IDF Reveals Field Intelligence Unit Based On Tech, Data Science

 January 4, 2018 | The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has formally announced its Unit 3060, an Intelligence Corps unit that had secretly formed in September 2014 through the merging of field intelligence technology units, according to various media outlets. According to the Jerusalem Post, the Unit is comprised of about 400 soldiers who specialize in technology-focused fields. It’s mission, according to JPost, is to “use modern data science for operational and visual intelligence for commanders and intelligence officers to increase the combat effectiveness of the IDF.” Half of these soldiers are career soldiers, and other half are enlisted compulsorily. The unit has a heavy focus on big data, with as much intelligence processed and presented, as possible. The unit is made up of 75 percent men and 25 percent women, JPost reports. The Unit, which reports to the head of Military Intelligence, is sometimes called the “Purple Unit” because of its fusion of blue representing the IDF and red representing the enemy, through their system built to serve intelligence officers in the field. Globes reports that the unit has a data science lab, collaborates with academia and high-tech companies, and have included various tech specialists from other parts of the army.