4236-1 Israeli Army Bedouin Reconnaissance Battalion, Unit 585 arm patch (Army Israel)

4236-1 : Israeli Army Bedouin Reconnaissance Battalion, Unit 585 arm patch

1992 – To date

Israel Defence Force Bedouin Reconnaissance Battalion arm patch (also known as Unit 585 or the Bedouin Battalion / IDF)

The IDF’s Bedouin Reconnaissance Battalion is a highly specialized combat and tracking unit in the Israel Defense Forces. Primarily composed of Bedouin volunteers it acts as the primary guardian of Israel’s southern borders.

Key Details

• Unit Name: Desert Reconnaissance Battalion (Unit 585 / “Gadsar 585”).
• Branch: Ground Forces (Armoured Cavalry).
• Command: Part of the 7643rd Territorial Brigade, 143rd “Fire Fox” Division.
• Enlistment: Bedouin are not legally required to enlist in the IDF, so service is entirely voluntary.

Core Missions

• Border Security: Patrolling the perilous borders and adjacent settlements, heavily focusing on the western Negev and the Gaza border.
• Surveillance: Tracking targets, preventing border infiltrations, and thwarting smuggling operations.
• Tactical Operations: Specialized in Close-Quarters Battle (CQB), desert warfare, and acting as forward artillery observers.