IDF Expands Haznak Short Preparatory Programs to Curb Dropout Rates and Boost Motivation
The IDF Personnel Directorate launched shortened Haznak pre-military preparatory programs to boost motivation, physical and mental readiness, and combat service integration among youth, aiming to combat military dropout rates.
Amid a sharp rise in pre-military preparatory programs ahead of IDF service, the IDF Personnel Directorate (aka) has recently decided to launch 'Haznak' (Boost) preparatory tracks as a shortened process to boost motivation and preparation among youth.
The Haznak Models and Specialized Tracks
During the summer months, a three-week preparatory program was launched during the summer break between the 11th and 12th grades. According to a senior IDF Personnel Directorate official, the program focuses on improving personal data, physical and mental preparation, exposure to the IDF, meetings with commanders in IDF units, raising motivation and awareness for meaningful service, strengthening personal readiness, and developing leadership and command capabilities among teenagers.
The second model of Haznak programs consists of pre-recruitment preparations lasting six to eight weeks, during the period between the end of 12th grade and the IDF enlistment date. Their purpose is to develop personal and mental resilience, improve physical fitness, and provide tools for optimal adaptation to military service.
It was also decided to establish dedicated preparatory programs tailored to recruitment destinations by directorate, corps, and branch, including targeted preparation for the training challenges of specific units and destinations. This creates competence, readiness, identity, belonging, and heightened preliminary motivation.
Units and Specialized Demographic Tracks
Among the units covered are the Kfir Brigade, the Armored Corps, the Combat Intelligence Collection Corps, Border Infantry, female combat intelligence observers, the Home Front Command's Search and Rescue Brigade, female combatants' preparation, naval combatants, and Military Police. Additionally, there are preparatory tracks for professional arrays such as the Technological and Maintenance Corps, the Air Force technical array, and C4I (CIT) professions.
Furthermore, there is an eight-week preparatory program for new immigrants with an emphasis on strengthening language skills, as well as a program tailored for the Bedouin society and minority populations.
According to IDF Personnel Directorate data, a pilot season of the Haznak programs held in 2025 saw the participation of 450 teenagers. In the current season, which opened on June 28, 2026, more than 1,200 teenagers have entered Haznak programs to date. Data also shows that 33% of participants in Haznak programs hail from geographical peripheries.
Surveys and Dropout Reduction
Surveys conducted by the IDF Personnel Directorate indicate that 79% of participants testified that the preparatory program prepared them in an optimal manner for the next stage in life. 88% of participants expressed high satisfaction with the program, and 97% of graduates across both cohorts noted that they would recommend a friend or family member to participate, according to a graduate survey.
«96.5% of graduates who enlisted integrated into meaningful service, with 47% of them serving in combat roles. 66% of trainees testify that participation in the program increased their awareness and desire to contribute more to the country, according to a graduate survey.»
Approximately 70% of graduates report a significant improvement in mental and psychological readiness for enlistment and military service. 80% testify that the preparation process significantly improved their awareness, exposure, and knowledge regarding various arrays, roles, and professions within the IDF.
IDF Personnel Directorate officials confirm that part of the establishment of the Haznak programs is addressing the rising phenomenon of military service dropout, which stood at 12.5% in 2022, climbed to 13% in 2023, and saw a decrease to 11.3% in 2024.
In 2025, the IDF deepened its handling of the volume of military service dropouts, which senior military officials defined as an 'epidemic.' One of the measures taken by the army was the establishment of the Haznak programs. Meanwhile, in 2025, 8,000 soldiers dropped out of military service, the overwhelming majority of them during the first half-year of service, leading to the decision to integrate Haznak programs prior to entering the IDF.
'There were birth pangs at first, but this is a positive process that is already spreading by word of mouth, and the scale is only growing,' said a senior IDF Personnel Directorate officer, adding: 'We have 2,500 registered for subsequent cohorts until March 2027 matching the recruitment cycles, and we have 8,000 slots. In the next phase, we will enter youth boarding schools.'
The officer further stated that 'at the same time, we will increase the mentoring ratio due to disciplinary incidents and things we experienced, while realizing that something more precise is needed there. It is important to understand that not everyone can and not everyone wants to attend a yearly or semi-yearly preparatory program, and the short experience is essentially an expansion of the fan.' The officer also noted that because a relatively short time has passed since the inception of the programs, ongoing research is tracking how the process develops at every point in time.
