In 1953 David Ben Gurion established the IDF Junior Command Military Academy (JCMA). His goal was to provide the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) with young people who were inculcated with knowledge, skills and character traits necessary to successfully lead combat formations for the Israeli Defense Forces.
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Based in Haifa as a branch of the Reali School, in Hebrew its name is Hapanimiya Hatzvait Le'Pikud. The high school level program, similar in objective to institutions like West Point, has produced over 2400 graduates, many of who have become leaders in Israel's armed forces (IDF), to include two Chiefs of Staff, four Deputy Chiefs of Staff, 16 Major Generals, 44 Lt. Generals and hundreds of other officers.
The IDF Junior Command Military Academy roll of honor lists 133 graduates who have been killed defending the Nation.