Transparent in Uniform: The National Challenge the Next Government Cannot Continue to Neglect

The current election campaign is dealing, as usual, with the issues at the top of the public agenda — security, the economy, and the draft law crisis. But beneath all of these bubbles a strategic national challenge, transparent and neglected, waiting for a solution on the next government's table: the lack of a formal response for the vast majority of IDF discharged soldiers and reservists. The rapid transition from intensive service in war or from particularly long periods of reserve duty leaves these young people with an inconceivable gap in dealing with the 'routine of life' as civilians.

When talking about support for discharged soldiers, the public and budgetary discourse focuses, quite rightly, on fighters who were injured in body and soul or on special populations such as immigrants, lone soldiers, or those from the Arab society. However, the data presents a stark picture: about 85% to 90% of discharged soldiers and reservists are not included in these categories. They completed significant combat service, took off the uniform, and returned to civilian life without an injury or a recorded problem (thank God) — but they feel transparent and without a grounded, comprehensive, and systemic response from the state when they try to bridge the gap.

The result is a widening gap in Israeli society. While graduates of technological units such as 8200 or 81 go out into civilian life with a shiny entry ticket to the job market and a distinct advantage, the infantry, armored, engineering, and special forces fighters find themselves at a much lower starting point. The lack of uniqueness and recognition of the quality of these fighters creates a persistent social and economic injustice, even though they bring to the job market distinct advantages and unique skills such as resilience, responsibility, leadership, adaptability, and the ability to solve complex challenges under fire.

Three years of demanding military service, during which the system managed every second of these young people's lives, must be met with a clear formula: for 3 years of service — 3 years of official accompaniment will be provided.

Such accompaniment cannot rely only on the third sector or voluntary initiatives. The next government must define a clear legal status for this group, allocate a dedicated budget for it, and build an orderly and comprehensive work plan that includes:

1. A broad academic and employment envelope: professional guidance and personal accompaniment for career building, starting from focused programs that provide practical tools and workshops for writing resumes and preparing for job interviews, to long-term practical training and entrepreneurship. The envelope must include dedicated tracks that translate the fighter's strengths to the free market, such as integration into key positions and the high-tech industry based on their resilience and leadership, or removing barriers and providing a specific response for admission to medical studies for fighters with medical experience from the field.

2. Preventive emotional and mental response: social, mental, and emotional accompaniment that prevents burnout and processes the service experience before it becomes a deep crisis. This response should provide a community safety net and a complete systemic envelope, while paying special attention to the unique challenges of fighters from diverse populations, such as fighters from the Haredi society and those from the periphery, who need accompaniment, belonging, and tools for growth during and after service without giving up their identity.

3. A nationwide civilian safety net: immediate and accessible assistance in adapting to civilian life, from exercising rights to financial tools and achieving independence. The state needs to deploy an immediate safety net that will reach all parts of the country, with a strong emphasis on the periphery, the North, and the South, where the need is highest. Such a model should start already at the transition point itself, with physical presence and direct support systems at the induction center (Bakum) on the day of handing over the military ID, in order to equip the fighters with professional and civilian 'landing kits'.

A strategic growth engine for the economy

It is important not to be confused, this population is not looking for exemptions and is not asking for handouts. These discharged fighters and reservists want to continue to 'carry the social and economic stretcher' of the State of Israel, exactly as they did during their military service. They are full of motivation, value-driven, and possess proven leadership capabilities. But in order for them to be able to continue to lead, the state must stop taking them for granted and provide them with the supporting envelope that the public paying the highest price deserves.

In addition, it is important to understand that optimal integration of discharged male and female fighters into the job market constitutes a strategic growth engine for the Israeli economy and exceptional added value for any organization. Combat service provides soft and critical skills, such as working under pressure, teamwork, the ability to make decisions under conditions of uncertainty, leadership, and mental flexibility. These skills are translated directly into high labor productivity and solving complex problems in the business and public sectors. So beyond the value-based and social commitment to provide a high-quality starting point for those who contributed the best years of their lives to the security of the state, their correct integration reduces employment gaps, prevents brain drain, and integrates high-quality and determined manpower into growth-generating sectors such as high-tech, industry, and management.

Their rapid integration into jobs that realize their earning potential increases disposable income, increases tax revenues, and reduces dependency on welfare support. Ultimately, investing in training, guidance, and optimal absorption of the fighters is not just an act of distributive justice, but a secure economic return and a national force multiplier that strengthens the resilience of society and the economy alike. This is not just a moral debt, it is an extremely profitable national investment. The next government that will be formed must take responsibility, find the structural and budgetary solutions, and ensure that no fighter or reservist feels transparent on the day after returning to routine.

The author is the CEO of the 'Gav La-Lokhem' (Back for the Fighter) association.