The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is the national military of the State of Israel. It was formed on May 26, 1948, and began to operate as a conscript military, drawing its initial recruits from the already-existing paramilitaries of the Yishuv. The IDF consists of three service branches: the Israeli Ground Forces, the Israeli Air Force, and the Israeli Navy. The IDF is unique among the militaries of the world due to its regulated conscription of women since its formation. The IDFs mission is to "defend the existence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of the state of Israel. To protect the inhabitants of Israel and to combat all forms of terrorism".
Every Israeli citizen over the age of 18 who is Jewish, Druze, or Circassian is required to serve in the Israel Defense Forces, although there are some notable exceptions. Israeli Arabs, religious women, married individuals, and those deemed unfit medically or mentally are exempt from compulsory military service. Regardless of those exemptions, many of those exempt from military service do volunteer to serve in the Israel Defense Forces. Once enlisted, men are expected to serve for a minimum of 32 months and women are expected to serve for a minimum of 24 months. Soldiers serve in a variety of units, ranging from elite combat units to combat support units.
