Subverting the strategic corporal: the IDF's contemporary heroic imagination. Issue 5 (3rd September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stern, Nehemia
• Is Part Of: Israel affairs. Volume 27:Issue 5(2021)
• Page Start: 905
• Page End: 920
• Publication Date: 2021-09-03
• Subjects: Israel -- Israel defence forces -- IDF -- heroism -- strategic corporal -- asymmetrical warfare; Israel -- History -- 1933- -- Periodicals; 956.94054
• DOI: 10.1080/13537121.2021.1968212
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-7121

Abstract

ABSTRACT: How does the Israel Defence Forces cultivate the image of a 'hero' within its combat ranks? By analysing a series of online educational videos on combat heritage, this article will demonstrate how the IDF's current heroic imagination is grounded in a subversion of the 'Strategic Corporal' paradigm. Within this paradigm, junior ranking soldiers are seen as increasing the chaos inherent in asymmetrical conflicts. By contrast, this article will argue that a focus on the learned elements of professionalism and training are seen as creating the conditions wherein every man (or woman) can become a 'hero'.