Israel Defense Forces recruits have become slightly less interested in serving in the Border Police and more interested in joining the Infantry Corps, latest data reveals.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
Figures show that the number of new recruits between November 2018 and November 2021 who marked the Border Police as their first choice decreased by 6%, whereas the number who wanted to serve in the Infantry Corps increased by 8%. Four years ago, less than a quarter of new conscripts preferred to serve in Infantry brigades, whereas by 2021, they made up a third of all recruits.
The Golani Brigade, which has been one of the most sought-after infantry units for years, has recorded a 5% increase in the number of recruits seeking to serve in its ranks in the last four years. For the first time, in the winter draft, the Golani and the Border Police reported the same number of recruits wishing to serve in their units.
The second, third, and fourth most popular infantry brigades are Nahal, Givati, and Kfir.
A slight decrease was reported in the number of recruits marking the Air Defense Corps as their number one priority in the last four years. Other sought-after units among recruits are the Front Home Command's Search and Rescue Brigade and the Combat Engineering Corps. There is less interest in serving in the Armored Corps.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday 39 trainees will complete their Air Force pilot course, with the celebrations to be attended by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Defense Minister Benny Gantz, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi, President Isaac Herzog and outgoing Air Force chief Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin. Four of the 39 trainees are women, one fighter pilot and three navigators.
The four female graduates will join the 66 women who have completed the IAF's course since 1994. That year, IDF soldier Alice Miller, an immigrant from South Africa, petitioned the High Court of Justice to be allowed to try for her wings. In a historic ruling, the court decided the ban on female cadets was illegal.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
