TOP 5 QUESTIONS ABOUT

ARMY

Serving in the IDF can be rewarding and challenging. The army is a huge organization with endless complexities, nuances, and exceptions, so the best way to be prepared is to become as informed as possible.

1

What are the types of units?

Army jobs usually fall into 3 general categories: Combat, Non-combat, and Combat Support. You usually can choose a preference of which you want, however where you are placed is often determined by what organization you are drafting with and your medical profile.

2

What is the typical length of service?

The typical Israeli army service for citizens (including Olim) is 2 years and 8 months for guys and 2 years for girls. Volunteering (Machal) is 18 months. Below you can read more about different drafting options; the length of service may be different if you choose one of those options.

3

What kind of support do you get when drafting?

  1. There are many different organizations that will help you navigate the IDF bureaucracy. In addition, some organizations are for support before, during, and after your army service.
  2. Your choices can depend on your gender, whether you plan on making aliyah, if you are looking for a religious framework, and how long you want your service to be.

4

What is the drafting process?

Please note that this is a very general outline of what the process looks like, there is a good chance that your process will be a modification of this due to your specific circumstances.

​Step 1 – Tzav Rishon (your first call-up)
Step 2 – Yom Hameya (non combat) or Gibush (combat).
Step 3 – Miyunim (non combat) or Sayeret (combat).
Step 4 – Draft Day!

There is a good chance that as a draftee you will draft to either the Moledet or Michvei Alon (Army Hebrew Course) programs:

  • Moledet is a 1.5 month long course that covers basic training and cultural integration.
  • Michvei Alon is a 3 month course that covers basic training, cultural integration and basic ulpan

** While both these programs include basic training, you may have to repeat basic training depending on your unit placement. However, this time does count towards the length of your army service.

5

Help and Support

There are organizations out there to help and support lone soldiers throughout their service and to make sure they are getting what they need.

The Nefesh B’Nefesh Lone Soldiers Program acts as the address for every Lone Soldier in Israel before, during, and after their service in the IDF. They provide resources, support and guidance for a successful IDF service and acclimation to life in Israel.

Some of the other organizations include:

For more info on starting off life in Israel: