Training the next generation in the Air Force: Second cycle of the historic preparatory course
The "Eagles of the North" program, which integrates Druze and Jewish recruits, has begun its second cycle. The goal is to overcome underrepresentation in the sector. Three members of the Druze community from the first cycle have already passed the initial screening for the flight course.
The preparatory course training recruits from the Druze community for aviation and combat professions in the Air Force opened this Sunday for the second time. This cycle integrates both Druze and Jewish recruits for the first time, with the number of trainees more than doubling since the first course concluded six months ago.
Last February, the first cycle of the "Eagles of the North" preparatory course concluded. It was established following the realization that, even in 2026, there is significant underrepresentation of populations such as Haredim, members of the Ethiopian community, residents of the periphery, and Druze in many Air Force roles. Whether in flight, aerial photo interpretation, or simulator instruction, the IDF recognized it was missing out on high-quality personnel from regions requiring more focused recruitment efforts.
"This underrepresentation was broad and affected many areas of the Air Force," said N., head of the Army and Society section in the Air Force. "In the periphery, some recruits do not understand the importance of the screening process, and as a result, we miss out on quality personnel."
The solution was a six-month preparatory course aimed at guiding Druze trainees toward specific Air Force professions. During the course, trainees improve their Hebrew, learn about the IDF and Air Force culture (such as debriefing protocols), prepare for screenings, and develop personal and professional tools for their future service.
"Half of the graduates were placed in combat professions"
"While the first cycle began with about 20 Druze trainees, with over 95% completion, we now have about 45 Druze and Jewish trainees preparing for joint service together," Air Force officials stated.
The goal is to foster connection between different populations before enlistment to create a "heterogeneous fabric." The IDF hopes to replicate the success of the first cycle, where half of the graduates were placed in combat roles, such as the dedicated officer track in the Air Defense system and other classified units. The other half were placed in intelligence roles, including aerial photo interpretation and electronic warfare. Notably, half of the trainees placed in aviation clusters were the first from the Druze community to serve in those roles, with three passing the initial flight course screening.
This course represents another step toward the full integration of the Druze community—brothers in arms in Israeli society—into all IDF systems. The Personnel Directorate continues to work on integrating them into reserve roles, the Intelligence Directorate, and combat units.
