Not one, but two unusual devices for a 3D. Nice find, Marsh!

Is that a “droid” under the cover, in the centre of the turret?

Thanks, Marsh; oddly that wasn’t the site I was referring too.

Is that a “droid” under the cover, in the centre of the turret?

Kylie

I don't know, but think we are approaching OPSEC issues which we shouldn't discuss.

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I don't know, but think we are approaching OPSEC issues which we shouldn't discuss.

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Haha, right, because somehow speculating about publicly available images is going to somehow lead to IDF combat losses when what, Hamas figures out there might be an upcoming conversion kit from Blackdog? Get real.

If the IDF was seriously worried about the OPSEC of a trophy equipped Merkava 3, I seriously doubt the person that took that picture would have walked away with their camera intact, nevermind the fact that there is hardly any secrets left about the system itself, seeing that I can go on Youtube and watch a video by Rafael explaining how the ENTIRE SYSTEM works. As for the larger sight, seeing that there are dozens of pictures of Mk3s mounting them, I really doubt theres much secrecy there. Seriously when the IDF wants to keep a weapons system classifed, they keep it classifed, (ie, that missile armed Magach they kept quiet for nearly a decade) so you probably dont need to worry about playing backseat Mossad on a model forum because some guys are wondering what a gun sight does.

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I don't know, but think we are approaching OPSEC issues which we shouldn't discuss.

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Haha, right, because somehow speculating about publicly available images is going to somehow lead to IDF combat losses when what, Hamas figures out there might be an upcoming conversion kit from Blackdog? Get real.

If the IDF was seriously worried about the OPSEC of a trophy equipped Merkava 3, I seriously doubt the person that took that picture would have walked away with their camera intact, nevermind the fact that there is hardly any secrets left about the system itself, seeing that I can go on Youtube and watch a video by Rafael explaining how the ENTIRE SYSTEM works. As for the larger sight, seeing that there are dozens of pictures of Mk3s mounting them, I really doubt theres much secrecy there. Seriously when the IDF wants to keep a weapons system classifed, they keep it classifed, (ie, that missile armed Magach they kept quiet for nearly a decade) so you probably dont need to worry about playing backseat Mossad on a model forum because some guys are wondering what a gun sight does.

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Dear Rob,

Thank you for the timely reminder why I seldom contribute much to sites on the internet.

Although I have been out of the loop now for many years, I have been lucky enough to have visited MANTAK, Tel ha Shomer and IDF
armour bases on several occasions. I have sat down with the designers of the Merkava and Namer, (both Tal and his successors), discussed the AFVs characteristics and watched production and development over the years. Not on the web, but in real life. I have attended weapons trials, armour exercises, mobility trials and invited to ballistic symposiums. I am relatively well informed about the Merkava project.

I have actual experience, sometimes uncomfortable times, with IDF field security and how difficult it is for them in the age of the mobile phone to control leakage of images and information. I will not contribute to that leakage and compromise OPSEC, just in case I know too much.

You on the other hand are free to speculate to your hearts content. It won't do any damage.

Yours
Marsh

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I don't know, but think we are approaching OPSEC issues which we shouldn't discuss.

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Haha, right, because somehow speculating about publicly available images is going to somehow lead to IDF combat losses when what, Hamas figures out there might be an upcoming conversion kit from Blackdog? Get real.

If the IDF was seriously worried about the OPSEC of a trophy equipped Merkava 3, I seriously doubt the person that took that picture would have walked away with their camera intact, nevermind the fact that there is hardly any secrets left about the system itself, seeing that I can go on Youtube and watch a video by Rafael explaining how the ENTIRE SYSTEM works. As for the larger sight, seeing that there are dozens of pictures of Mk3s mounting them, I really doubt theres much secrecy there. Seriously when the IDF wants to keep a weapons system classifed, they keep it classifed, (ie, that missile armed Magach they kept quiet for nearly a decade) so you probably dont need to worry about playing backseat Mossad on a model forum because some guys are wondering what a gun sight does.

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Dear Rob,

Thank you for the timely reminder why I seldom contribute much to sites on the internet.

Although I have been out of the loop now for many years, I have been lucky enough to have visited MANTAK, Tel ha Shomer and IDF
armour bases on several occasions. I have sat down with the designers of the Merkava and Namer, (both Tal and his successors), discussed the AFVs characteristics and watched production and development over the years. Not on the web, but in real life. I have attended weapons trials, armour exercises, mobility trials and invited to ballistic symposiums. I am relatively well informed about the Merkava project.

I have actual experience, sometimes uncomfortable times, with IDF field security and how difficult it is for them in the age of the mobile phone to control leakage of images and information. I will not contribute to that leakage and compromise OPSEC, just in case I know too much.

You on the other hand are free to speculate to your hearts content. It won't do any damage.

Yours
Marsh

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Marsh, my apologies, I am truly an ass, I read the entire exchange completely out of context and responded like a boob. I honestly thought you were trying to shut down the entire conversation about the subject, and not just deflecting more detailed questions about the sights designation.

I try not to speculate about stuff that could be OPSEC

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I try not to speculate about stuff that could be OPSEC

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People like to throw that term around, but many times I have to wonder if they really know what they are talking about or are just using some buzzword they heard. Images of technical developments taken in the past have nothing to do with current or future operations - the "OP" part. A discussion of current troop movements, reports of reservists being activated, orders stating that leaves are cancelled starting tomorrow, those things could compromise operational security. The fact that a tanks were seen with a new armor outfit three months ago is an issue of compromised technology.

More to the point, ol' Dr. Mansheroob once chastized people for "fishing" around for information about the IDF. I noted that the survival problem for the fish was not that there were fishermen but that there were fish that were willing to bite.

KL

I don't wish to get involved in semantics. The term OPSEC is indeed sloppy, however, its meaning and intent is understood.

I wasn't using OPSEC as a buzzword. What might be semantics to us has a very different context to Michael Mass and Dr Manasherob. On a personal level I prefer to take their concerns to heart. You need to make your own choice.