Golani

Golani Brigade (Hebrew: חֲטִיבַתגּוֹלָנִי, also known as the 1st Brigade) is an Israeli infantry regiment that is subordinated to the 36th Division and traditionally associated with the Northern Command. It is one of the oldest divisions in the IDF. 

History:
The Brigade was established in 1948 with the establishment of the state.The brigade was formed on February 22, 1948 during the 1948 War of Independance, when the Levanoni Brigade in the Galilee split into the 1st Golani Brigade and the 2nd Carmeli Brigade.  Early Golani soldiers were farmers and new immigrants, so the strong connection to the land (earth) was important to symbolize. For this reason, Golani's soldiers are designated by brown berets.Their major operation in the War of Independence was “Operation Fact” were they conquered the Negev, Arava, and Gulf of Eilat. It has since participated in all of Israel's major wars and nearly all major operations, including the Sinai War, Six-Day War, War of Attrition, Yom Kippur War (were the conquered the Hermon post), Operation Entebbe, Operation Litani, the first and second wars in Lebanon, Operation Home Front, Operation Cast Lead and various operations during the Palestinian intifadas.

The Golani regiment consists of 5 battalions:
Battalion 12 (shteym esrai)  “Barak” The battalion is named after Barak Ben - Avinoam, a general from the Bible who led the complex battle against Sisera, and the iron carriages in the Kishon valley. The battalion is known for the victory of Tel – Faher in the Six Day War, the battalion also participated in the most difficult battles of the Yom Kippur War and lost many soldiers. 
Battalion 13 (shalosh esrai)Gideon” The battalion is named after Gideon, a general from the Bible. 
Battalion 51 (chamishim ve echad)HaBokim Rishon” (First Breachers) They were the first battalion that had reached the besieged Negev in the War of Independence - during Operation Yoav. 

Special Forces battalion: GadSar lit. Gdud Siur (Reconnaissance Battalion)
Soldiers wishing to serve in this elite battalion must pass a three-day gibush which takes place the first week of the unit’s basic training. Those that are accepted are reassigned into one of the specialized training programs of the three companies that make up the battalion: the Palsar i.e. Plugat Siur (Reconnaissance Company), which is generally considered to be the most elite company of the Special Forces, the Palnat i.e. Plugat Nun Tet (Anti-Tank Company), and the Palhan i.e. Plugat Handasah (Engineering and Explosives Company). The task of the battalion is to serve as a pathfinder force for the regiment, and to conduct special operations in accordance with each company's unique abilities. In the current low intensity conflict, the companies usually act as counter-terrorist forces, raiding terrorist homes and hideouts. Special Forces do not guard like the regular unit rather only performs missions.

Pulsar – Reconnaissance Company

PalNat or Orev – anti tank Missile Company

PalChan - Explosives

Palchik - Communications Signal Company 

Egoz Reconnaissance Unit – Anti – guerrilla special forces 

Acceptance to Golani 
There is no tryout for the Golani Brigade. Acceptance is determined by availability and request

Medical Profile 
Combat Profile required (82 and over)

Length of service required for Machal
18 months (Special Forces 2.8 years)

Tour of Duty
Tour of duty includes counter-terror operations, arrests of Palestinian militants, patrols, manning checkpoints and regular security activities.  

Area of Tour of Duty
Gaza, Lebanon Border, Hevron

Track 
A few days after arrival to the division's training base, one can tryout for the special forces of Golani
Basic training includes 4 months of basic training class 05 rifleman and two months of advanced training class 07 rifleman. 
Basic training focuses on the principles and foundations of the rifleman with unique emphasis on individual training. Basic training takes place at the Golani training center located in the North. The course takes the recruit through marksman classes, basic field navigations training, open space warfare training, helicopter deployment training, special weapons and physical fitness training,krav maga as well as general education classes Advanced training lasts an additional 3 months and is conducted in the field for the most part. Through 13 weeks of training the recruit goes through close quarters battle training, guerrilla warfare, hummer training, APC training, grenade training and of course parachute training. Throughout training, the recruits begin to take part in some of the regular security tasks around the brigade's bases and throughout Israel's borders. At the end of advanced training the men qualify as class 07 riflemen. At this point of the training long marching exercises are a part of the norm and in advanced training the terrain becomes evermore engaging and challenging. Being an airborne brigade, Joint military exercises between the brigade and the IAFare also held. Close quarter training takes place over a week spent mostly in the field practicing breaching techniques Advanced training ends with a fully equipped 50 - 90 kilometer march after which the graduates are awarded their coveted brown berets at a festive ceremony held with the graduate's families and other honored guests.

After completing advanced training, soldiers join the various battalions to continue training and tour of duty. 

Weapon

Mini Tavor

Motto 
“The No. 1 Brigade”

Theme Song
“Golani Sheli” (My Golani)

Insignia

Olive Tree is known for its strong roots that penetrate and firmly hold the land, reflecting the brigade's connection with the State of Israel's heritage.

Uniform
Brown Beret which symbolizes the brigade's connection with the soil of the Land of Israel. Black boots, Golani Tag and Pin. 

Flag

Yellow and Green