Unit 669
| Unit 669 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Active | 1974-Present |
| Country |
 Israel |
| Branch |
 Israeli Air Force
|
| Type | Airborne Search and Rescue |
| Role | Combat search and rescue, MEDEVAC |
| Engagements |
 1982 Lebanon War 2006 Lebanon WarOperation Cast Lead  Operation Protective Edge
|
669 (Hebrew: יחידת החילוץ והפינוי בהיטס 669,Yechidat HaHilu'tz VeHaPinu'i Behethes 669; English: Airborne Rescue And Evacuation Unit 669) is the Israel Defense Forces heliborne Combat Search & Rescue (CSAR) extraction unit, subordinate to the Special Air Forces Command of the Israeli Air Force. It is considered one of the IDF's premier elite units. Combat and support-staff jobs are multi-ethnic, and non-combat jobs are coed.
Unit 669 was founded in 1974, in the aftermath of the 1973 Yom Kippur War, when an ad hoc medevac unit made some 5000 extractions. Its initial mandate was to extract and provide initial medical treatment to downed (and possibly injured) pilots beyond enemy lines. However, in later years the unit also participated in extraction of soldiers of other arms of the Israeli Defense Forces, especially Sayeret (Special Forces) fighters in operations beyond enemy lines and seamen in distress.
The Unit's logo is a winged, slinking, green-eyed, black cat. The Unit's warriors are subsequently sometimes referred to as "Cats" or "Flying Cats".
Due to the possibility of having to fight their way to casualties beyond enemy lines, unit soldiers are highly trained in special forces tactics and become highly efficient ground soldiers in addition to their high level of medical training. Their training and selection lasts 18 months and is considered to be among the most physically and psychologically demanding of the IDF. Courses that candidates must pass include:
Upon completion of their training, unit soldiers are expected to sign on for an extra 18 months of service in addition to the standard three-year mandatory service.
A typical rescue team from 669 consists of a mix of 669 specialized warfighters and doctors. The unit itself is composed of three branches:
"Extraction". The "extraction" branch (Hebrew: חילוץ, Hiluz) has a company of advanced and specialized infantrymen. These soldiers have passed the 18 month 669 training regimen, and have a fundamental medical background as well as the tools to execute complicated rescues on land or at sea, in peacetime or under fire.
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