The Sixth Sense of the IDF's Gaza Brigade Trackers

Israel Defense Forces ^ | February 10th, 2003 | IDF Spokesperson's Unit

[yonif]

February 10th, 2003

The Sixth Sense of the IDF's Gaza Brigade Trackers

Today, near the city of Mordehi, a ceremony was held in honor of the IDF's Gaza Brigade trackers. The Head of the Gaza Division Brig. Gen. Gadi Shameni, the Commander of the Southern Command's Tracker's Unit Col. Pini Ganon, and Commander of the Gaza Tracker's Unit, Major Salah Alhaib, were all present at the ceremony.

The Gaza Division Commander complemented the tracker unit by saying, "I've heard it said that trackers have a sixth sense. In my opinion, tracking also requires deep thought. A tracker has to put himself in the enemy's shoes, and it takes many years of experience to be able to carry out the work done by these soldiers."

The Tracker Unit's commander commented, "The tracker unit has been operating intensively in the Gaza Strip over the past two years, day and night, working to thwart terrorist activity and protect the residents of the area. During this time, not one terrorist has succeeded in crossing from Gaza into Israel to carry out a terrorist attack."

"Recently we lost three soldiers. Despite these losses, the other soldiers in the unit know how important it is to keep functioning at a high level" he added.

Outstanding Tracker Award Presented to Father of Two

Married and with two children, First Sergeant Awshla from the trackers unit was recruited to the IDF in March 1999. He is one of nine trackers who were awarded certificates of excellence for their activities.

First Sergeant Awshla explained, "I received this award because of our unit's outstanding tracking work. On a day to day basis, we capture weapons, prevent infiltrations and thwart attacks. Our work also includes searching for hidden explosive devices and catching terrorists who, disguised as innocent civilians, attempt to cross the border under the pretext that they work in Israel. We also catch smugglers.

Knowing the Field Like the Back of Their Hand

"I know the field as if it were the Back of my hand. I know exactly what was there yesterday and whether that is a small scratch or a thread. I know if someone was here and left a sign. Sometimes terrorists bury explosives under ground, but we know how to find them. We catch terrorists because of our excellent knowledge of the areas we work in and therefore, we also know all the paths that could be used to infiltrate other areas. A terrorist for example, would not use the same route as a smuggler, who would ensure that he had a safe route back," revealed Awshla. He added, "In the last operation I participated in, we chased after terrorists who had infiltrated Gaza from Egypt. We arrested them and during questioning they revealed that they had been trying to infiltrate Israel to carry out terrorist attacks."

When asked about whether or not he really had a sixth sense, Awshla answered, "I think that everybody has a sixth sense. We just also have very acute vision which develops over time. I give great attention to little things that ordinary people would just glance over. I notice scratches, signs, I know when earth has been disturbed, I can identify half footprints, whether or not a stone has been moved etc."

Awshla concluded, "I joined the army relatively late, age 27. Nearly my whole family had done service in the Israeli army, so I felt it my duty. Also, I heard all their stories and experiences and felt jealous because I wanted to experience the army too. My dream has been realized by being a part of this unit."