The People's Army Model

Israel's regular army is relatively small, and thus its strength in emergency is based on reservists, which comprise much of the entire nation.

[3] The model is based on David Ben Gurion’s belief that the universality that would derive from this “melting pot” ideal would help create cohesion among members of society, regardless of their backgrounds; this would serve as both a builder of national identity after the establishment of the state, bringing together people of different socioeconomic backgrounds and racial identities.

The IDF allow soldiers to go home often and also allows regular communication with the “outside world.” After an initial training period, the formality commonly associated with military service dissipates, which serves as a tool to promote this ideal.

[5] One of the initial goals of the People's Army Model is to serve as an apolitical, strong force; in theory, it is the best functioning government institution.

[9][10] Those exempt from service also affect the demographics of those who serve in the army; they are usually for medical or religious reasonings and limit the country's national representation.