IDF survey: Declining motivation to serve in combat units

An internal survey conducted by the IDF Behavioral Sciences Center indicates a decrease in the motivation of Israeli youth to enlist in combat positions compared to previous years, Israel Hayom reported.

The data from the survey was released as part of a freedom of information request.

The survey was conducted among approximately 40% of military personnel and found that the motivation to serve in combat units in 2022 was the lowest on record. In December 2022, only 66% of the men questioned in the survey indicated that they were interested in serving in combat roles, compared to 73% in 2020. This is before the controversy surrounding the government's planned judicial reforms and the subsequent refusals of reservists to serve began.

Among women, the decrease is even more significant: in 2022, only 48% of female recruits expressed a desire to serve in combat units, compared to 50% in 2021, 53% in 2020, and 60% in 2018. Given the trends, it is assumed that the results for 2023 will show a further decline. READ MORE