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Source: http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_opinion.php?id=18559
The Growing Impact of Women in the IDF
(Israel Hayom) Lt. Col. Oshrat Bachar - On International Women's Day, on March 8, we should celebrate the growing presence of women in critical positions in the Israel Defense Forces where they serve their country and fulfill their duties equally with men. During my military service, I have maintained my femininity and have never attempted to emulate the men beside me, but instead have remained who I am - a woman and a fighter. It is pivotal for a woman to maintain her character wherever she goes in the IDF because, in the end, it is character and not gender that constitutes the deciding factor. The demand for combat positions among female recruits is tremendous. These days, the IDF is opening a fourth mixed-gender combat battalion, joining Caracal, Arayot Hayarden, and Bardelas. There is also a growing number of women in the mixed Homefront Command battalions patrolling in Judea and Samaria, in the Oketz K-9 special forces unit, and in the Air Defense Command. The writer is the deputy women's affairs adviser to the IDF chief of staff.