IDF summer enlistment underway
Hundreds of teens report to military induction centers across Israel. New recruits said to be eager to join combat units; Home Front Command
Hundreds of 18-year-olds accompanied by family members arrived at military induction centers across Israel Sunday, ahead of the IDF's summer enlistment period.
Sunday's recruits, slated to join the Golani Brigade, mark the first day of 2012's summer draft.
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IDF officials said that the number of recruits is similar to that in previous years, and that demographic analysis indicates an expected increase in the number of recruits in 2015: "There is a sufficient number of people who are interested in joining combat units," military officials stated.
Later during the week, recruits will join the rest of the Infantry Corps, including the Givati, Kfir, and Paratroopers units, and a week after that new soldiers will join the Air Forces, Home Front Command, Armored and Artillery corps.
According to data retrieved by IDF's Personnel Directorate, the percentage of teenagers who are interested in joining combat units has not changed in the recent year and is now 72% – a decrease of less than one percent compared to 2011.
IDF data further demonstrated that half the recruits requested to join Infantry Corps, and the other half requested to join the rest of the units. Youths who had submitted specific requests got one of their first three choices.
Distribution of recruits is indicative of imminent threats on the state of Israel. In the upcoming weeks, hundreds will be drafted to the Home Front Command and the new Iron Dome batteries.
In fact, the Home Front Command is launching a fourth battalion, titled Tavor and commanded by Lt.-Col Dror Shaul.
The new battalion will operate as an infantry corps, but when missiles hit populated areas or when earthquakes strike, the battalion will join the three existing HFC battalions. This launch is meant to operate serving troops in cases of emergency rather than draft reserve units.
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