What is a Tzav Rishon?
The Tzav Rishon (First Notice) is the first step in the army’s drafting process. When you make Aliyah, your information will be sent to Misrad Hapnim (Ministry of the Interior). After this process has taken place, a Tzav Rishon will be sent to the address listed in your Teudat Zehut. If you move, make sure that you update the address in your Teudat Zehut at your local branch of Misrad Hapnim. As a matter of policy, Olim Chadashim are not called up for army service in the first year after making Aliyah. If you are eligible to be drafted, you can expect to receive your Tzav Rishon anywhere between 6-12 months after making Aliyah and receive an enlistment date between 12 – 24 months after your date of Aliyah.
If you would like to expedite this process, please contact us at [email protected].
REPORTING TO THE IDF AFTER ALIYAH
Ktinim Chozrim and Ezrachim Olim DO NOT need to report to the IDF at the Lishkat Hagiyus immediately after making Aliyah. Misrad Haklita will report directly to the IDF about their arrival in Israel.
Based on their age and according to the rules, a decision about their army duty will be made by the IDF.
There are several ways you will be notified about receiving your Tzav Rishon: through your profile on the Mitgaisim website, by text message, mail, and by email.
You can streamline the Tzav Rishon process by making sure that all of your personal information is all up to date on the mitgaisim website and filling out any attached questionnaires.
You will also have to fill out a medical form which helps the army determine your physical profile (medical classification). You fill out the first part yourself; the second part needs to be filled out by a family doctor. You can download the form here in ENGLISH.
If you suffer from a medical condition or have learning disabilities: Bring a letter from a doctor. It needs to state your medical condition, what medications you are currently taking, and the doctor’s personal recommendation or evaluation. Be sure to keep the original documents for yourself.
What does the Tzav Rishon tell me?
Your Tzav Rishon includes information about your first appointment with Lishkat Hagiyus, including the date and hour. In addition, it contains a personal code which will be necessary for inquiries and appointments at Lishkat Hagiyus. The code is very important – hold on to it!
The Tzav Rishon also includes a medical questionnaire which helps the army determine your physical profile (medical classification). You fill out the first part yourself; the second part needs to be filled out by a doctor. The completed form must be sent back to the IDF within 14 days of receipt. Fill out the form as honestly as possible, as this is in your best interest. It allows the army to determine which doctors or specialists you need to see upon your arrival at the Lishkat Hagiyus for your Tzav Rishon.
You will be called up to go to the Lishkat Giyus (drafting office) nearest to your address as listed on your Teudat Zehut. The army allows you to travel to your Tzav Rishon for free, all you need is your Rav Kav and the mitgaisim website. Enter the personal area on the site and upload the travel contract 48 hours before the date.
What should I bring to my Tzav Rishon?
When you come to Lishkat Hagiyus for your Tzav Rishon, you must bring with you at least one of the following pieces of identification in order to enter the Lishkat Hagiyus. Without one of these IDs, you will not be permitted to enter.
- Teudat Zehut
- Valid Israeli Passport
- Driver’s license with a picture
- Teudat Oleh
Additionally, it is a good idea to bring your completed Medical Declaration Form, and any other documents you think the army should see, even if you have sent it in already. Don’t forget to bring your draft notice, which could be on your phone.
While you’re at Lishkat Hagiyus, you will go through the following stations:
- Personal Interview: You will have a personal interview, which assesses your history, educational background, etc. This interview will determine your suitability for different jobs, leadership potential, and more. It is also during this time that your Hebrew level will also be assessed. Based on this assessment, you will receive a Hebrew score. The highest score for the exam is 9. If you receive a 7 or above, you will not need to take the army’s Hebrew course at Michve Alon; if you receive a 6 and below, you will need to take the course.
- Physical Examination with an Army Doctor: At this station, a medical examination will be performed with the aim of determining your profile score. Some of the things they check for are weight, height, blood pressure, visual acuity and color blindness. You will also need to declare any serious illnesses and/or physical conditions you have suffered in the past or present. The tests will include a complete physical examination. In some circumstances, you may be asked to see an outside medical specialist and send in to the army any reports they want to see.
- Psycho Technical Exam (DAPAR Test): This is a computerized exam that checks analytical abilities. Note that there is an option to take this test in English, Spanish, French and Russian. While taking the exam, make sure to stay focused and to answer the questions very seriously. Your score weighs heavily in deciding which jobs are offered to you in the army.
For more information and practice questions in English click here
For more information and practice questions in Hebrew click here
After completing your Tzav Rishon, your scores from the various stations will be uploaded to your profile to the Mitgaisim website. If you did not complete every task on the day of your Tzav Rishon you may be requested to return with that information. (for example; medical records)
If you have completed all your tasks at the Tzav Rishon and still have not received all your scores, feel free to inquire of Meitav at 1111 for further information.
If you not required to attend the Michve Alon hebrew course, you will receive a manila (questionnaire) listing various jobs that you qualify for. Some involve further testing or tryouts, for example, if you are interested in being a Madrich or Madricha (teacher). You will have to list your preferences in order of priority. If you have a specific job in mind that is not on the list, you can request by contacting Meitav. If you qualify you may be invited for tryouts.
If you take the Michve Alon hebrew course towards the end of your time you will have a meeting with a placement officer and will have the opportunity to discuss your preferences.
Keep in mind that if you don’t pass one of the tryouts, you can always apply for a different position.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The medical profile is a score which reflects your health and indicates which jobs you will be assigned, given your medical condition. You are given a profile after you are examined by an IDF doctor during your Tzav Rishon.
It is possible to submit an appeal within 30 days of receiving notification of your medical profile. You must provide the proper medical documentation to justify your appeal.
Note: If there is a subsequent change in your health, you must notify the regional draft board immediately and provide them with relevant medical documentation.
Yom Hamea
After completing your Tzav Rishon, you may be invited to attend Yom Hamea. This is a day featuring more specialized tests and activities which will help the army determine where you will be best suited to serve. While attendance is optional, participating could open doors to many interesting jobs you may have been unaware of.
Yom Sayerot
Individuals with a high level of Hebrew and a high physical profile will be invited to a one-day Gibush (tryout) for Special Forces units, which takes place before you are drafted into the army. If you are told during your Tzav Rishon that you need to attend Michveh Alon (a special basic training program for Olim) for three months, you will not be invited to attend Yom Sayerot. It takes place twice a year at Wingate (during the fall and winter). If you pass this one day Gibush, you will be invited to further tryouts for more specific units.