Mitspe Ramon Camp

 school, military, Israel Defense Forces (IDF), training center

Haim Laskov Officer Candidate School (BAHAD 1)

The Chaim Laskov Officers Training School, Training Base 1, is known in Israel Army slang as “Bahad 1”. (Bahad is the acronym for “Basis HaDracha” = Training Base.) The first IDF Officers Training courses were held in Pardes Chana and later at the Sirkin Base. On May 27, 1968 the permanent Officers Training School was opened near Mitzpe Ramon in the Negev. This was the first military base built by the IDF; prior to Bahad 1 all IDF bases were installations that had been built by the British during the Mandate.

Until the year 2000 training of women officers was separate from that of the men, at a different base. Beginning that year, the courses were combined and now men and women officers are trained together at Bahad 1. IDF Officers are taught to act with responsibility, obligation, mission, and professional pride. They serve not only as leaders in the IDF, but as role models in wider Israeli society. They must of course be skilled in warfare and military strategy, knowledgeable in their professional area, and have the ability to command those who serve under them and to earn their respect and loyalty. They must be able to make rational professional decisions and implement them successfully.

At the end of the officers training course each graduating cadet receives a pin (see image above) consisting of a sword symbolizing defense of the homeland and an olive branch symbolizing the hope for peace.

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