Service Requirements
Military service criteria for Alpha-Bet program eligibility
Service Requirements | Last Updated: August 29, 2025
To ensure alignment between participants and the program's mission, applicants must meet the following:
Honorable Service
Received an honorable discharge or its equivalent from the United States Armed Forces or the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Combat Unit Service
Must have served in an officially recognized combat-designated unit:
Israel (IDF): Infantry brigades (e.g., Golani, Givati, Paratroopers), Special Forces (e.g., Shayetet 13, Sayeret Matkal, Duvdevan, Shaldag, Unit 669), and equivalent combat roles
United States: U.S. Special Operations (SEALs, Green Berets, Delta, Rangers, Marine Raiders, PJs, CCTs, SR, TACP). Also eligible: Combat arms from Infantry, Marine Infantry, and equivalent frontline roles
Primary Combat Role
Served in a unit whose core mission involved direct engagement with opposing forces. Examples include infantry, special operations, armor, combat engineering, and field artillery.
Assigned to a Combat Unit
Veterans from combat support specialties are eligible if they were formally assigned or attached to a front-line combat unit and routinely operated in a forward, hostile environment as part of their primary duties.
Documentation Requirements / Verifiable Service Record
Service and unit assignment must be verifiable through official documentation and provided during the application process. Examples include: DD-214 for U.S. veterans, 'Teudat Lochem' or 'Teudat Shichrur' for Israeli veterans which clearly states status as a "לוחם/מת", or other relevant service records which clearly state service in a combat role. Validation of service is mandatory to be admitted to the program. However, if you have privacy or confidentiality concerns around sharing these materials, please contact us directly.
For questions about service requirements or eligibility: