Day 85: Marva Program

For the serious military buffs, another IDF experience to look at is the Marva program, which provides two months of outdoor military training.  The program introduces visitors to such experiences as:  navigation, topography, lectures, seminars, walking tours, training exercises, and life in the field.  They say this is not for the feint of heart, because military-style discipline is part of the deal.

Hmmm... I am thinking of that scene from Officer and a Gentleman, when Richard Gere is being yelled at something awful.  I know that this program that youngest son (who is currently at military camp in Nevada) would just love.

Unlike the Sar-El program, the Marva Program is a fee-based experience.  The cost is $1400, which covers your room, board, and training.  Considering that it runs for two months - it's actually pretty reasonable.

Here's a sample of what the program has to offer.

• Getting to know the rules and army discipline
• Learn about Israeli military history
• Lessons about: wars, history, ethics, conflicts
• Tour sites and bases in the south & north
• Touring Jerusalem & Yad VaShem museum
• Military hike to the field
• Learn how to live like a soldier in the field
• Camouflage and training exercises (night and day)
• Intense physical training & Obstacle courses
• Krav Maga
• Weapon training and shooting range
• Shooting range with heavy weaponry
• Military training exercises  
• Lectures and training with combat soldiers
• Spending the whole week with experienced combat soldiers