From Preparation to Recovery: The IDF’s Multi-Level PTSD Prevention Strategy During the Iron Swords War

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has developed a comprehensive, multi-level prevention strategy to mitigate the psychological impact of combat on soldiers during the Iron Swords War. This approach integrates universal, selective, and indicated prevention measures, as well as treatment pathways, to create a continuum of care that spans from pre-deployment resilience training to post-combat rehabilitation. The cornerstone of this strategy is the embedded Mental Health Officer (MHO), who serves as a trusted figure within operational units, delivering psychoeducation, monitoring resilience, and providing early intervention for acute stress reactions. Complementing the MHOs, the IDF deploys peer-based protocols, such as YaHaLOM and MAGEN, which enable soldiers to provide psychological first aid to their comrades. When symptoms persist, the IDF’s coordinated system, including Combat Reaction Teams, Acute Stress Disorder Clinics, and the Rear Rehabilitation Center, ensures timely, evidence-based care while minimizing stigma. The success of this approach is shaped by Israel’s unique context, including a conscript military, repeated combat exposure, and a close military-civilian interface. While adapting this model to larger volunteer-based militaries may require attention to force structure, operational tempo, and cultural factors, the IDF’s experience offers valuable insights into the importance of embedding mental health across the deployment cycle and provides a tested framework for building resilient and operationally effective forces.