Academic Reserve (Atuda) pin

Academic Atuda is a program of the Israeli Defense Forces which enables high school graduates to defer the IDF draft, and instead allows them to attend university prior to their military service. After they complete their studies, they join the army and serve in a position that fits the professional knowledge they gained during their studies. Israeli's typically are drafted at 18 years old, with at most a high school education. In many fields, the army needs soldiers with a much broader education and with an academic background, such as engineers, physicians and lawyers. That is the purpose the Atuda program serves. An Israeli soldier who participates in the Atuda program after finishing his or her studies, serves three years of obligatory service in the army, just like any other male soldier, and then serves an additional three years of regular service. The difference between obligatory service and regular service is, among other things, reflected in the salary they earn. Usually the Atudai attends officer training after completing their studies, but before starting obligatory service. The tuition payments are partially paid by the army.