the officer leadership development training that Israeli officers must complete.
Izaguirre’s days began with “Krav Maga” training at 4:30 a.m. Krav Maga is a type of hand-to-hand combat encouraging students to avoid confrontation, but to defend and counterattack in the quickest, most efficient way possible. “Normal” physical fitness with running and calisthenics followed at 5:30 a.m. The first formation was held at 7 a.m., then lecture, classes, training and land navigation until as late as 3 a.m. the next morning.
The training heavily emphasized on leadership and how to command Soldiers to their full potential.
This course was not all business for Izaguirre and the 11 other foreign national trainees from seven other countries. The IDF took the officers around the country to show them interesting things Israel had to offer. They also visited security checkpoints along border regions, observing IDF tactics, techniques and procedures.
The training embodies the U.S. Army Europe and 21st TSC emphasis on collaboration with allies, shared security and tough, realistic international training. The course also offered a window into the history and complexities of Israel and the region.
Izaguirre saw first-hand the threats Israelis face on a daily basis.
“My biggest take-away was how glad I am to be an American,” he said. ”I could not imagine living in the constant (anxiety) Israeli citizens experience. Training with the IDF has opened my eyes up to the complexities of Israel and their military forces.”
Izaguirre also considers himself lucky to be among the few Americans given an opportunity to participate in the new program.
“All I knew about Israel is what I saw on CNN or the news,” he said. “A lot of people wouldn’t get it if they didn’t come here and see Israel from the inside.”
| Date Taken: | 10.21.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 12.10.2015 05:40 |
| Story ID: | 184090 |
| Location: | MITZPE RAMON, IL |
| Web Views: | 67 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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