CBNNews.com - BEERSHEBA, Israel - In a simulated Arab town, designed to train combat units for urban warfare, Israel Defense Forces soldiers learn how ferret out a terror cell in a dangerous maze of winding streets and narrow alleyways.

At the IDF's Ground Troop Training Center (GTTC)  in Beersheba, built a year and a half ago, the drills simulate real-time encounters, as soldiers evacuate the "wounded" under heavy gunfire and confront "terrorists" firing at them.

Their commanders monitor the troops, noting what's important for the review afterward in the debriefing room, which includes state-of-the-art digital equipment.

The GTTC, constructed after the 2006 Second Lebanon War, has helped apply the lessons learned, including the maneuverability of ground troops and interaction with the IAF.

IDF Chief of General Staff Lt. General Gabi Ashkenazi has made training a top priority, including reservists, who up to age 40 serve one month's reserve duty annually.

Source: The Jerusalem Post