What it’s about
Lt.-Col. Jonathan Bahat, a seasoned IDF officer, emphasizes the significance of mental resilience in military training. Serving in various elite IDF units, Bahat has introduced a unique training system, Extreme Simulations (EXS), to prepare soldiers for real-life catastrophic scenarios.
Why it matters
The innovative approach by Lt.-Col. Bahat provides IDF soldiers a pivotal edge in battlefield readiness, highlighting Israel’s commitment to protecting its borders and citizens. His experiences and techniques contribute to the IDF’s high standards of preparedness and resilience.
Background
The 48-year-old Lt.-Col. Jonathan Bahat, an IDF reserve officer and deputy brigade commander in the 646 Paratroopers Brigade, has a distinguished military career, having served in the General Staff Reconnaissance Unit (Sayeret Matkal) and the Duvduvan Commando Unit.
Besides his extensive combat experience in Gaza, Lebanon, Jenin, and international missions in Angola, Paraguay, and Washington, D.C., Bahat’s focus on mental resilience adds an invaluable dimension to military preparedness.
The Training System: Extreme Simulations (EXS)
Bahat’s experience-driven training methods go beyond physical preparedness. EXS simulates realistic battle conditions, complete with sensory elements like sights, sounds, and even smells. This low-tech approach equips soldiers with the mental resilience required to handle high-pressure and unexpected situations.
The simulations include models of severe injuries faced in combat, thereby ingraining these experiences into soldiers’ consciousness, making actual battlefield encounters somewhat familiar and less daunting.
A Proven Impact
Bahat’s system proved lifesaving in his personal experience. During a daring operation in Gaza’s Zeitoun neighborhood on October 7, he was shot multiple times by a terrorist. Despite severe injuries, his training enabled him to methodically coordinate his evacuation and instruct medics on lifesaving procedures. His prior preparation for potential crises played a crucial role in stabilizing his serious condition.
Resilience in Adversity
During his time at the Hadassah’s Gandel Rehabilitation Center, Bahat remained resolute about continuing his mission. His rehabilitation included advanced physical therapy routines, akin to a ‘rehab triathlon,’ demonstrating his relentless willpower and dedication to returning to active duty.
Legacy and Spirit
The love for his nation and family’s pioneering roots have nurtured Bahat’s fighting spirit. Stemming from a proud lineage of Israeli pioneers, including a grandfather who worked in Gaza during the British Mandate, his story emphasizes the deep-seated resolve emblematic of Israeli fighters.
A Commander’s Dedication
True to the values of the IDF and his personal commitment, Lt.-Col. Bahat’s innovative training underscores the importance of mental resilience and thorough preparation in realizing Israel’s defence objectives. His system, already proving beneficial in high-stakes environments, should inspire future training protocols aimed at keeping the nation and its soldiers ready for any challenge.
This story was first published on jpost.com.