Recruitment of men and women fighters for the combat units of the July-August 2023 cycle started this morning (Monday), and is expected to end on September 4. In the coming weeks, thousands of recruits are expected to visit the recruitment sites throughout the country and from there they will continue to the "military chain" and begin their military service.
Among the recruits, there are men and women assigned to serve in significant combat roles in field units. 57.6% of the recruits in the summer cycle are men, compared to 42.4% women, with an average age of 18.9 years. In this draft, 478 new immigrants will be enlisted, including 313 men and 165 women, and 471 lone soldiers will be enlisted - among them 265 men and 206 women.
"The combat service is the source of strength of the IDF. For male and female soldiers, their key role is to defend the security of Israel, and their essential, important, and appreciated contribution was stated by the IDF. All recruits are granted the right and opportunity to serve in significant roles, based on their personal attributes and demonstrated capabilities during the recruitment process."
The combat collection system, where foot soldiers and observers serve, has become a central system in the Border Defense Force in recent years. Starting today, the combat collection system will undergo a change in its insignia - as part of the process, the new recruits to the collection system will receive red combat boots and at the end of the training, the fighters will be awarded a new soldier pin and a camouflage desert beret.
The new pin was specially designed for the army after years when there was no uniform military pin. The new beret will replace the traditional desert beret. This change will soon also be made to all collection soldiers serving in the various sectors. The IDF explained that "the change is being made out of a desire to increase military pride, which is based on a cohesive identity, while strengthening the bond between the formations within the force."