The entire program is repeated until all rockets have impacted and no further launches are detected. A recorded female voice, intoning the Hebrew words for Red Color ("Tzeva Adom"), is broadcast 4 times. When the signature of a rocket launch is detected originating in Gaza, the system automatically activates the public broadcast warning system in nearby Israeli communities and military bases. The system currently operates in settlements around Gaza envelope and in Sderot. Outside of areas serviced by the Red Color system, standard air raid sirens are used to warn of rocket attacks. We do the best we possibly can to protect Israeli civilians".The Red Color ( Hebrew: צבע אדום, transl.: Tzeva Adom) is an early-warning radar system installed by the Israel Defense Forces in several towns surrounding the Gaza Strip to warn civilians of imminent attack by rockets (usually Qassam rockets). Such events can cause us to lose trust, but it's important to understand that the system isn't perfect, and had we not managed to intercept the other 20 rockets, the result would have been far worse. That rocket hit my neighbors house, killing her caregiver. In a three-hour shift, we conducted 20 interceptions but unfortunately missed one. "I felt a combination of angst and adrenalin. It was the first interception I had experienced, and it made me truly understand the weight of the responsibility", he continued. A massive barrage of rockets aimed at the city began just ten minutes into my shift. "On the second day of the operation, I debriefed the interceptions carried out by the battery defending the city of Ashkelon. I experience everything that goes on behind the scenes, and the fact that I'm defending my family gives me even more". They are very worried about my well-being and I am worried about theirs. "Up until this point, every time there were heightened tensions, I stayed in a shelter at home with my family. Matan is not with his family during a round of fighting. They are the same people who protected me countless times when I was growing up, and I wanted to do the same for others". "I chose the latter, and I knew I wanted to serve in the Iron Dome. "After two years in the IDF 'Atuda' academic program, I enlisted in the IAF's Technical Division where I was given the choice between serving in the technical department of a flight squadron or in air defense. He and his family live in the city of Ashkelon and are very familiar with these situations. Matan serves as a technician in the Air Defense Division's 947th Battalion, the southern Iron Dome battalion, which has operated nonstop during Operation "Guardian of the Walls". Many reserves personnel have stopped their everyday routines, and proudly come to the squadron to serve".Ĭpl. All of our training and hard work brought us to this point. also believes that the connection helps him: " I always arrive at the squadron happy and full of motivation, I could do so for a very long time. We have guidelines by which we operate, and I can't let my emotions effect my performance and levelheadedness". must maintain full composure and professionalism in operation. There is no better feeling - my home comes under fire, and my job is to thwart those attacks".ĭespite the emotional connection, Capt. "I have the honor of serving in such an operationally active role. "It's sad to say it, but people who live in southern Israel are used to these rounds of fighting - they already know how to sleep in a small shelter and maintain a high morale during frightening situations", described Capt. Every RPAV operator who completes a significant mission feels the satisfaction of contributing to Israel's national security, but I imagine that for someone who lives in the south, that satisfaction is even greater as the missions often directly affect the security of their family and friends". It is a really powerful feeling to thwart rocket attacks aimed at my own home. "When I was a kid, I wanted to fight for my family and my country so that this situation stops. D, an RPAV (Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicle) operator in the 166th ("Fire Birds"), which operates the "Kochav" (Hermes 900). I recall the sleepless nights, running to bomb shelters with my family, the fear", said Capt. As a child, I experienced countless Red Alert sirens. "I grew up in Patish, a small town east of the Gaza Strip.
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