May 31, 2023

New Commanding Officer of the 188th “Lighting Formation” Armored Brigade

Today (Wednesday), COL Roy Savirski, Commanding Officer of the 188th “Lightning Formation” Armored Brigade, concluded his position. Replacing him will be COL Or Vollozinsky.

The change of command ceremony took place today (Wednesday), at Camp Barak and was led by the Commanding Officer of the Northern Command, MG Ori Gordin, Commanding Officer of the 36th Ga’ash Division, BG Dado Bar-Kalifa, with the participation of current and past commanders, soldiers, families and additional guests.

Commanding Officer of the 36th Ga’ash Division, BG Dado Bar-Kalifa:
"Vollozinsky, it feels safe to continue this journey with you in the midst of the General Staff exercise "Firm Hand", which simulates a campaign in a multitude of arenas while putting an emphasis on the challenges of the northern arena. Throughout the next two weeks, the 36th Ga’ash Division together with the 188th brigade, will be tested and required to achieve victory! We will be required to achieve results without making excuses, and we won’t return until we complete our task! I trust you and will do everything in my power to ensure your success. I am at your service. Take command; from now on, it is officially yours. Good luck!"

Outgoing Commanding Officer of the 188th “Lighting Formation” Armored Brigade, COL Roy Savirski:
"Today, I am concluding 27 years of service in the brigade, which started when I set foot right here in Camp Barak as I finished my initial training. I was a soldier in training, unaware of the power and pride this unit holds, and did not imagine I would become such an integral part of it. The brigade has since become the air I breathe, the dreams I dream and the moral compass that leads my path. It was and still is a great privilege to serve the State of Israel, the IDF and the 188th Brigade. Preparing the brigade for war and increasing its readiness and unity is a moral duty. COL Or Vollozinsky, the brigade is ready for your command and I am always at your disposal."

Incoming Commanding Officer of the 188th “Lightning Formation” Armored Brigade, COL Or Vollozinsky:
"Being in the 188th Brigade is a great source of pride for me. It means caring for people while also setting an uncompromising demand for high achievement. It means being professional, united and mission-oriented. It provides you with a winning spirit and a sense of capability that make everything possible.
These values were established about 50 years ago, not far from where we stand today, during the heroic battles of the soldiers of the young 188th Armored Brigade. These soldiers risked their lives defending the State of Israel out of an understanding that there was no one who would. They did so with impressive professionalism, driven by the values of friendship and brotherhood and by a great belief in the righteousness of their path.
I vow the "Lightning" Brigade will continue operating with the same spirit, train in order to achieve professional excellence, develop its soldiers and great commanders serving in both active and reserve duty and be ready on the day of command. This is my moral duty as well as my duty as a commander. We are all in this together - soldiers of the Armored Corps, Combat Engineering Corps, Infantry Corps and the IDF’s various other arrays that assist during routine and operational activities, training and war."