Read here about the different units of the IDF. As you’ll see, much of the information about the elite units are in Hebrew. For those of you dreaming to one day reach one of those elite units, or any other unit for that matter – it is critical that you work hard to improve your Hebrew.
The above units are the main infantry units of the IDF. These units are open to males only. Each infantry unit contains a forward reconnaissance battalion as well. These units do most of the “routine dirty work” for the IDF, composed mainly of operational duty on the different borders around and within Israel
Those drafting through מח”ל can serve in the regular battalions here while serving a minimum of 18 months. In order to serve in the reconnaissance battalions of these units you must sign a full IDF service (2.6 years).
Medical Profile
Minimum 82
קב”א
Minimum 43
The above units are the mixed infantry combat units. These units contains males and females, who serve together to defend the different missions that these units receive. These units focus mainly on defending the southern borders of Israel. There 4 battalions are all under the Farn Brigade.
Those drafting through מח”ל can draft to these units and serve the minimum of 18 months.
Medical Profile
Minimum 72 (Both males & females)
קב”א
Females: 47 Males: No restriction
The above and below units are additional combat units but each have specific and unique jobs.
שריון/Tanks
This is the armored unit of the IDF. They serve on all of the borders of Israel and provide armored security. Those drafting through מח”ל can draft to שריון for a minimum of 18 months. Within שריון there are 2 forward reconnaissance battalions – 401 & 7. Those drafting through מח”ל can serve in these battalions (if they pass the tryouts) but only if the sign a full service time (2.6 years).
Medical Profile
Minimum 72 for regular battalions, minimum 82 for the סיירות
קב”א
No restriction
הנדסה קרבית/Combat Engineering
This is the infantry engineering corps of the IDF. In addition to going through the full infantry training, they additionally go through basic combat engineering training which focuses on a wide range of explosives training. Those drafting through מח”ל can serve in the Combat Engineering Corps for a minimum of 18 months. There is a special combat engineering unit called יה”לום within the unit – see below for more information.
Medical Profile
Minimum 82
קב”א
No restriction
These units are all open to both males & females. Those drafting through מח”ל are all eligible to serve in these units.
Military Police – Checkpoints
This unit is specifically stationed at the different checkpoints which pass into the West Bank of Israel. They are responsible for checking the vehicles & people travelling in and coming out of the West Bank.
Profile
Males: Minimum 64
Females: Minimum 72
קב”א
Minimum 49 for males & females
Artillery – תותחנים
This unit specializes in Artillery warfare. As Artillery is not routinely used, they receive infantry training as well and perform infantry tasks on the different borders of Israel on a routine basis. There are special units within the Artillery corps – more information on them below.
Profile
Minimum 72 for basic battalions. Minimum 82 for סיירת.
קב”א
Minimum 47 for females. No restriction for males.
Combat Intelligence – איסוף קרבי
This unit specializes in gathering intelligence from the field, often including long stakeouts and the use of advanced technological tools. In addition to intelligence gathering, these soldiers learn a high level of camouflage and concealment techniques.
Profile
Minimum 82
קב”א
Minimum 47 for females. No restriction for males.
Search & Rescue – פלח”ץ
This unit specializes in search and rescue missions during emergency times as part of the Homefront Command. These missions include searching through collapsed buildings & more. During routine times, the unit performs regular infantry missions.
Profile
Minimum 82
קב”א
Minimum 47 for females. No restriction for males.
לוט”ר
This special unit specializes in anti-terror warfare. While being active combat soldiers, their soldiers are all considered instructors as they are responsible for instructing other units. Full service required.
Profile
Health: Minimum 82
Minimum קב”א of 51
דרכי הגעה
- Pass גיבוש within כפיר
- Fall from טייס/חובלים or other special unit
מורן/רוכ”ש
Both are special units within the Artillery brigade and are open to females and males. רוכב שמיים specializes in operating UAV’s while מורן specialize in operating a classified and highly accurate missile. Full service required.
Profile
Health: Minimum 82
Minimum קב”א of 47
דרכי הגעה
- Pass גיבוש within תותחנים
- Fall from יחידה מיוחדת
- Finish גיבוש מטכל/שייטת/טייס/חובלים and transfer through שבוע ראיונות
פלס”ר 7/401
Within שריון there are 2 forward reconnaissance battalions – 401 & 7. Those drafting through מח”ל can serve in these battalions (if they pass the tryouts) but only if the sign a full service time (2.6 years).
Profile
Health: Minimum 82
דרכי הגעה
- Pass גיבוש within שריון
- Fall from יחידה מיוחדת
- Finish גיבוש מטכל/שייטת/טייס/חובלים and transfer through שבוע ראיונות
Oketz – עוקץ
Open to both males & females. This unique unit operates independently as the special canine unit of the IDF. They do not operate as a unit but rather allocate warriors and canine handlers to other units who need their specialty. Service of 3 years and Israeli citizenship needed to serve here. Men draft to this unit once a year, in November.
Profile
Health: Minimum 82
Minimum קב”א of 54 for males, 47 for females.
דרכי הגעה
Men: Fall from elite unit
Females: גיבוש within חי”ר גבולות
Yahalom – יהל”ם
Elite unit of the Combat Engineering Corps. Responsible for special engineering missions. The unit received a lot of recognition after Operation Protective Edge where they lead the effort to destroy Hamas terror tunnels. Full service and Israeli citizenship needed to serve here.
Profile
Health: Minimum 82
Minimum קב”א of 52
דרכי הגעה
- Pass גיבוש within חיל ההנדסה
- Fall from elite unit
- Finish גיבוש מטכל/שייטת/טייס/חובלים and transfer through שבוע ראיונות
These units are all considered to be a part of “חטיבת קומדנו”
The above units are considered the elite units of the IDF. Service in these units requires Israeli citizenship – it is often difficult for עולים חדשים to reach these units as they are not always able to pass the סיווג ביטחוני needed.
Additional Units
טיס
Pilots Course. This is one of the most prestigious courses and jobs the IDF offers. A medical profile of 97, קב”א of 54 and דפ”ר of 60 are needed to be accepted into the course. The service as a pilot is 7 years after finishing training (3 years).
חובלים
Naval officers course. In 3 years of training you learn to be the captain of different naval vessels. After finishing training, you are required to serve an additional 5 years. Can be reached through יום סיירות.
ימ”ס – יחידת מסתערבים
Open to both males & females. Elite counter terror unit within משמר הגבול but under IDF command. Emphasis on urban warfare, marksmanship, working in enemy territory and more. Minimum health profile of 82 needed. Can be reached by drafting to מג”ב and doing the גיבוש there or by falling from an elite unit.
504
Combat unit within חיל המודיען. Not much can be said about this unit. Minimum health profile of 82 and minimum קב”א of 52. The unit can be reached through יום סיירות, through finishing גיבוש שייטת/מטכל or by falling from an elite unit.
Tzevet Mikey - צוות מייקי 