The Beret and the Symbol

The Orange Beret

For over seven years since the inception of the Home Front Command, no specific beret was designated for its soldiers.

In October 1999, at a festive ceremony at Mt. Herzl, the orange beret was conferred on the Home Front Command.

The international significance of the color orange is rescue and humanitarian aid, and it is the agreed-upon symbol of rescue forces making their way to help those who are trapped.

The event marked the recognition of the authority of the Home Front Command regarding civil defense, and was an expression of appreciation for the command’s professionalism.

Today, the orange beret is the identifying symbol of Home Front soldiers. It expresses well the feeling of those who wear it that they have a mission, and it represents Israel in rescue operations around the world.

The Symbol of the Command

The symbol of the command is made up of two central elements:

The first is the sword wrapped in an olive branch. This symbol, appearing also in the symbol of the IDF, is known as one of the first and most common symbols of Israel. It expresses the place of an army whose purpose is to protect the State of Israel at the same time as that state constantly strives for peace.

The second element of the command symbol is a building and a hill (the central triangle), presented together. This element was chosen to represent the people of the state and its citizens. The building and the hill symbolize both the urban and the rural, side by side.

Including both of these elements into a single symbol expresses the unique role of the command in terms of civil defense and the commitment of the IDF and the State of Israel to the security and protection of the people.

In some symbols of the command, a helping hand is also depicted. It emphasizes the achievements and developments of the command in the field of help and rescue.