SHAYETET 13 is the elite naval commando unit of the Israeli Navy. The unit is considered one of the primary Special Forces units of the Israel Defense Forces. S’13 specializes in sea-to-land incursions, counter-terrorism, sabotage, maritime intelligence gathering, maritime hostage rescue, and boarding. The unit has taken part in almost all of Israel’s major wars, as well as other actions. The unit is one of the most secretive in the Israeli military. Shayetet 13 is a veteran Israeli special forces unit. It was formed in 1948 by Yohai Ben-Nun with men drawn from the ranks of the Palyam, the naval branch of the Haganah. The existence of S’13 was only made public in 1960. Shayetet 13 is divided into three specialized company-sized units : * Raids : Special Reconnaissance and Direct Action missions on land, Maritime Counter-Terrorism and Hostage Rescues. * Underwater : Underwater Attacks and Sabotage, Hydrographic (Beach) Reconnaissance, and Beachhead Reconnaissance and Security. * Above water : Surface Attacks, Sea Transportation of units to and from target areas.
TRAINING
The training of Shayetet 13 recruits lasts 20 months, and is considered one of the toughest courses in the IDF. The training phases consist of: * Selection process: A selection camp to recruit for the unit is held twice a year. Cadets are put through physically and mentally challenging tests. This phase stresses psychological toughness, and tests recruits in their ability to take and operate under stress and fear. * Six months of basic and advanced infantry training with the Nahal Brigade.
* Preparation phase: this phase lasts for three months and consists of advanced infantry and weapons training, parachute training, basic elements of maritime warfare, operation of small vessels, long swims, forced marches, and demolitions. * Four weeks of advanced training in combat diving. During this course, cadets learn the basics of combat diving, and how to cope with situations such as cold, darkness, clouded water, and how to survive high-risk underwater situations. * Dedicated phase: This phase of training lasts about a year and includes training in advanced diving techniques with close-circuit systems, underwater demolition, sea-to-land incursions via diving, ships, submarines, and parachuting into the sea. During their training, cadets train extensively in Krav Maga, a hand-to-hand combat system which is Israel’s national martial art.
WEAPONS USED
* AK-47
* M4 carbine
* M203 grenade launcher
* Negev machine gun
* Tavor assault rifle
* Glock pistols
* Limpet mines
* Zodiac RHIB boats
* Morena RHIB boats
* Snunit fast attack craft
OPERATIONS PERFORMED
The major operations performed by SHAYETET 13 are:
* 1982 Lebanon War
* Operation Moses
* Second Intifada
* 2006 Lebanon War
* Syria 2008
* Operation Cast Lead
* Francop Affair
* Victoria Affair
