A Behind the Scenes Look at Israel’s Military Strategies

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), a Washington, DC-based think tank, organizes an annual Military Trip to Israel for active duty military officers. The next trip will take place in early 2024. This trip is part of FDD’s National Security Trip to Israel, launched in 2011, which has brought over 300 U.S. national security practitioners to Israel for a week of high-level meetings and experiential visits.

Israel is a leader in the development of innovative military tactics and national security strategy. Throughout the week, trip participants will travel around Israel to participate in meetings with high-level Israeli and American decision-makers, experiential visits to exclusive military installations, such as the Iron Dome and replicas of Hamas tunnels and will participate in two hands-on training exercises. Participants will leave the trip with a nuanced understanding of regional challenges and the practical skills to counter 21st century security threats.

The selected participants will be accompanied by FDD experts throughout the trip. Upon completion of the trip, participants will become members of FDD’s National Security Alumni Network, a mid-career professionals alumni group comprised of over 500 alumni of FDD’s National Security Trips to Israel and/or National Security Fellows Program. Throughout the year, alumni are provided with opportunities for professional development, networking, and mentorship to advance their careers in national security.

FDD will cover the cost of roundtrip airfare between Washington, DC and Tel Aviv, hotel room accommodations, at least two meals per day, and transportation on the ground in Israel.

Applications for FDD’s 2024 Military Trip to Israel will open in mid-2023.

To register to receive a notification for when applications become available click here

Eligibility:

  • Participants must be on active duty orders in the US military

  • Participants should be between the ages of 30-40 and/or hold the rank of Major/Lieutenant Commander/Lieutenant Colonel/Commander/Colonel.

  • Participants must be based in the greater-Washington DC area.

  • Participants must attend a pre-trip and post-trip session in Washington DC.

For more information or questions, please see the FAQ tab. If your question is still unanswered, please contact [email protected]