A number of Israel Defense Forces reserve units have formed non-profit organizations in recent months to raise funds for the purchase of ceramic-plate protective vests, night vision devices and upgrading communications equipment - all of which the IDF failed to provide. Reserve officers explain that these private initiatives began after Opeation Defensive Shield in April, when reserve units were mobilized without sufficient provisions. Sources in the IDF's Technology and Logistics division said that the army has ordered thousands of ceramic vests since then. One unnamed officer pointed out the obvious, that these moves showed a lack of faith by the average reservist, that the army would provide for their needs. - Adam Geibel