IDF Introduces New 'Profile 70' Medical Classification for Recruits

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is implementing a new medical classification, designated 'Profile 70,' aimed at increasing the number of combat and combat support personnel on the front lines. This new profile will sit between Profile 64, which typically disqualifies individuals from combat roles, and the combat-ready Profile 72.

The initiative, developed by the IDF's Medical Corps, will initially apply to new recruits receiving their first orders, not to currently serving soldiers. It is expected to allow individuals who would have previously received a Profile 64 to qualify for various combat and operational positions within units such as the Artillery Corps, Air Defense, Air Force, and others.

The change addresses a critical shortage of soldiers. The IDF found that hundreds of soldiers with Profile 64 annually sought individual medical exemptions to serve in roles requiring Profile 72. The existing medical profile hierarchy includes categories for unsuitability (21, 24), non-combat roles (45, 64), and combat roles (72, 82, 97).

Profile 70 is intended to broaden the pool of candidates eligible for combat service while ensuring their health is not compromised. The information was reported by the Israeli news outlet Maariv.