IDF unit — Shaldag (שלדג, Unit 5101, Air Force commandos): role, Gibush Matkal, profile, 22-month training, keva, olim

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaldag_Unit; https://garinmahal.com/gibushim-tryouts; https://draftidf.co.il/units/ · 2026-09

What it is

Shaldag is the Israeli Air Force’s special-forces unit, founded in 1974 after the Yom Kippur War by Muki Betser (ex-Sayeret Matkal). Its mission is to deploy undetected deep in enemy territory on behalf of the Air Force: laser target designation for airstrikes, reconnaissance, seizing or preparing airfields and landing zones, combat search and rescue support, hostage rescue and raids. Known operations include securing the Addis Ababa airlift in Operation Solomon (1991), Hezbollah target-marking in 1996, and the 2024 raids on Syrian territory. Considered top-tier alongside Sayeret Matkal and Shayetet 13.

Requirements

• Medical profile: 97 in practice (published range 82–97).
• Kaba / DAPAR: high.
• Hebrew: near-native.
• Gibush: Yom Sayerot, then the shared Gibush Matkal (4–5 days, April and November) — Shaldag, Sayeret Matkal and Unit 669 select from the same camp; candidates express preferences and the units choose.
• Gender: men only in the operator track.

Training

About 22 months — the longest training pipeline in the IDF: infantry basic training with the Paratroopers, parachuting, long solo and team navigation phases alternating with intensive tactical phases, target designation and air-ground coordination, CT, and Air Force-specific skills.

Service length

Conscription (32 months) plus around 24 months of signed keva — roughly 4.5–5 years total. Confirm current terms at the gibush.

For olim

• Same picture as Matkal: reachable for olim with near-native Hebrew, a 97 profile and high DAPAR; not reachable via the Michve Alon route.
• The 4.5–5-year commitment applies regardless of the shorter service an older oleh would otherwise owe.
• NBN’s Lone Soldiers Program can request Yom Sayerot screening (army@nbn.org.il). Candidates not taken by Shaldag at Gibush Matkal are often offered 669, Gibush Yachatiot units or the Paratroopers.

Shaldag vs Matkal vs 669

Same gibush, different owners and jobs: Matkal = General Staff intelligence and direct action; Shaldag = Air Force ground commandos (targeting, airfields, CSAR support); 669 = Air Force airborne rescue and medevac (operators are paramedics).

Contacts

• Meitav: 1111 · Mitgaisim: mitgaisim.idf.il
• NBN Lone Soldiers Program: army@nbn.org.il, 02-659-5800