Inside Israel’s Weird Tank Units (Merkava)

Other Platforms

Sources:
- Conversations with Israeli veterans

[BattleOrder]

Some corrections and clarifications:

6:45 - I've been told there are different preferences, but the CO/XO in the commander's position and training NCO/tank commander in the loader's hatch seems to be the most practical way of doing it so the CO/XO can access the battlefield management system

8:35 - The Armor Support Companies were recently transferred to infantry brigades. I think this had to do with their update I mentioned at 9:11, but the veterans I talked to originally might have gotten out right when they were doing it or shortly after.

This video didn't really go into task organization, like how tanks would be attached to infantry units.

[FlyWithMe_]

Fun fact: if you can solve the “which symbol riddle, you’re considered overqualified for the Army by recruitment officers 😂

[rc]

The Merkava is by far one of the most aestheticly pleasing tank design's definitely makes my top 5.

[arielbemeliahu]

I was a tank driver in 188th, 71st brigade and this is the most accurate video ive seen on this topic. Only thing is with reserve companies they can be a bit weird, ive seen them use our tanks in exercises, use merkqva 3s while we used merkava 4s and from what i understand they are trying to put them in their own brigades seperate from active brigade. Great video

[dogebot]

The armor support company have gone major changes in recent years.
A couple of years ago, it was a company that is part of the battalion which has a recon platoon and a mortar platoon. In recent years it has been changed and now every battalion is provided a support platoon from on of the infantry battalions from their division (except the 188th armor brigade, which is provided from the 933th nahal brigade from the 162th division.) These support companies have a drone platoon, AT platoon which is also used as the recon platoon and a mortar platoon.

[TheGrenadier]

Israel has a very rich history in armoured warfare. Reading the battles in the Cold War one could almost think that the army only had tank units.

[kafrit]

As a retired NCO in the 205th. I must say you gave an firly accurate run down. However during war time we do not operate as organic brigades or even at the betalion level we will integrate other coys to have combined arms force

[qtvrewi]

I really enjoyed watching a video from my channel in your video.
I was in the 7th brigade in the 82nd battalion, I was a gunner.
You did a good investigation on the Israeli Armored Corps .

[filipgutehall]

Officially, the rear hatch of the merkava is for easier replenishment of ammo when in defensive positions

[certaindeath]

the clip of the tank firing at 0:20 is awesome. you can even see the flying shells effect on the ground.

[TheZungul]

You mistakenly refer to only some of the soldiers as "conscripts" (as opposed to NCO's or officers). Actually they are all conscripts. It's just that some of them sign up to stay longer as professionals. Unlike in some other militaries, an israeli soldier can't enlist directly to be an officer. They all start as conscripts, and the ones who are capable and willing might become officers later...

[DoomMiasma]

The hatch at the rear is so when the tank is in a hill down position for defense, the crew can enter/exit/resupply without exposing themselves to enemy fire while climbing thru the top hatches. Mostly because it was designed as a defensive tank.

[synthilein]

I love how Israel is a box in countryballs memes

[erichammond]

The hatch in the back is for Infantrymen (4 or 5)- and can also be used to evacuate casualties. The Merkava was originally designed for crew survival above speed and firepower.

[TheDoctorMD]

In the 80s, there existed a 5th Company in some of the IDF's armour brigades, but instead of a V they were denoted with a "Z" marking. Some Merkava Mk. 1s in the Negev Desert and Golan Heights were part of this 5th Company.

[jacey]

the rear door is for storing tuna and bread for years at a time

[saiprateek]

Hey Battle Order, can you analyse Indian Armed forces in your future videos?

Just wanna know how you see India in a "Tactical perspective".. and maybe some constructive criticism on their battle strategy

Love from India 🇮🇳❤

[TitanMoon]

As someone who fought in the latest Merkava 4, I can tell you its a spaceship on tracks, with emmense fire power. It's safety systems are second to none, and it more than just a tank. What that means can be left to your imaginations.

[croskerk]

If Im correct, i may be wrong, but merkava may have an assisted loading system
Something like an Autoloader, but cut in half and helps thr loader to load the ammunition. In short Semi-autoloader

The only other tank I know that has it is the American Heavy T30 (source being Chieftan's video on American Autoloaders)

Trying to remember where i heard the info and trying to see if its somewhat accurate

[Jinisinsane]

Seeing one get taken out by a 1, 000 dollar drone just blows my mind, future antidrone warfare is going to be wild.