IDF considers canceling the paratroopers brigade tryout after decades

The IDF is considering canceling the Paratroopers tryout, which has been a key admission requirement for the brigade for decades. A staff work in the Ground Forces is examining data and lessons from the war, and upon its completion, the recommendation will be brought to the Chief of Staff for a decision. The decision has not yet been made.

The IDF is considering canceling the Paratroopers tryout, one of the main admission requirements for the brigade for decades. An extensive staff work in the Ground Forces is examining the move, at the end of which the recommendation will be brought to the decision of the Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir. The main considerations: data indicating that the command level in the Paratroopers is not necessarily higher than that in other infantry brigades, and lessons from the recent war that showed that other brigades also demonstrated high operational capabilities. The military seeks to encourage the brigade to compete for quality personnel, rather than rely on its unique status as a selective brigade. The decision has not yet been made, but if approved, it would be a dramatic change in one of the most identifiable recruitment tracks in IDF combat. The IDF Spokesperson stated that there is no directive to turn the brigade into a non-volunteer brigade.