The Israeli Defence Force’s Unit 9900
Otherwise known as the “Visual Intelligence Division”, the Israeli Defence Force’s Unit 9900 is unique amongst today’s military in that all of its recruits have autism. The unit specializes in aerial reconnaissance, scanning and analyzing high-resolution satellite images to identify anomalies and suspicious movements. And the fact that its members are gifted with exceptional capabilities when it comes to such visual analytics and attention to detail makes Unit 9900 remarkably effective.
Those that serve in the Unit have little difficulty analyzing what they see before them. Communicating it, however, can come as slightly more of a challenge. Recruitment into the unit is no small feat though; candidates must pass three phases—testing their abilities to analyze data, adjust to the IDF’s rigid structure and work in such a way that they pose no threat to either themselves or to the operation—before they are selected. Only 12 candidates out of several dozen who applied in 2016 made it into the unit.
But while those that make the cut don’t see any action on the frontline, they perform a vital role as the eyes of the troops on the ground—integral to ensuring the efficacy of sensitive operations. It’s vital that secrecy is kept with such operations, and to ensure it is the IDF has in place extensive training and support to ensure Unit 9900’s recruits don’t discuss any of their activities with those outside the army.
Part of the reason for the Unit 9900’s existence is that Israel implements mandatory military service for both men and women. Since 2008 this has also extended to those with autism, with potential recruits assigned roles on a case-by-case basis. In some cases, exemptions can be granted on the grounds of ethnicity, religion, or physical or mental health. But only in some cases. Unit 9900 can therefore be explained as a push to include as many of Israel’s population in the military as possible. The fact it enlists both male and female recruits suggests it’s doing just that.