IDF Paratroopers Drill Heavy-Equipment Airlift to Combat Zone

Soldiers from the IDF Paratroopers Brigade's 202nd Battalion carried out a drill this week in which troops and heavy equipment were flown on Karnaf and Shimshon transport aircraft into a combat-zone scenario. The brigade had not practiced landing a paratrooper force with heavy equipment by transport aircraft since the war began two and a half years ago, even though the Air Force has moved troops repeatedly during wartime. Maj. P. said the training prepares infantry for every scenario and every sector, while Capt. D. stressed the complexity of moving vehicles and soldiers. Israel's readiness depends on rebuilding these neglected skills while operations allow it.