Israel Defense Forces ranks
The ranks are derived from those in the paramilitary Haganah, which operated during the Mandate period in order to protect the Yishuv.
Samal is a Hebrew abbreviation for segen mi-khutz la-minyan, which translates as "supernumerary lieutenant"; it is a Field NCO rank equivalent to a British or Commonwealth "Sergeant".
(This means that female conscripts reach no higher than samal during their compulsory service, unless they serve in combat positions or volunteer for longer terms.)
The rank of memale makom katzín, initials: Mamak (ממלא מקום קצין) or "substitute officer", was created in the 1960s.
It indicated a cadet in the Israeli army who had finished the basic preparation for an officer rank (קורס קצינים בסיסי), but for some reason abandoned their studies, failed to complete the professional officer preparation (השלמה חיילית), or completed it with a minimal passing grade but was still found worthy of command.
The rank of turai rishon, initials: Tarash, or "private first class", was disestablished in the Regular IDF in 1990.
Aiguillettes, Srochim in Hebrew are worn on the left shoulder of the uniform to indicate a soldier's specific role in a unit:[6] (Only in Shocarim Cadet Schools in the IAF) (Only in Shocarim Navy Cadet Schools in the IN) When the IDF was created in 1948, there were 7 enlisted and NCO ranks, and 8 officer ranks.
[dubious – discuss] This was later reformed when the IDF started to adopt a rank system similar to the United States armed forces in 1973 and the 1990s.
Bronze-metal officer's rank insignia worn on a red cloth backing were introduced for the army in 1949.
A Rav Samal (1951–1967) was equivalent to a British Army Warrant Officer II (Company Sergeant Major).
It came in bronze-metal on a red enamel backing for the Army, gold-metal for the Navy, and silver-metal for the Air Force.
It was worn on the lower right sleeve of the shirt or jacket or on a leather wrist strap when wearing short-sleeve order.
The rank was renamed Rav Samal Rishon (1951–Present) and was equivalent to a British Army Warrant Officer I (Regimental Sergeant Major).
The new rank also received new insignia made of metal: an Oak Leaf over a vertical Sword in a Laurel Wreath.
It was worn on the lower right sleeve of the shirt or jacket or on a leather wrist strap when wearing short-sleeve order.
From 1948 to 1951, IDF Ranks for each branch of service (the Ground, Sea, and Air Forces) had unique titles and distinct insignia.
