Naval Program Aids Reservists' Return to Civilian Life
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
A new Israeli program called "Ziv Miluim" uses maritime activities and professional support to help military reservists transition back to civilian life, with a recent survey showing significant reductions in stress and loneliness among participants.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Naval program helps reservists transition back to civilian life.
- Survey shows 92% reported peace, 88% less stress.
- 84% found help adjusting between duty, home, and work.
- Program integrates sea activities with group support.
- Ziv Ne'urim association expanded services to reservists.
A program combining maritime activities with professional support is helping Israeli military reservists transition back to civilian life after extended service. The "Ziv Miluim" (Ziv Reserves) initiative, launched in 2024 by the Ziv Ne'urim association, integrates surfing, open-water swimming, and sailing with regular group meetings and professional guidance. The goal is to use the sea not just for relaxation but as a space to improve emotional regulation, build a sense of capability, and facilitate a gradual return to routine.
A survey conducted among 187 reservists who participated in the program revealed significant benefits. According to the findings, 92% reported experiencing a sense of peace during the sessions, and 88% noted a substantial decrease in stress and hypervigilance. Notably, 84% stated the program aided their adjustment between reserve duty, home, and work, with the same percentage feeling less alone due to the group setting. Furthermore, 76% indicated they apply the skills learned in the program to their daily lives.
The program addresses the challenges reservists face, particularly after prolonged service periods, which have become common since October 7th. These challenges include readjusting to family responsibilities, children, relationships, and immediate demands at their workplaces. "Ziv Miluim" aims to create an intermediate space between military and civilian realities, with the assumption that strengthening a reservist's self-efficacy and stress-management abilities can positively impact their home and work environments.
The Ziv Ne'urim association, founded over 26 years ago by former members of the naval commando unit Shayetet 13, initially focused on at-risk youth. In recent years, it expanded its activities to include reservists, combat soldiers, bereaved families, and other populations affected by the war. While the survey results are self-reported by participants and not from a controlled clinical study, they suggest that for many, the sea offers more than just a temporary escape, providing a lasting reduction in stress and loneliness.