New Reservist Fitness Standards Spark Backlash Over Military Disconnect

Senior reserve officer Brig. Gen. Benny Ben Ari has issued new readiness requirements for reserve combat troops and combat-support personnel, triggering sharp criticism inside the reserve system, which is already under historic strain since October 7. The new rules apply before pre-operation training periods and set basic fitness benchmarks for battalion and unit commanders to enforce.

According to the guidance, every such training cycle will include shooting under physical exertion with a passing score of 70, a 8 to 10 kilometer march in full combat gear, and an annual 5 to 10 kilometer run. Reserve personnel will also be required, during processing days, to take part in a sports, fitness and health day that includes functional training, a lecture, Pilates and a morning run.

One reserve officer who saw the instructions said, “It is time the senior ranks listen to the field ranks and understand that before asking for combat fitness, they should first provide proper military equipment similar for all the soldiers in the battalion.” He said the concept was good in principle, but reflected “disconnect,” and argued that what matters more is proper weapons and training adapted to the battalion’s needs after about three years of fighting. In his view, units need individual training, not live-fire company and battalion drills, because they have already had enough of that in the different combat arenas.

Another reservist said the field commanders have real experience and should be listened to, not ignored. He added that the training must match the threats and that the current gap in readiness has been building for years. A military reservist source also said the impact will be limited in most battalions, though a commander who is a “fitness freak” could make a difference. The source claimed processing days have already been cut and said civilian organizations are filling gaps left by the IDF in mental health support, with reservists sent to independent debriefings funded by donations from Israel and abroad to help them cope with difficult combat memories.