Inside the Israeli Navy's Submarine Training and Selection Process
Major M., commander of the Israeli Navy's submarine school, outlines the rigorous selection process and demanding 14-month training required to join Shayetet 7.
Inside Israel's Submarine Fleet: Requirements and Training
Following the arrival of the INS Drakon, the Israeli Navy's newest submarine, Major M., commander of the submarine training school, details the rigorous path required to serve in Shayetet 7. Becoming an Israeli submarine crew member demands exceptional mental resilience, high cognitive abilities, and strict physical criteria.
Selection Process and Training Rigor
Candidates must hold a high combat profile and clear extensive screening stages, including dedicated evaluation days and psychometric testing. Only a fraction of thousands of applicants successfully complete the demanding 14-month training course, which features a roughly 50% attrition rate.
"Submariners possess high social skills, mental resilience, and the ability to cope with pressure under uncertainty and changing conditions," Major M. stated.
Life Aboard Shayetet 7 Vessels
Operating within the elite submarine flotilla involves extended deployments lasting approximately four weeks. Crew members undergo specialized preparation to maintain high operational readiness and strong social cohesion in confined, high-pressure environments.
