IDF launches new, outsourced classification system for recruits

New program is being outsourced and run by Adam Milo, one of Israel's leading human resources companies.

By YAAKOV KATZ
idf recruits bakum 248 88 (photo credit: IDF [file])
idf recruits bakum 248 88
(photo credit: IDF [file])
Public lecturing, group discussions and other live simulations are some of the trials teenagers going through the IDF induction process will be subjected to under a new classification system the Human Resources Department launched on Tuesday. Called Me'ah - a Hebrew acronym for "Classification, Identification and Compatibility" - the new program is being outsourced and run by Adam Milo, one of Israel's leading human resources companies. "We want to maximize our most valuable resources, which is our soldiers," OC Human Resources Maj.-Gen. Avi Zamir said during a press conference in Tel Aviv. "Our only advantage in the Middle East is our human resource." Since the 1980s, new draftees have gone through a series of tests that set what is called in Israel the "Kaba." The Kaba is a number that ranges from 40 to 56 and combines a draftee's psychological evaluation, knowledge of Hebrew, socio-economic background and other criteria. Under the new program, draftees - who have a low medical profile and therefore cannot serve in combat units - will, after their interview at IDF Induction Centers, be summoned for a day-long of additional tests and simulations that will set another grade, called "Zafat," a Hebrew acronym for "Occupation Profile Score." "During the day, the draftees will go through six stations that will test various skills that are not brought out in the standardized exams," explained Lt.-Col. Rami Ben-Haim, head of the Me'ah project. "This gives 40 percent of draftees the chance to get to jobs in the military that before they never would have been assigned to."