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Llamas joins Israeli troops on frontline
AFP/Yahoo ^ | Fri Feb 3, 12:40 PM ET

Posted on 02/04/2006 1:14:36 PM PST by martin_fierro

Llamas joins Israeli troops on frontline

Fri Feb 3, 12:40 PM ET

JERUSALEM (AFP) - The Israeli army has gone wild and enlisted the llama, originally from Latin America, as a new if unconventional hardware carrier for infantry units on rugged terrain, a military source said.

Two commando units operating in northern Israel near the volatile Lebanese border have been supplied with llamas each capable of carrying 60 kilograms (132 pounds), the source said.

A disciplined beast, the llama has excellent hearing and a highly developed sense of smell, according to army logistics chief General Itzhak Ben Tov. On the downside, the animal is reputed to be touchy and to spit when cross.

Previously, the army tried to put mules to work but the animals proved too stubborn and incapable of carrying heavy goods.


TOPICS: Israel; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: llamas; spitters; workingdogs
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Twenty-three days old baby llama cuddles up to his mom at Sofia Zoo, in December 2005. The Israeli army has gone wild and enlisted the llama, originally from Latin America, as a new if unconventional hardware carrier for infantry units on rugged terrain.(AFP/Valentina Petrova)

1 posted on 02/04/2006 1:14:38 PM PST by martin_fierro
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To: martin_fierro

I llove it!


2 posted on 02/04/2006 1:15:24 PM PST by billorites (freepo ergo sum)
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To: martin_fierro

Oh I hope they don't get hurt, they are so cute.


3 posted on 02/04/2006 1:16:48 PM PST by Lorianne
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To: mikrofon; Charles Henrickson

Llamas vs. Hamas.


4 posted on 02/04/2006 1:17:20 PM PST by martin_fierro ( ¿Cómo se llama?)
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To: billorites

I llove Allpacas.com


5 posted on 02/04/2006 1:17:53 PM PST by martin_fierro ( ¿Cómo se llama?)
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To: martin_fierro

"Watch out, there are llamas."


6 posted on 02/04/2006 1:18:07 PM PST by dfwgator
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To: martin_fierro
Soldiers heading for Afghanistan get pack animal training in Wyo.
7 posted on 02/04/2006 1:19:15 PM PST by Cannoneer No. 4 (Our enemies act on ecstatic revelations from their god. We act on the advice of lawyers.)
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To: martin_fierro

Just curious, wouldn't camels work well over there?


8 posted on 02/04/2006 1:19:54 PM PST by rawhide
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To: martin_fierro

Why not? Llamas are close kin to camels...


9 posted on 02/04/2006 1:20:07 PM PST by mfulstone
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To: martin_fierro

10 posted on 02/04/2006 1:24:59 PM PST by Rebelbase (President Bush is a Jackass when it comes to Border security .)
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To: martin_fierro

"The 105th Llama Brigade"? "The Fighting Llamas"? "The 101st Airborne Llamas"?


11 posted on 02/04/2006 1:25:50 PM PST by Jeff Chandler (Peace Begins in the Womb)
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To: Lorianne
"Oh I hope they don't get hurt, they are so cute."

Not to worry. My experience with llamas in the Andes left me with the knowledge that they are well capable of taking care of themselves.

I disagree with the statement in this article that a llama can carry heavier loads than a mule. And by the way, I think these folks should know that a llama will only spit at you if he can't bite you.

12 posted on 02/04/2006 1:27:04 PM PST by DJ Taylor (Once again our country is at war, and once again the Democrats have sided with our enemy.)
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To: Jeff Chandler; All

Sung to the tune of "The Green Berets"

"Fightin' llamas from the sky - fighting llamas who jump and die - llamas who mean just what they say - the fightin' llamas of the IDF"

Thank you very much. I'll be here all week.


13 posted on 02/04/2006 1:29:01 PM PST by MplsSteve
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To: rawhide

I just read where camels can carry almost 1,000 lbs, thought the normal carrying weight is around 330 lbs. And their endurance is amazing, where they can go a week or more without water: go several months without food: and survive a 40% decrease in it's body weight. They can be used to carry items and/or pull items. Their milk is more nutrious than cow's milk, and can be drunk fresh. It provides dung that can be used immediately for fuel. They will eat plants that other animals will avoid. They are also known to be a friendly animal. Their hearing is very acute.


14 posted on 02/04/2006 1:32:36 PM PST by rawhide
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To: martin_fierro; mikrofon
Llamas joins Israeli troops on frontline

"Israeli troops, let me just say this:
You look mahvelous!"

15 posted on 02/04/2006 1:39:16 PM PST by Charles Henrickson (Lamas is so gaucho.)
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To: martin_fierro

What happened, those in charge of training the moose were sacked?


16 posted on 02/04/2006 1:40:24 PM PST by JRios1968 ("Cogito, ergo FReep": I think, therefore I FReep.)
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To: JRios1968

Could not afford the cheese.


17 posted on 02/04/2006 1:44:56 PM PST by verity (The MSM is comprised of useless eaters)
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To: mikrofon; Charles Henrickson
Llamas joins Israeli troops on frontline

The Muslims have now managed to pi$$ off everybody.

18 posted on 02/04/2006 1:47:29 PM PST by martin_fierro (WHAMMALAMADINGDONG!)
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To: Charles Henrickson; martin_fierro

[For llamas named Fernando, this song might be appropo...]

There was something in the air that night
The stars were bright, Fernando
They were shining there for you and me
For liberty, Fernando
Though I never thought that we could lose
There’s no regret
If I had to do the same again
I would, my friend, Fernando


19 posted on 02/04/2006 1:52:19 PM PST by mikrofon (ABBA vs. Abbas)
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To: verity

I thought it was because the moose once bit their sister.


20 posted on 02/04/2006 1:56:36 PM PST by JRios1968 ("Cogito, ergo FReep": I think, therefore I FReep.)
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