The Israel Defense Forces (IDF): From a "People's Army" to a "Professional Military"-Causes and Implications

Abstract

Ever since its establishment in 1948, the Israel Defense Force (IDF) has exhibited characteristics conventionally associated with a "people's army." The composition of its force structure (mainly based on compulsory conscription and reserve duty) has both reflected and reinforced that image. During the past decade, however, the relative weights of the IDF's manpower complement have begun to change. While reserve duty is being reduced and conscription is becoming more selective, the career and professional component is being augmented. This article examines the societal, economic, and operational reasons for those changes. It then goes on to discuss their possible effects on the fabric of relations between Israeli society and the IDF. Specifically noted are the implications for (a) military service as a rite of passage towards full citizenship; (b) the IDF's posture of "military role expansion"; and (c) civil-military relations in Israel.