Engineering Corps soldiers salute as Fallen Memorial Monument in Mishmar David (Photo Contributor Dmitriy Feldman svarshik)
Under a darkening Israeli sky, 532 newly-minted IDF Combat Engineering soldiers graduated from rigorous eight-month basic training.
The ceremony, held against the backdrop of ongoing military operations, carried extra significance as many graduates prepare for immediate deployment to active combat zones.
Brand new IDF combat engineers (Video: Courtesy)
These young warriors represent the cutting edge of modern combat engineering, trained in everything from explosive ordnance disposal to tunnel detection and subterranean warfare. Their graduation comes at a crucial time, as the IDF increasingly relies on combat engineers' unique capabilities in current operations.
Family members watched with pride as Hatikvah played in the background, alongside the requisite bugles and marching.
IDF combat soldiers cheer after finishing basic training (Video: Courtesy)
Graduation ceremony for IDF combat engineers (Video: Courtesy)