Paratroopers Tag
IDF Paratroopers Brigade Unit Tag – Official Shoulder Tag
The official shoulder Tag of the IDF Paratroopers Brigade (Brigade 35) — an elite, regular‑service infantry brigade in the Israel Defense Forces. The brigade operates under the 98th “Fire Formation” Division and serves as the IDF’s primary airborne and deep‑operations brigade.
Brigade Symbols & Characteristics
- Red beret and red combat boots
- Unit emblem: A winged viper, symbolizing tactical ingenuity and striking capability
- Unique dress uniform: Paratroopers wear the traditional Yarkit — a shirt worn over the trousers with an external belt.
- Selective enlistment: The only infantry brigade requiring candidates to pass the demanding Paratroopers Selection (“Gibush Tzanhanim”) before enlistment
- Parachute qualification: Every combat soldier completes the IDF Paratrooper Course during training
Brigade Structure
The Paratroopers Brigade is composed of four main battalions:
- Battalion 890 (Efa) – The first regular paratrooper battalion in the IDF
- Battalion 101 (Peten) – Established through the integration of the historic Unit 101
- Battalion 202 (Tzefa) – A paratrooper infantry battalion founded in the 1960s
- Paratroopers Reconnaissance Battalion (Gadsar 5135 – “Seref”) – The elite recon battalion, including:
- Reconnaissance Company (Palsar)
- Anti‑Tank Company (Orev)
- Engineering & Demolitions Company (Palhan)
Historical Background & Operational Legacy
Founded in 1948, the Paratroopers Brigade has taken part in every major Israeli war and numerous special operations — including the famed Entebbe Operation and many cross‑border reprisal missions.
Although all paratroopers are fully qualified jumpers, the brigade has conducted only one operational combat drop in its history:
The Mitla Pass jump during the 1956 Sinai Campaign (Operation Kadesh).