Eshkolot Program

You work in the IDF Planning Directorate identifying operational gaps, researching solutions used in Israel and abroad, weighing alternatives and launching projects that will shape the army's force buildup for years to come. You're not just managing an existing project — you decide which projects are worth pursuing at all: whether to develop, buy, change or kill them, based on a system-wide view of the defense establishment's needs. It suits someone who likes breaking down complex problems, connecting different fields, and thinking several steps ahead.

Calls for initiative, systemic thinking, proactivity, self-teaching ability, creativity, a technological orientation, the ability to lead people inside and outside the organization, curiosity, strong analysis and decision-making, personal responsibility, interpersonal communication and comfort working with senior figures. Not open to men designated for combat service.

Tironut 02, about a 6-week dedicated course at the Planning Branch (Agat), then half a year of advanced professional training with personal mentoring. From there you can move into command roles or the officer course.

Basic training 02: what it means — in the guide