For the first time in the history of the Israeli air force, a woman was appointed commander of an operational squadron. On Aug. 7, Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin, Israeli air force commander, appointed Major G. to command the air force’s espionage squadron and promoted her to the rank of lieutenant colonel. “I am happy about the appointment,” Major G said in a statement issued by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). “A great privilege alongside a great responsibility. The real work is still ahead. I am proud to serve in the air force.” G., a mother of two whose husband is also an officer in the air force, is the first woman pilot to be promoted to that rank during her service. She is also the first woman to command an operational squadron (although another woman was previously appointed commander of a maintenance squadron).
The systems with which the Israeli air force gathers intelligence and conducts espionage operations are considered among the most advanced in the world. They are now overseen by a woman. According to one senior air force officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, data and experience alike both prove that the results of appointing women commanders are “no less professional, and perhaps even more professional than if these jobs were being done by a man.”
