Physical Fitness Requirements from the Israelian Military

IDF Israel Physical Fitness Test

Picture by Shay Wagner on Stock Adobe

IDF, Israel Defense Forces or "צְבָא הַהֲגָנָה לְיִשְׂרָאֵ"zל"‬ and the Israelian Police take this test.

Established in: "1948"

Motto: "We train as we fight, we fight as we train"

The IDF includes conscription for women. Women and Man can join at the age of 17. However, conscription officially starts at the age of 18. Basic Training is called Tironut. The time under service is from 14 months to 3 years.

Every year thousands of Israelis overseas decide to return to Israel to start training to serve Israel. This is done through the Mahal Enlistment Program dating from 1948. If your Hebrew is not on a decent level, you will most likely be sent to a specialized school for a couple of months, before being able to go Basic Training.

Chart Standards IDF

#	Exercises	Pass	Good	Great	Gold
1.	3000 Meter Run	- 15:33 min	- 13:25 min	- 12:20 min	- 10:12 min
2.	Pullups	+ 11 reps	+ 20 reps	+ 25 reps	+ 30 reps
3.	Dips	+ 18 reps	+ 35 reps	+ 40 reps	+ 50 reps

This test is very cut and dry. Some units do this test in a different order. Technically the Pullups and Dips are pass or fail only. They also do not carry a time limit. The max numbers in those 2 categories are previous set records. Those other numbers are milestones to be reached. The candidates have little time in between each exercise and will be tested multiple times during their tenure as IDF Soldiers.

Physical Requirements and Information from other units

For Other Units, click below
Bar-Or	US Army	Bundeswehr
US Navy	US AirForce	Bundesheer
CN PLA	Forsvaret	Mex Army
Japan S.D.F.	US Marines	Forsvarsmakten
For MsigWarrior Blog, click here
All other available units, click here

Tironut starts with a couple of days of "Acclimatization". Even though not considered to be physically draining, the recruits are turned from civilian to soldiers, which is mentally draining for most. The candidates will carry their weapons everywhere they go, whether they head to sleep, take a shower, or eat. Candidates learn about IDF history and operations. Depending on which Rifleman Level you are assigned to, the IDF experience might vary greatly. The higher the Rifleman level, the harder your basic training will be. At the end of basic training, recruits swear into the IDF.

Combat Fitness Test - IDF

A new fitness test has been created to replicate more realistic training and testing for combat soldiers, depending on their role. The test includes Hex-Deadlifts, Weighted Pullups, Sprints of 2 x 150 meters, Dips, and 3000-meter run. The 3K equates to 30% of the grade, The Suicide sprints are graded at 10% and all other exercises weigh 20% each. Depending on the unit you are either in, or you are aiming to join, there will be adjustments in weights and passing requirements. For Special Forces, one must surpass 65%, in comparison to other units where 55% and 60% are enough to pass.

Former Fitness Test "Bar-Or"

"Bar-Or" Physical Fitness Test, which was invented by Professor Oded Bar-Or, used to be the standard test for the military in Israel. It was replaced by the IDF recently in 2014. It consisted of 3 disciplines: 1. was the Pushups. This was followed by 2. the Sit-Ups and the test was finished with a 3. 2000 Meter Run. Some Special Units, still use the Bar-Or Test in variation and combination with other testings.

IDF Fitness Test Video

10 Values of an IDF Soldier:

1. Preserve Human Life
2. Purity of Arms
3. Personal Example
4. Responsibility
5. Comradeship
6. Professionalism
7. Discipline
8. Loyalty and Representativeness
9. Reliability and Trustworthiness
10. Perseverance in Mission and Dedication to the Pursuit of Victory

IDF - Oath

"I swear and commit to maintaining allegiance to the State of Israel, its laws, and its authorities, to accept upon myself unconditionally the discipline of the Israel Defense Forces, to obey all the orders and instructions given by authorized commanders, and to devote all my energies, and even sacrifice my life, for the protection of the homeland and the liberty of Israel."

IDF Fitness Test

Facts about Israels IDF

If the soldier forgets his weapon, he can be put into a military prison.

During Basic Training, the soldiers have to survive in the desert for 36 hours, without the ability to leave for any reason, unless medical. They also are only allowed to brush their teeth, shave, and clean shoes within a 6-minute time frame. They only get 20 minutes of spare time a day during Acclimatization Phase and need to always run from one place to another, instead of walking. They also only get 25 min for lunch or dinner. They live according to a stopwatch for the first couple of months. This is done to instill discipline in young men and women.