Sayeret Matkal (סיירת מטכ״ל), also called Unit 269 or just called "The Unit", is one of the special forces units of the Israel Defense Force, and probably the most famous and also most secretive of units.

They are trained to fight in all types of environments and situations, such as Hostage Rescue, Counterterrorism, but especially Long Range Reconnaissance. They are foremost considered a field intelligence-gathering unit.

Established in: "1957"

Motto: "המעז מנצח"
Translation: Who Dares Wins

To join Sayeret Matkal, one must be usually born in Israel. One Candidate must undergo physical fitness testing, medical testing, and intelligence testing, before being able to join Yom Sayarot (Pre-Selection Phase), which is followed by Gibbush Matkal (Selection or Qualification Course), lasting 5 days and then the Advanced Basic Training Course.

Physical Requirements Sayeret Matkal

The physical requirements for special force units are very intense. This is the combat fitness test level 3. It starts with a 3000-meter run (1.86 miles). The minimum time is 14 minutes. However, candidates should focus on reaching at least great numbers. This is followed with 60 KG Barbell Squats, Suicides with a weighted 15 KG vest, 60 KG Benchpress for reps, and it finishes with 15 KG weighted pullups. Again to pass this test one should focus on great to gold numbers to stand out.

Yom Sayarot - Selection Test

During Yom Sayarot, the test that decides the fate of each candidate, the candidates will undergo arduous training. This phase is followed by 5 days of testing. Candidates will run up the sandhills and down for numerous times, never told when this testing will stop. They will carry jerry cans up the hill, participate in group activities carrying stretchers up the hill, carry sandbags up the hill, and so on. They will dig holes and build tents to sleep in, as group activities. During the whole process the staff, the cadre, will closely observe the candidates. They are looking for genuine teamwork. Furthermore, Candidates under time pressure, sleep-deprived, have to dismantle and put weapons back together. They want those candidates who never give up, but who are also honest and genuine and team players. Of course, physical fitness is very important, but it's not the decisive factor. Decisive factors are... your overall performance, the units and the military needs at this point, your medical aptitude, and an evaluation questionnaire that all candidates have to fill out at the end of the 5 days.

Facts about Sayeret Matkal

Sayeret Matkal Operators do not wear their insignia in public, as they try to remain as secretive as possible.

After the end of Service, most members join the Sayeret Matkal Reserves. They also usually start their college career in their last year of service.

A lot of Sayeret Matkal Operators join the Mossad as well, in high ranking positions.

Even though the Unit existed since 1957, it only became official in 1980, when the government officially announced its existence. This unit was closely modeled to the S.A.S. and their operators used to receive the SAS book "The Ghost Commander" from founder David Sterling, at graduation.