Israel’s military launches campaign to recruit thousands back into reserve duty years after service

The Israeli military is attempting to address a critical shortage of reserve personnel by launching a recruitment drive targeting thousands of former soldiers who completed their mandatory service but have not participated in reserve duty. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) is holding what it calls ‘screening days’ to reassess and reinduct these individuals back into the reserve system, offering them the opportunity to serve their country once again.

At these screening events, potential recruits attend interviews at IDF bases where they are assessed and assigned positions. The military has made efforts to accommodate individual preferences, with officials emphasising that soldiers can request transfers to different units. “We’re fitting the uniform to the person, not the person to the uniform,” according to military statements. This flexible approach represents an attempt to make reserve service more appealing to those who have previously avoided participation.

The campaign comes as Israel faces significant demands on its reserve forces, which form a critical part of the nation’s defence structure. Many Israelis who complete their mandatory service opt out of subsequent reserve obligations, creating staffing challenges for the military. The IDF hopes that by offering personalised assignments and addressing individual concerns, it can encourage greater participation in the reserve system.

Those being approached for the scheme have expressed a sense of national duty. “I wanted to contribute my part,” said one individual invited to participate. The military is banking on similar patriotic sentiment among other eligible recruits to boost reserve numbers and address the ongoing personnel shortfall that has hampered operational readiness.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.