Golani Brigade top choice for new recruits

The Golani infantry brigade remains the popular choice for youths who will soon join the IDF, according to army figures released Sunday, ahead of the November draft.

“The motivation for combat service among teenagers is stable at 73.3 percent, as is the motivation to serve in infantry units – half of teenagers want to get there,” said the head of the Conscription Reinforcement Branch, Col. Yosi Malka.

Golani remained the most popular infantry brigade, while Givati came in second place, according to the IDF’s figures.

Malka added that there was a rise in the number of young men seeking to serve in the Kfir infantry brigade as well.

The vast majority of preconscripted youth receive a letter from the IDF informing them of where they will be serving.

More youths are also signaling their wish to join the IDF’s Air Defense Command, Malka added.

The Border Police, which is partly staffed by IDF conscripts, also saw a rise in applications.

Other noticeable trends include an increase in applications to serve in cyber defense and other hi-tech units.

Malka said that trend came from the rise of technology’s role in society, and the increase in hi-tech units within the IDF.

“The issue of secure information is gaining traction, and is challenging the youths,” he said.

Religious soldiers are most concentrated in the Kfir Brigade and the Armored Corps, according to the figures.

Soldiers from an Ethiopian background are found in greatest numbers in the Givait Brigade, as it allows them “to integrate and become commanders later on, while providing [good] service conditions that meet their requirements,” Malka said.

Female conscripts continue to opt in large numbers for [electronic] observation post roles, Malka noted.

Malka said the IDF was beefing up the number of battalions under the Home Front Command that are tasked with heading up search and rescue missions during emergencies.

During normal times, the battalions carry out routine duties in the West Bank.