The Unit 669 (Hebrew: יחידה טקטית לחילוץ מיוחד 669, romanized: Yechida Tactit LeHilu'tz Meyuchad 669, lit.

These soldiers have passed the 18 month 669 training regimen, and have a fundamental medical background as well as the tools to execute complicated rescues on land or at sea, in peacetime or under fire.

The "evacuation" branch (Hebrew: פינוי, Pinu'i) has a company of airborne doctors, paramedics, and nurses.

The largest branch, the technical support group is composed of non-combat soldiers who assist in logistics for the unit.

The mandate of the unit is to rescue downed pilots and execute airborne medical evacuation of critical casualties.

Due to the unique specialties and high proficiency of 669, the unit may also accept various other special operations missions depending on the needs of the Air Force and IDF.

[9] During the Second Lebanon War (2006) and Operation Cast Lead (2008), Unit 669 made dozens of high-profile rescues of injured soldiers under enemy fire.

After the 18-month training pipeline in 669 and once the soldier has collected combat experience, an additional advanced commander's course is required.

The demands on these small-team commanders are great, including the ability to manage radio communications and issue orders simultaneously to pilots, ground forces, doctors, and their subordinate rescue soldiers.

Difficult decisions that can mean the difference between life and death must be made under fire and under severe time pressure, with imperfect information and no pre-mission preparation.

Due to the emergency responder nature of the unit, the type of mission, time of day, and location cannot be anticipated.

The unit has also served as a civilian medevac for hikers who have gotten lost or stuck and need extraction from Israel's deserts or canyons.

[13] Unit 669 soldiers, including reservists, were among the IDF personnel sent to Nepal in late April 2015 to take part in search and rescue efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake and subsequent avalanches.