Appointment in the IDF High Command: Colonel Efrat Kaykov to Command Brigade 282
Kaykov will become the first woman to command this brigade and the second in the history of the army to head a brigade. She began her path as a combat soldier in Brigade 282, served in a series of command positions, and is now coming full circle. During Operation Iron Swords, the brigade operated in the Gaza Strip and eliminated dozens of terrorists.
The IDF announced today, Monday, the appointment of Colonel Efrat Kaykov as commander of the 282nd Fire Brigade of the Artillery Corps. Kaykov will be the first woman to head this brigade and the second woman in the IDF to receive command of an entire brigade.
Kaykov, who currently serves as commander of the 213th Fire Brigade, will replace the outgoing brigade commander. The appointment marks a full circle for the officer, who began her military service as a combat soldier in the ranks of Brigade 282 and advanced through a number of command positions there, including deputy brigade commander. In addition, she graduated with honors from the "Alon" command and staff course.
This is not the first time Kaykov has set a milestone in the integration of women in the IDF. In 2020, she was appointed the first female battalion commander in the Artillery Corps, when she took command of the "HaRa'am" rocket launcher battalion. In doing so, she joined a line of women who broke ground in combat command, such as Shosh Kahlon, who was appointed the first female battalion commander in 2004, and Ashrat Bachar, who commanded a combat intelligence collection battalion in 2014.
The 282nd Fire Brigade, which Kaykov will command, operates extensively in the Gaza Strip. Over the past year, the forces have eliminated dozens of terrorists, including Hamas field commanders and the head of a cell from the Beit Hanoun battalion who participated in the massacre at Kibbutz Alumim on October 7 and planned further terrorist activities. The brigade took a central part in the strikes in the west of Gaza City, which were intended to damage Hamas infrastructure. Following the latest command changes, Kaykov is expected to lead the brigade's forces in the continuation of the fighting.
Additional appointments:
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Colonel Yonatan Schneider will be appointed head of the Tevel Brigade in the Planning Directorate and will be promoted to the rank of Brigadier General.
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Colonel Bar Bashan, who commanded the "Shaldag" unit on October 7, will be appointed commander of the Givati Brigade.
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Colonel Yonatan Meir will be appointed commander of the 7th Armored Brigade.
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Colonel Tal Alkobi will be appointed commander of the 188th Armored Brigade.
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Colonel Eitan Gilad will be appointed commander of the Nahal Brigade.
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Colonel Ran Friedman will be appointed commander of the Paratroopers Brigade.
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Colonel Shimon Siso will be appointed commander of the Paratroopers Brigade.
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Colonel Nir Ifergan will be appointed commander of the Kfir Brigade.
