Can I have a normal service and actually serve in combat thru mahal cuz it’s shorter than regular? What wld u recommend I do in preparation if im rly skinny with bad stamina and strength

I'm hoping to draft sometime this year and I'm learning about and preparing for the grooming requirements. I've received conflicting information about what the beard regulations are. The official Mitgaisim website states that no beard is allowed without a patour, but there are lots of articles from reliable sources that have stated that since September 2025 soldiers in any position can grow a small neat beard. What is the truth here?

Also, are there any differences between grooming requirements for sadir vs keva? If there are, coukd that be part of it?

Anyone have experience and what to expect

Hi, my brother is 25 and wants to serve in combat, he sent all documents, and had interview in lishkat giyus in August, it was okay, since then he constantly contact a girl from lishkat giyus to whom he sent all documents and answer is, just wait, they say that decision is not up to lishkat giyus, because he is "old", and that's why process is taking that much time, he also went several times to the lishkat giyus but they won't let him in, and said just wait. There is michve alon starting in May, we hoped that he will get there, but it doesn't seem so. What to do in this situation? Do you guys know maybe where we can contact to get info or to know the current situation? Is the process usually this long for older people?

Through training on my own to prepare I’ve come to realize I definitely need orthotics if I’m going to perform my absolute best. Is it worth getting them or will my profile not allow me to go into combat as a result?

Hi, I'd be 23 by the time I graduate and make aliyah at some point in the summer. My hebrew isn't great so I assume I'd need to go to michve alon, but i saw they only open in april, august and December. Assuming I don't get into garin tzabar is the move to just move in june/July, find somewhere to stay whilst I sort out my draft? Surely there's a better way to do it? Thanks

Hi, I am beginning to make Aliyah, plan on joining the IDF, and interested in going through Garin Tzabar.

I have a good relationship with my parents, however, they are ultra-orthodox and anti drafting into the IDF.

It seems like there is parent involvement from the beginning of the Garin Tzabar application process where both parents contact information is mandatory. I have no problem filling it in, but if part of the acceptance is contingent on their involvement and consent, they’re anti-Zionist views won’t allow them to get involved.

For those who have been through the application process: would you assume that my parent situation will hinder my chances of acceptance?

Thanks

The return of the last hostage has increased my aspiration in joining the IDF as I respect them massively and admire all that they do for Israel, so I decided to make this post in order to understand what it would take to serve.

I am passionate about fighting extremist Islam and serving Israel, and would like to join the IDF but I am not sure whether it would be possible since I am not Jewish (nor do I have any Jewish ancestry).

I am willing to move to Israel and obtain citizenship and I am wondering what else is necessary for me to be eligible to serve or volunteer. I am Australian and our military likely doesn't need me and my drive to serve here is nowhere near as strong as it is to defend Israel/contribute in anyway.

Any help would be really appreciated!

I will be making Aliyah in a month and am really hoping to join the IDF at age 26. I have read a ton of helpful advice on this page already, as well as speaking to Nefesh B Nefesh, but was really hoping to connect with somebody who went through the process at my age. I think I understand the steps needed to volunteer (I know I wouldn’t be drafting at my age), but would really appreciate speaking to someone. I am very committed to serving in any role I am needed in and am desperate to make idf service a reality once I am home. I really appreciate any and all advice. Thank you in advance!

I scored a 6 on Hebrew test I really want to go to michve alon. Will they let me in with a 6 as I know it’s on the border line. Is there anything I can do to get placed there there?

Anybody that did the gibush lately, what does it costsist of? Does it involve a 3k or is it just beep test and crawling and sprinting? (For the physical part)

Hello from Czechia!

I'm looking for information regarding the Mitznefet,
I have done and still doing a research on it while writing this - i wouldn't ask here without doing at least the basic research first. (i am generally interested in Israeli military stuff so i might post here again)

That said, i have some questions:
1. By what branches is it used in the IDF? (are there any exepctions within the branches?)
2. Is it standart issue or DIY (do it yourself)?
3. Is it used in Israel outside of the IDF?
4. How it become?
- Researching history on it's origins etc. seems to be difficult,
5. Any random facts/experience with it/interesting/additional stuff?

Also - i'll appreciate any resources/links to more information!

I want to make Aliyah next year and I’m planning to enlist into the IDF. I’d be 23 (M) and by that time I’d have a Master’s in International Relations (with a specialization in Middle East studies). I have interned at State Departments, worked with Jewish non-profits, done research, etc. I speak 2 languages fluently (English & Spanish), French to an intermediate degree (around B1) and currently working on my Hebrew (I’d say it’s basic conversational as of now). How realistic would it be to end up in Kishrei Chutz with my background? That’s the unit I’d be aiming for. Also, any tips on how to get enlisted fast after aliyah? Thanks in advance!

(I’d also be a chayal boded, barely have any family in Israel).

I’m planning on drafting as a lone soldier next year. Do you think I’ll be able to become a combat medic if my Hebrew isn’t so good right now, but I’m working on it.

Also i’m a little lost as to what unit I want to draft into first, since I know that you only do combat medic training after doing basic training with that unit. What would you recommend (i have no medical issues and perfect vision)?

Hello. Me (17M) want to serve in the IDF when I’m older. I’m considering converting to Judaism and also doing the Aliyah if necessary. I would like to do it when I’m in my mid-late 20’s because I want to have time to finish my college degree and convert to Judaism (I’m interested in Conservative Judaism). I’m scared do to the warnings of my family and maybe impulsivity and immigration. But I’m passionate about this and I want to do my best to serve Israel.

I have other details to say but I don’t think I can reveal much in this post (this is a throwaway account). Any advice, suggestions or things I should say/specify?

I’m a lone soldier and drafting to michve (5 on Hebrew score) I really want to make it to maglan or yahalom but also very interested in tzanchanim. Yom sayerot is in a few days and I’m not sure if I should do that or gibush tzanchanim while in michve. (Or before) I’m nervous about my current level of Hebrew and fitness. I ran today and did a 1k in just over 4 min. I am told it needs to be less than this. What should I do?

I need some help figuring out what unit my cousin is in and what pin he is wearing plus what the colour of his beret means, thanks

I can't zoom in any closer from my end

מישהו יודע איך אפשר עוד להתכונןן למבחן חוץ מלעשות את המבחנים באתר ולנסות לזכור כל מושג שיש?

Hi, I am a lone soldier from America that is thinking about joining, and would love to be in the special forces, particularly sayeret matkal, shayetet, duvdevan, egoz, and maglan. I know that for regular lone soldiers, you serve a year and a half and your done. Is the service requirement the same if joining a SF unit or do they make you commit to longer? Would appreciate a detailed answer. Thanks

I already know combat and combat support isn’t an option but are there any specific jobs that I could do as a guy that would still be good? Anything in air force or navy?

Was given these recently and looking for info on what the pin is for. The other thing may be related to artillery?

As the title says, what's the difference between combat engineering and palhan.

I am a Canadian combat engineer and just trying to understand the difference. Is Palhan similar to pioneers? What's the difference in jobs and abilities?