The Mount Mobility Unit of the 810th Territorial Brigade in the Hermon summit was established only six months ago. However, its opening has led the sector to a new and independent path, where driving on winding, twisting, and snowy roads has become routine for the mobility fighters, who live the complex sector day by day.
Although the unit was just recently established, a few minutes after starting up, we realized we were dealing with professionals. “We were supposed to enter operational activity only in August,” admits the deputy commander of the unit, Master Sergeant H., “We pushed to start working, to advance, and to show our capabilities – we made sure to start earlier, and we have already accumulated enough driving hours in recent months, even deep in enemy territory.”
When we arrived at the rendezvous point, my teeth were already chattering from the cold. But in conversation with the fighters outside, as the rain fell on us, it seemed the low temperature didn’t really bother them. Nevertheless, to understand their work, we decided to join them for a snowy training, up, up – in the Hermon.
On the side of the road, two Humvees were waiting for us, and even then I knew the freezing wind was going to hit us during the drive. We hurried to put on helmets and got into the vehicles. The drive begins, and as we climb higher, the air becomes thicker and fog envelops us. At this point, I’m already struggling to see 20 meters ahead.
All around us is white, and the entire road is covered in snow. We stop at the side, and turn off the engine. The fighters jump out of the vehicles and wrap iron chains around the wheels to enable continued driving on the slippery surface. “The ice and snow can cause slipping and prevent the wheels from rotating properly,” explains Master Sergeant H., “This is a method that creates good grip with the ground, and allows freedom of movement even in complex weather like this.”
At one point, we began driving back towards the outpost where the soldiers live. Unlike the cold and bleakness outside, when we entered, we discovered a warm and familial group, who told us more about their special role.
The uniqueness of the unit’s fighters was not born out of special technologies or hidden patents. In the end, they know the terrain, they understand it – and they are not afraid of it. “Initially, ‘Mount Mobility’ was formed based on local Druze individuals, with the understanding that they know the sector’s terrain and live it, in addition to their knowledge of the language and culture, which greatly facilitates navigation in enemy territory and interaction with villages in southern Syria,” explains the deputy commander of the unit. “Since then, we have expanded – and today we are integrated. Anyone who is suitable comes here, undergoes lessons on the challenges of the area, and practices it on foot.”
The fighters begin with basic training (Roba’i 05) at the Golani Brigade’s Training Base, then move to a few focused weeks in the unit, and continue to training in BLNM (Field Mobility Unit). “In the unit, we start by learning the basics of the sector – studying the enemy, the terrain, the routes, understanding the weather and intelligence. Additionally, we practice shooting from the Humvee, train, and push them to the limits of mobility capabilities,” he details. “The training is still under development and continues to evolve for future cycles.”
Soon, a truck department will join the mobility vehicles, which will be the responsibility of the permanent staff. “The size of the vehicles will be a significant advantage for troop mobility, logistical supply, and casualty evacuation in wider scenarios,” he adds. “Concurrently, we are preparing to receive the second cohort who will join us in the next two months. Together with the veterans, mixed organic teams will be formed to learn from each other’s experience.”
Master Sergeant H. came to the unit very recently. He was wounded in ‘Protective Edge’, where he served as a combat engineer, and was discharged from the army. But after October 7th, he decided he had to return, and found his place again in the military system. “After a series of roles in reserve and permanent service, I came here. In civilian life, I was in denial, lacking sleep and rest. Here, I have the ability to influence the future generation of Mount Mobility commanders, teach them from past mistakes, and give myself a different ending to the significant and complex service I went through.”
The young unit proves its capabilities day by day, and paves a long and significant path that will change mobility in the north. For them, “The end of the road is just the beginning of the journey.” In all seasons, day and night – they will arrive where they need to be.
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