On a recent tour of a high school with hundreds of students in the center of the country, I was astonished to discover that not a single graduate had attended pre-military training. Not one young man or woman from this school considered it worthwhile to devote a year of their life to better understanding themselves, their country, and the diverse groups that live together within it, sharing a common destiny.
Is this due to a lack of exposure to such programs, the outdated belief that a pre-military preparatory year is a “waste of a year” or a “year of postponement,” or the perception that such preparation is a luxury for privileged groups?
Whatever the reason, this constitutes nothing less than a systemic failure to realize our national potential. In an era of social divisions and complex security challenges, the pre-military program – mechina – is becoming the only institution in Israel whose sole purpose is to bring about the necessary shift in consciousness, taking our boys and girls out of the cycle of mere survival and into positions of leadership.
A 12-year educational framework does not always succeed in cultivating in children and teenagers a sense of identity and responsibility toward the whole.
Here, the pre-military program plays a vital role, creating the fabric that binds young men and women together in shared destiny within the State of Israel. The preparatory program does not simply train soldiers; it develops the next generation of leadership, provides the national resilience we so urgently need, and lays the groundwork for future civic initiatives.
Pre-military programs for everyone across society
For years, pre-military programs were seen as something for the upper class, reserved only for the children of Israel’s social and economic elite. This is a dangerous misconception that must be eradicated at its root. If pre-military programs are truly the incubators of Israeli society’s future leadership, they must be accessible to all sectors, especially those who need them most. Social disparities in Israel are not an inevitable fate but a national challenge that can be addressed through education.
For a young man or woman from the socioeconomic periphery, pre-military training is not just a way to get to know the country – it is a fundamental life transformation. It is often the first and only real opportunity to break away from limiting patterns, be exposed to role models previously unseen, and discover inner strengths previously unknown.
For these young people, preparatory programs are the ultimate bridge for changing mindsets – from survival to leadership. We empower those who have focused merely on day-to-day survival, teaching them that they not only can but should lead change and influence both their own lives and their communities.
The role of the mechina in Israel as an educational organization dedicated to societal advancement is to make this leap possible. The true measure of its success is the number of young men and women who have turned from hidden potential into transformative forces.
The shift from a survival mindset to a mindset of leadership is not magic but the result of a deep and intensive educational methodology that uses physical challenges as tools for personal development. Field workshops and demanding field marches dismantle self-imposed limitations, teaching participants that the boundaries they believed in can be overcome.
The pre-military preparatory environment is unique: Young people from diverse backgrounds spend a year together, daily engaging in meaningful discussions on identity, society, and values – without cynicism. Living arrangements, budgeting, and self-management place responsibility directly in the trainees’ hands, revealing that the group’s success depends on their individual contributions. This is not merely about self-improvement but about enhancing human capital and preparing optimally for both military service and life itself.
A year devoted to building values, self-discipline, and intensive teamwork produces better soldiers, commanders, and leaders. One year invested in preparatory training is essential for three years of meaningful national service, and, more importantly, for decades of productive citizenship. It is not a year lost but a lifetime won. This is not time given up – it is purpose gained.
All influencers – educators, school administrators, government officials – must elevate preparatory programs to the highest national priority, recognizing pre-military preparation as a strategic national asset. The education system must actively expose youth to these opportunities, ensuring that every counselor, teacher, and educator acts as a bridge connecting young people to the chance of a lifetime.
The writer is the executive director and head of “One of Us” mechina – a pre-military social leadership preparatory program that runs branches for both boys and girls.