Bill would have army training count in civilian world

Likud MK Berko says initiative makes a clear statement that the government seeks to help those who contribute to the country.

By LAHAV HARKOV
Updated: AUGUST 21, 2015 05:29
IDF soldiers in the co-ed Caracal Battalion (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
IDF soldiers in the co-ed Caracal Battalion
(photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
Anyone who finishes an IDF course that has applications in the civilian world will be able to get a certification or credit toward one, if a bill drafted by MK Anat Berko (Likud) becomes law.
“My bill can help give recently discharged soldiers, who carried the country on their shoulders, a profession and direct thousands of trained young people into the market,” Berko said.
The proposal, which has support from Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon and Economy Minister Arye Deri, is meant to help veterans enter the workforce soon after their army service, allowing them to make a living at a younger age, and to help the market by bringing in workers who do not need additional training.
Berko also said the initiative makes a clear statement that the government seeks to help those who contributed to the country by serving in the army, instead of earning a civilian salary.
The bill does not refer to specific positions in the IDF.
If it becomes law, a committee made up of IDF and government officials would be formed to decide what additional studies are needed to apply someone’s training in a variety of civilian jobs and what kind of credit educational institutions could give for different kinds of training.
Examples Berko gave of job types that could easily be translated to the civilian world are technician, practical engineer, or logistics manager.
The bill is likely to go to the Ministerial Committee for Legislation for a vote when it reconvenes, along with the Knesset, in October.