Pre-IDF preparation rolesתפקידי הכנה לצה"ל
What the Pre-IDF preparation roles role asks for, and what it holds
Soldiers in the pre-IDF preparation unit get pre-recruits ready for their enlistment, mainly by having them experience a simulation of basic training.
Combat supportEducation and Youth CorpsMen and womenOlive green
The IDF names no profile or score for the role.
- Kind of role
- Combat support
- Branch
- Education and Youth Corps
- Open to
- Men and women
- Try-out
- Not needed
This is what the work of the role holds.
Youth commanders lead a team of pre-recruits during Gadna week, teaching weapons, shooting ranges, fieldcraft, navigation, marches, combat heritage and knowledge of the IDF. They also run a military daily routine with attention to safety and discipline, and lead talks on values, Zionism and the importance of service.
Education NCOs run a pre-IDF preparation program in schools and other civilian settings, suited to the local population. They give pre-recruits personal guidance, teach lessons on preparing for the IDF and oversee the activities in this field.
National mission commanders directly command Nahal Garin soldiers during their national mission stage. They handle the soldiers' personal welfare, carry out national tasks, lead pre-IDF preparation in their local authority and lead their soldiers in routine and emergency.
This is how the training for the role runs.
Basic training at level 02, then a 9-week course. From this course the soldier goes on to one of 3 roles.
This is what service in the role looks like.
The role serves on bases across the country. Youth commanders serve at a Gadna base, Tzalmon or Sde Boker, or at Air Gadna. Education NCOs and national mission commanders serve in civilian settings, in local authorities across the country.
The role also asks for a few more things.
- Youth commanders: the ability to work together as part of a staff, and command and instruction skills.
- Education NCOs: the ability to work with civilians and youth, and independence.
- National mission commanders: independence, and the ability to motivate and command.
More roles to read about in the same branch.
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- Combat Engineering instructorCombat support · Profile 72+
- Military journalist at Galei Tzahal (Army Radio)Combat support · Profile 25+
- Mentoring and instruction rolesCombat support · Profile 45+
- IDF military troupe and theaterCombat support · Profile 45+
Frequently asked questions
What does the Pre-IDF preparation roles role ask for?
The IDF names no profile or score for the role.
Who can serve as Pre-IDF preparation roles?
The role is open to men and women.
Is there a try-out for Pre-IDF preparation roles?
The IDF names no try-out for the role.
What does the training for Pre-IDF preparation roles hold?
Basic training at level 02, then a 9-week course. From this course the soldier goes on to one of 3 roles.
This page was written from the IDF's pages for future soldiers, read on 6 November 2026.
- The role's page on the IDF's site: Pre-IDF preparation roles
The requirements and screenings change from time to time, and the IDF's page for each role is the one that counts.