Female officers and soldiers from the IDF Technology and Maintenance Corps (TAN”A) are operating in the 'red zone' of ground maneuver within Lebanon, performing critical maintenance work on combat vehicles. These personnel conduct their duties during overnight shifts, typically from 8 pm to 7 am. The work is often performed under direct fire or while facing threats from explosive drones, according to reports. Their presence in these high-risk areas shows the intensity of operations in the region.
Behind Enemy Lines
Their mission is to maintain the operational readiness of Israel’s heaviest combat platforms while operating under direct fire. These platforms include tanks, armored personnel carriers (APCs), and other essential military vehicles key for ground operations. The continuous functioning of these vehicles is vital for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to sustain its tactical advantage and protect ground troops during engagements within Lebanese territory. This maintenance work often occurs in forward positions, close to active battle zones. The objective is to minimize downtime for these critical assets, ensuring they are available for immediate deployment and combat scenarios. Repair teams must quickly address mechanical failures, battle damage, and routine servicing requirements, often in challenging and rapidly evolving environments. The strategic importance of keeping these heavy vehicles operational directly impacts the effectiveness and safety of ground forces.
Profiles in Courage
Lieutenant A. Assistant maintenance officer in the Binyamin regional brigade, was born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and prepares armored and protected vehicles, including 'David,' 'Tiger,' and 'Panther' platforms. She moved to Kiryat Bialik at the age of 12 and later enrolled at Otzma High School, where she studied mechanics. Lieutenant A. Holds a practical engineering diploma in smart systems. She is responsible for around four battalions of both regular and reserve forces in the West Bank.
Lieutenant A. Recounted a past interaction, stating, "The driver looked at me and said dismissively, ‘What would a woman know?’ I just pulled the vehicle out." She described the nature of their work in the field. "Not long ago I entered a village to recover a vehicle; the battalion deputy commander came down with me from the ‘Tiger’ and the soldiers were with me. We operate like combat soldiers in every sense," she said. Lieutenant A. Also noted the challenges of the terrain, explaining, "Many vehicles are getting stuck in enemy territory. The Lebanese terrain includes steep ascents and descents, valleys, rivers, and winter mud that turns every malfunction into a major operational incident." She emphasized the importance of support operations, stating, "If the engineering battalion doesn’t operate to clear the route, the soldiers are stuck. The work of the bulldozers and excavators is critical to the movement of forces."
Describing a specific incident, Lieutenant A. Said, "My soldier repaired the vehicle inside, but about 200 meters before reaching the border, the entire track came off. The excavator continued on a single track, and it turned into another complex recovery operation on a transporter. We don’t leave any vehicle behind in the field." She also shared a success story, remarking, "It’s a dream to see Beaufort with your own eyes, but the routes there are extremely narrow and there is no room to maneuver. The team went in twice under drone threats, managed to start the vehicle, and drove it out over 30 kilometers of difficult terrain. It was an incredible victory."
Reflecting on her career, Lieutenant A. Stated, "I’ve been in the automotive field for eight years and I will clearly continue. After maintaining vehicles weighing tons, switching to a small 1.2-ton SEAT Ibiza feels almost funny. I see a clear trend of more women entering the field; they are fighters and do excellent work. My commander gives space to everyone and does not diminish anyone’s value."
Lieutenant D. Commander of a maintenance platoon in Armored Battalion 53, noted the critical role of their work. "If a tank is not operational, the soldier has no way to advance. The entire operational activity can be stopped because of a stuck vehicle," she explained. Lieutenant D. Also spoke about the mindset required for the mission: "When you go in to fix something, you don’t feel fear. You only feel the mission, and that’s what matters. You need mental strength, but fear is not the issue here. If I don’t fix the bulldozer or the Namer APC, my battalion is out of action." She concluded by stating the broader impact of their efforts, "We give our soldiers across the border the calm and the ability to operate, so that residents of the north can sleep in peace."
Mission Critical
Lieutenant D. Commander of a maintenance platoon in Armored Battalion 53, emphasized the critical nature of their work in combat zones. "If a tank is not operational, the soldier has no way to advance. The entire operational activity can be stopped because of a stuck vehicle," Lieutenant D. Stated. The challenges faced by maintenance crews were noted when a bulldozer from the 603rd Battalion was struck by an FPV drone in the Litani sector.
Lieutenant D.'s battalion played a significant role in the encirclement of Bint Jbeil and successfully crossed the Litani River, operating under harsh winter and muddy conditions. This environment shows the difficulty of maintaining vehicle readiness. Lieutenant D. Described the psychological aspect of their duties, stating, "When you go in to fix something, you don’t feel fear. You only feel the mission, and that’s what matters. You need mental strength, but fear is not the issue here. If I don’t fix the bulldozer or the Namer APC, my battalion is out of action." The ongoing efforts of these female soldiers contribute to operational stability. "We give our soldiers across the border the calm and the ability to operate, so that residents of the north can sleep in peace," Lieutenant D. Concluded.
