Hagana

Hagana (Haganah, Hebrew: defense) was the underground military self-defense organization of the the Jewish community in Eretz Israel (Palestine) from 1920 to 1948. There were no visual grade markings used by the Hagana. Every soldier knew his superior commanders. However, there was a well-developed system of appointments:

Mefaked Kita - Squad Leader

Mefaked Makhlaka - Platoon Commander

Mefaked Pluga - Company Commander

Mefaked Gdud - Battalion/Regiment Commander

Mefaked Khativa - Brigade Commander

Rosh Ha-Mate Ha-Klali (RAMATKAL) - Chief of General Staff

Rosh Ha-Mifkada Ha-Artzit (RAMA) - Chief of Haganah Headquarters

Besides, every commander has had a Segen (Deputy Commander). In addition, there were Samalim (NCOs) in every platoon (Samal Makhlaka), company (Samal Plugati), and battalion/regiment (Samal Gdudi).

Towards the declaration of the Statehood appeared a need to distinguish commanding officers so that all new recruits would be able to recognize them.

The following systems were the first markings used for such a purpose.

April 1948 - "Nakhshon" operation

?	?	?
Mefaked Kita Squad Lieder	Mefaked Makhlaka Platoon Commander	Mefaked Pluga Company Commander	Mefaked Gdud Battalion/Regiment Commander	Mefaked Khativa Brigade Commander

May 1948 - Defense of Jerusalem 7th Brigade

Tat-Nagad Sub-Junior NCO	Nagad Junior NCO	Samal NCO	Afsanai Plugati Company Quartermaster
wore on right sleeve