IDF begins July field unit draft cycle

The draft cycle is part of "the IDF's concept as the people's army, which receives male and females from all segments of Israeli society to a range of roles," the army said.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
Updated: JULY 19, 2015 01:45
The Givati Brigade's Tzabar Battalion practices complex maneuvers in an urban warfare environment (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
The Givati Brigade's Tzabar Battalion practices complex maneuvers in an urban warfare environment
(photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
The start of the IDF’s annual July draft cycle for field units, combat support units and additional military roles is set to begin on Sunday, the first in which male soldiers serve for 32 months, following a government decision to shorten service time by four months.
In light of continued enlistment by new immigrants, the army will launch a new program aimed at facilitating their integration into the military with a course that will familiarize cadets with military service, national traditions and improve their Hebrew fluency.
The draft cycle is part of “the IDF’s concept as the people’s army, which receives male and females from all segments of Israeli society to a range of roles,” the army said in a statement Saturday night. “Each and every draftee has the opportunity to serve in a meaningful, contributory service that can develop them.”
According to a questionnaire filled out by July 2015 draftees, motivation levels for joining combat roles “remain steady” with one of two candidates for combat roles interested in joining one of the infantry brigades, the army said.
The army said there also was a “significant increase in the integration of women into combat roles.”
The draft cycle also will be the first in which Military Police Corps and Adjutant Corps recruits go directly to their new training base in southern Israel.