Col. G took over as commander of the Infantry and Paratrooper Officers and Professions School (828), replacing Col. S, who served in this role for the past two years and will move on to command Division ‘Bashan’ (210).
The change of command ceremony was held last Thursday at Camp “Tzur,” presided over by the Commander of the Ground Forces, Maj. Gen. Nadav Lotan, Commander of Division 38 and Head of Operations in the Ground Forces, Brig. Gen. Sharon Altit, Chief Infantry and Paratrooper Officer, Brig. Gen. Omer Cohen, and attended by commanders, soldiers, families, and other guests.
Commander of Division 38 and Head of Operations in the Ground Forces, Brig. Gen. Sharon Altit, said: “Over the past two years, the brigade has focused its efforts on training and combat. Thousands of squad commanders were trained, who led from the front and guided fighters in training bases and on the battlefield. The brigade fought on the morning of October 7th in the areas of Kerem Shalom, Kissufim, Be’eri, and Zikim. Since then until today, the brigade has been fighting in the most complex areas of the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.”
“S’,” the Division Commander continued, “you are my subordinate and, above all, a dear friend, a man of truth, values, and professionalism. You have been a benchmark of excellence for the brigade commanders – a combat commander, principled, and demanding, and we learned a lot from you. You commanded the brigade with excellence, personal example, dedication, process advancement, willingness for any mission, and love for the country.”
“G, you are the most suitable person for the role. Given your experience as a brigade commander in war, your professionalism, your personal example, and your values, the squad commanders, platoon commanders, and professionals in the Infantry Corps will be trained and operate in accordance with your example. I have no doubt that under your command, the brigade will continue to lead, advance, influence, and achieve results for the IDF and the State of Israel.”
The outgoing commander of the Infantry and Paratrooper Officers and Professions School (828), Col. S, spoke: “Today I am concluding a significant chapter in my military service as commander of the Infantry and Paratrooper Officers and Professions School. A chapter that concluded after two years of immense satisfaction. I feel immense satisfaction for the privilege of training generations of commanders and fighting alongside you.”
“The Infantry and Paratrooper Officers and Professions School is a brigade with elite human capital, a brigade that knows no mission it cannot accomplish, and whose values and spirit accompany every soldier and commander who passes through its gates. Here, at the school, we are shaping the next generation of commanders for the Infantry Corps and the Ground Forces. Here, the professional standard of the Infantry Corps is determined. Here, the roots of command, norms, values, and standards are formed, by which soldiers and commanders will operate in battle.”
“Col. G, we have known each other for many years,” Col. S continued. “You are a first-rate combat commander. I am at ease knowing that you are the one taking command of the brigade. You are inheriting a brigade with mission-oriented and excellent people, and from my acquaintance with you, I know that from here the brigade will only continue to advance and strengthen.”
The incoming commander of the Infantry and Paratrooper Officers and Professions School (828), Col. G, addressed the attendees: “I stand here today with excitement and pride, at the ceremony of taking command of the Infantry and Paratrooper Officers and Professions School. I am accepting responsibility for the brigade during a very challenging period for the State of Israel and the IDF, in days when the security reality demands that we be ready for any order and any mission, at any moment.”
“Together, we will continue to strengthen the brigade’s readiness for any mission, nurture the next generation of commanders, and ensure that in times of trial, professional, principled, and worthy commanders will stand at the forefront.”
“Col. S, my brother, I wish to thank you for the way you led the brigade. Thank you for the leadership, the significant work, and the solid foundations you leave behind. Thank you also to your family, who bore the burden with you and enabled your command of the brigade during these challenging years. I wish you great success and look forward to working with you shoulder to shoulder in the future.”
For the commanders’ biographies
For the full speech of Commander of Division 38 and Head of Operations, Brig. Gen. Sharon Altit
