HISTORY Sayeret Golani was created in 1951. It was originally named Machleket Siyur Meyuchedet, or Special Reconnaissance Platoon; a part of the 1st Golani Infantry Brigade. Since its creation, the members of the Golani's brigade reconnaissance element have proven themselves to be a effective force with many capabilities beyond the simple reconnaissance role. They have operated all over Israel and even beyond; in Beruit, Lebanon, Syria, and even Uganda in the rescue operation at Entebbe. Sayeret Golani uses a grueling selection process that can end at any time. Dropouts from this selection are sent to the regular Brigade units to serve out the remainder of their service commitments. Upon completion of the Gibush (selection phase), potential commandos are trained in a vast array of necessary skills. The complete training lasts about a year and 8 months, although trainees are considered "combat-ready resources" after 6 months. The curriculum includes a broad array of new techniques to learn and master. Skills such as parachuting, demolitions, escape and evasion, survival, and intelligence work are covered. The soldiers of Sayeret Golani are expected to be proficient with all of the weapons used in their area of operation, including many exotic weapons found nowhere else in the IDF, and the unit has become one of Israel's primary forces in the war against terrorism, both within Israeli territory and over the borders. All unit soldiers are trained as proficient marksmen and most pass sniper qualification as well. Due to the nature of their operations, they also have their own urban warfare training center, known as "Gehenom" (Helltown). Although officially tied to the Golani Brigade of the Northern Command, the Sayeret operates wherever and whenever required often coordinating training and actions with other specialized units of the IDF. The unit has also coordinated with other national specialized units, such as the British SAS, the US Navy SEALs, the French Gendarme Nationale and the American Delta Group. Members who pass all the tests and training are rewarded with the badge of the Sayeret, a small metal pin with a flying tiger as the emblem. The emblem dates back to the beginning of the Sayeret and this is where they get their unofficial name, Ha'Namer Ha'Me'ofef. (the Flying Tiger).