Military History | Arab-Israeli Wars
Israeli Formations

Thanks

Thanks to Laurence Newman for his advice on IDF terminology.

The IDF uses platoons, companies, battalion, etc just like the rest of the world. But I thought it would be handy to have a table of showing the Hebrew and English equivalents.

Pluga (company) and Machlaka (platoon) are used for both armour and for infantry.

Ugda is actually more akin to a Divisional Combat Team as its size may be smaller than, the same as or larger than a Division depending upon the mission being undertaken.

Finally, the IDF Artillery units are the only IDF units to have and use a Regimental Structure.

Hebrew English Commander
Chulia Fire Team
Kita Squad / Section Corporal or Sergeant
Machlaka Platoon Lieutenant
Pluga Company Captain or Lieutenant
Gdud Battalion Lieutenant-Colonel
Chativa Brigade Up to 1967: Colonel
From 1968: Brigadier-General
Ugda Division* Major-General
Solil-l'ah Artillery Battery
Tayeset Air force Squadron