IDF holds redesigned Arrowhead agility competition for combat soldiers, special units

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has revived its Arrowhead agility competition, a multi-brigade fitness challenge for combat soldiers and special units, after a three-year pause. The competition, held on July 8, 2026, featured troops from the Paratroopers, Givati, Golani, Nahal, Kfir, Lotar, and Refaim Brigades.

This year's Arrowhead competition underwent significant redesign to better reflect the realities of modern warfare. Instead of a flat course, participants navigated challenging terrain including forests and sand dunes while carrying 20 kg. loads. The competition also included running with stretchers, simulating casualty evacuation, and immediate shooting exercises following the run. This approach aims to test soldiers' physical and mental resilience under demanding conditions.

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These changes are rooted in drawing lessons from prolonged combat.

The competition also included two Krav Maga practice scenarios. One scenario tested soldiers' skills in defending against an "attacker" attempting to disarm them, while the second involved direct hand-to-hand combat. Each brigade was scored on running times, shooting accuracy, and Krav Maga proficiency.

Major M., head of the IDF’s Training and Research at the Combat Capability Directorate, explained that the changes were based on lessons learned from prolonged combat, noting that past tests no longer adequately represented battlefield conditions. Col. (res.) Avi Dahan, Commander of the Combat Fitness Division, added that the activities were designed to occur in quick succession to push the troops' physical and mental limits. The Paratrooper Brigade emerged as the overall winner, followed by the Givati Brigade in second place and the Lotar Unit in third.

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We realized that the things we were tested on in the past no longer illustrate what happens on the battlefield in the best way.