IDF to relaunch pilot for women in combat mobility roles

Months after halting a pilot program that sought to integrate female soldiers into combat mobility units, the IDF is preparing to launch a revised pilot that will again examine the possibility of women serving in the role.

The new pilot is expected to begin in November, with screening and selection set to start as early as next month, in line with directives from IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir. The military says it aims to build a pilot that enables female soldiers to serve in identical roles as their male counterparts in the unit.

Zamir ordered the previous pilot halted midway through training last year, following recommendations from Ground Forces Command head Maj. Gen. Nadav Lotan, after findings showed that while female participants demonstrated high professional capabilities, they did not meet the required combat and physical fitness thresholds and faced elevated injury risks.

According to the IDF, the findings showed that female troops had “very high” abilities in “professional areas,” similar to those of men. Around 30 women took part in the program before it was halted after six months of training. Following the program’s suspension, the participants were reassigned to other combat units in accordance with their preferences.

Lessons drawn from the failed pilot are now expected to shape the new program, including possible changes such as improved physical conditioning prior to enlistment, a longer training period to reduce physical strain and injury, and a more tailored support framework for female combat soldiers, including nutrition and physiological guidance.