IDF soldiers watch a World Cup soccer game on Syrian border
Photo: Jeni Agency
IDF moves to improve conditions for combat soldiers
Battalion commanders to be given up to NIS 150,000 to spend on unit requirements to reduce dependence on outside donations, field bases to be given entertainment rooms, soldiers to enjoy use of rented vehicles.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot has formulated a brand new program designed to improve the conditions of combat soldiers.
The blueprint, which was initiated by Eisenkot who is soon set to wrap up his term as the IDF’s chief, will also give freedom to battalion commanders to allocate special funds at their disposal toward purchases they deem necessary, and will also reduce the army’s dependence on external donations.
The plan will be a continuation of a string of measures undertaken by Eisenkot to improve the conditions faced by combat soldiers.
IDF soldiers watch a World Cup soccer game on Syrian border
During his three-year term, which was extended to a fourth year by Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, Eisenkot doubled the salaries received by combat soldiers, provided an additional NIS 2,000 for combat troops reaching their third year of service and improved their bases, particularly those in the north.
Most significantly, Eisenkot introduced a grant for all discharged combat soldiers to fund three years of academic studies.
Over the last few months, an IDF committee tasked with finding solutions to assist battalions was appointed by Eisenkot’s deputy, Major-General Aviv Kochavi and was directed by Head of Northern Command Staff Brig. Gen. Asher Ben-Lulu, together with Commander of the Ground Forces Major General Kobi Barak, Head of the Manpower Directorate Brig. Gen. Moti Almoz and eight other brigade commanders.
The committee worked for more than seven months during which it interviewed dozens of IDF commanders and battalion commanders, identified significant shortfalls in the soldiers’ service conditions and formulated a number of recommendations.
The program that was formed based on the findings was approved by Eisenkot and will be implemented over the next two years in the various field units.
As part of the blueprint, every battalion commander will receive a budget of up to NIS 150,000 and a minimum of NIS 40,000 depending on the size, functions and requirements of the battalion. The battalion commanders will be issued with a credit card that will be ordered every year.
IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)
The new allowance is intended to remove dependence on outside donations on which many battalions have relied over the last few years. The budget will be provided directly to the battalion commander in order to expedite the transfer of the funds.
Each battalion will also enjoy 30 days of access to a rented vehicle which can be used by the soldiers with the authorization of the battalion commander.
Special entertainment rooms have also been added some of the bases, which contain televisions and games consoles and which are powered by the portable generators
Mobile fitness areas will also be set up containing weights and other equipment enabling soldiers to exercise while in the field.
The army is also seeking to make the work of doctors in the army more efficient, by limiting their time in the field dedicated to tasks and assignments unrelated to their profession.
The committee also decided to develop an application that allows soldiers easy access to a list of their rights.
