The Reserve Duty Law

The Reserve Duty Law safeguardS the rights of reservists by more clearly defining the purpose of the draft.

By MATT ZALEN
soldiers enter jeep 298. (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski [file])
soldiers enter jeep 298.
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski [file])
Passed on April 16, 2008, the Reserve Duty Law was the culmination of a 10-year effort to safeguard the rights of reservists by more clearly defining the purpose of the draft, and by minimizing the economic impact of the service through increased financial benefits and decreased responsibilities. It was fully enacted on January 1, 2010.
The main points of the law are:
• During peace time, reservists can be summoned for only three purposes: training, manpower reassignment and operational duty. The draft can also be implemented as needed in the event of an emergency, or when the skills needed by the military can only be filled by a reservist.
• As of January 1, 2010, reservists can only be drafted for no more than 36 days a year, and not to exceed a total of 54 days for regular soldiers, 70 days for non-commissioned officers, and 84 days for officers every three years. However, the defense minister is authorized to extend the total three-year time frame to 108 days should the need arise. In addition, in the event of a major emergency, Draft Order 8 can be issued, which calls reservists for an unspecified amount of time.
• Reservists can only be called for operational duty for a total of 25 days once every three years. 
• Reservists become exempt from service at the following ages: 40 forregular soldiers, 45 for officers, and 49 for those with high-demandskills such as doctors, technicians, mechanics, etc.
• Reservists who serve more than 26 days in a given year are entitled amonetary “special compensation.” In addition, tax breaks and benefitswill be granted according to the number of days each reservist served.
• Government institutions are encouraged to offer incentives to reservists.         – M.Z.