IDF outfits soldiers with new gear, in bid to cut equipment donations

The IDF rolls out a new program to better equip its combat soldiers without the need for external donations, in what it’s calling a “revolution.”

Beginning last month, combat soldiers who finish their advanced training receive a kit of brand new equipment, including a bulletproof vest, helmet, protective glasses and more.

“It’s fresh out of the plastic,” a military spokesperson says.

In the past, soldiers would sign for new equipment upon beginning each stage of their service — basic training, advanced training, specialty courses, deployment, etc. — and then return the gear at the end. They will continue in this way during basic and advanced training, but they will use the same gear throughout the rest of their service.

Beginning in August 2017, new recruits will also receive funds from the IDF to purchase additional gear, like socks, undershirts and underwear, from specific stores as part of a program known as “Stars,” the army says.

The exact amount each recruit will received has yet to be determined, the spokesperson says.

The combined cost of these two aspects of the new outfitting program is expected to be NIS 200 million ($54.5 million) in 2017.

“But these are things that the army needs to be providing,” an army spokesperson says. “We’re not going to scrimp on combat equipment for our soldiers.”