Questions and answers
The questions recruits, parents and educators ask most often, all in one place.
What is the Chashmonaim Brigade, and who is it for?
The Chashmonaim Brigade is an infantry brigade created specifically for the Charedi community, designed to allow meaningful military service while fully preserving the Charedi way of life: gender separation, scheduled times for prayer and study, strict mehadrin kashrut, and a command staff made up solely of God-fearing officers.
What does the training track include, and how long is the service?
The service lasts about 32 months. It begins with about eight months of combat basic training (Rifleman 07) at the brigade’s training base in the Jordan Valley, followed by full operational duty in the brigade’s companies. When your service ends, you move on to active reserve duty in a framework tailored to the Charedi community.
What are the entry requirements for serving in the brigade?
A clean medical profile (typically 82 or higher), a commitment to meet the baseline standards set by the brigade, a personal interview and suitability assessment, and a Torah background, usually confirmed by a letter from your Ram or yeshiva administrator.
What does a typical day in the brigade look like?
Alongside the regular combat routine of training, operational deployments, and at times intense fighting, the brigade keeps fixed times for prayer and Torah study, strict mehadrin kashrut, and a dignified environment tailored to the Charedi soldier.
Are there opportunities for advancement within the brigade?
Absolutely. Top-performing soldiers can advance into command roles, join the Reconnaissance unit or the officer track, and take on key positions, both during active service and later in the reserves.
Do follow-on courses mean leaving the brigade?
No. For the first time, every course in the brigade, professional and command alike, is held inside the brigade’s own training base.
Is there a place in the brigade for those who are not combat soldiers?
Yes. Beyond its combat force, the brigade has 32 combat support roles across six professional fields.
How do I join the Chashmonaim Brigade?
Through the Brigade Hotline (using the form on this site) or through the enlistment offices. Brigade representatives stay at your side from that very first step all the way to the base gate.
I’m a parent. Who will be there for my son throughout his service?
Our soldiers serve under commanders who understand the community’s needs, and they receive personal guidance every step of the way, alongside the Brigade Rabbinate and the Rams (company rabbis).
What is the “Exit Gate” program?
The brigade’s exclusive program pairs studies with job placement that begins while you’re still in service.
Can I advance from combat support to career service or the officer track?
Yes. The brigade’s path of advancement is open to combat support soldiers as well: to career service, the officer track and key positions.
Will a combat support profession serve me after my service?
In most roles, yes. Many of them provide training and experience that are in demand in civilian life.
Are there roles with one week on base and one week at home?
Yes, in some roles, including cook and canteen coordinator.
Is combat training in the reserves paid?
Yes. Training takes place on reserve pay.
I never served in the IDF. Can I join?
Yes, if you hold an exemption and meet the track’s age and health requirements.
Is registering for the reserve track binding?
No. At this stage it is only an eligibility check.
Are there career service roles with daily commuting?
Yes. Limiting yourself to daily commuting does, however, narrow the range of roles.
Is my information kept confidential?
Your details are not passed on to anyone, and are used only by the Brigade Hotline to match your request. They are stored technically with a service provider (Google) for this purpose only.
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