Brig. Gen. Or Volozhinsky took over as the Chief Armored Corps Officer, replacing Brig. Gen. Ohad Maor, who served in this role for the past two and a half years and will move on to become the Head of the Manpower Directorate in the Ground Forces.
The handover ceremony was held this week (Tuesday) at “Yad LaShiryone” in Latrun, headed by the Commander of the Ground Forces, Maj. Gen. Nadav Lotan, and attended by commanders, additional soldiers, and families.
Commander of the Ground Forces, Maj. Gen. Nadav Lotan, spoke: “The commanders and fighters of the Armored Corps led the maneuver in the alleys of Gaza City, along the Ras Bayda coastal road, and in the mountainous areas of Kantara. The maneuver’s achievements have changed the face of the Middle East. In this war, the Armored Corps fighters have made history and written another glorious chapter in the Corps’ history.”
“We will implement the change in the training structure – we will move the Combat Vehicle Training Center from Shizafon to the brigades, and deploy the training bases near the borders – in the south, east, and north – to maintain a ready tank force at all times for any development and to ensure a rapid response in any sector.”
“Ohad, you led the Corps through one of the most challenging and complex times it has known. While fighting, you adapted the Corps to the challenges of the battlefield, led learning processes and lesson implementation, and at the same time continued to look forward and build the Corps’ strength for the coming years. But above all – you were there for the people. You were there for the company commanders, battalion commanders, and brigade commanders; you supported, assisted, and let them know that in every challenge, they had the backing of the Armored Corps.”
“Or, you grew up in the Armored Corps through the command track – from company commander, through battalion commander, and holding significant staff positions in the General Staff, to the most significant role of all – leading Brigade 188 in the war. With humility, responsibility, and determination, you led your people to unprecedented achievements. You are one of the most prominent field commanders in this war, and now you will bring your knowledge and combat experience to the staff to continue leading the Armored Corps forward, build its strength, and prepare it for the challenges of future wars.”
The outgoing Chief Armored Corps Officer, Brig. Gen. Ohad Maor, spoke: “The IDF, and the Armored Corps in particular, have proven that they are a strong, determined, brave, and value-driven army, composed of dedicated and courageous people willing to sacrifice their lives for the country. The regular and reserve soldiers decided to put their lives aside, their families and friends, and go out to fight for our security and our existence. Our Corps is a powerful and value-driven Corps, combining advanced technology with human spirit and great camaraderie.”
“To my commanders – Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Saar Tzur, and Maj. Gen. Nadav Lotan. Nadav, thank you for the professionalism and for the shared values that accompanied us every step of the way. Thank you for the support, for the constant push forward for the Corps, and for the dialogue during the most challenging hours.”
“The Armored Corps is receiving a new commander today – a quality officer with operational experience, who led Brigade 188 in battle throughout this war with professionalism and dedication. Brig. Gen. Or Volozhinsky, my dear brother, you are worthy of this role, and I am confident you will perform it to the best of your ability. From this moment, the torch passes to you. We trust that with your value-driven approach, your professionalism, and your authenticity – you will lead the Corps to new heights.”
The incoming Chief Armored Corps Officer, Brig. Gen. Or Volozhinsky, said: “During the war, the Armored Corps once again proved its crucial importance on the battlefield. The Armored Corps fighters, both regular and reserve, led and continue to lead the IDF’s maneuver in the most complex areas of Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.”
“During the battles in the current war, the Armored Corps lost 141 of its personnel – commanders, fighters, and soldiers, regular and reserve – who stood without hesitation against the enemy and prioritized the mission above all else. Some of them were my closest friends.”
“Ohad, during the war, you commanded the Armored Corps with excellence. You led significant force-building processes that improved the Corps in real-time and with a long-term vision. But above all – you were there for us, the commanders. Many moments, both difficult and joyous, are etched in our hearts together. Hours of conversations, experiences, and shared work. On behalf of myself and all Armored Corps personnel, regular and reserve, I express immense thanks and appreciation. Our paths do not diverge.”
“Commander, Nadav, Commander of the Ground Forces – we meet again. Thank you for your long-standing trust. I promise to do everything to justify this trust, and together we will lead the Armored Corps and the Ground Forces forward.”
During the war, it became irrefutably clear that there is no unique force on the ground battlefield with greater significance than four Armored Corps fighters inside a Merkava tank. We saw this on October 7th, and we saw it throughout the war.”
For the commanders’ biographies
For the full speech of the Commander of the Ground Forces, Maj. Gen. Nadav Lotan
For the full speech of the outgoing Chief Armored Corps Officer, Brig. Gen. Ohad Maor
For the full speech of the incoming Chief Armored Corps Officer, Brig. Gen. Or Volozhinsky
