Most Armies Ignore Autistic People. With Ono’s Help, Israel Is Calling Them Up
Business Insider Magazine recently published an article profiling Ono Academic College’s “Ro’im Rachok (Seeing Far)” program which encourages autistic volunteers to join the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The article begins with a description of the work of Sgt. I. (only the initial of his last name can be used in order to preserve informational security), who scours the internet to find elusive intelligence that could help Israel fight its enemies. The article continues noting that Sgt. I. is a “web specialist for an elite unit of the Israel Defense Forces, focused on open-source research that informs high-level decision-making and can even reach the prime minister’s desk. He is also autistic.” Sgt. I. said that his different abilities enable him to excel during long, exhausting intelligence work better than many others.
There are about 150 soldiers currently serving in the IDF through Ono’s “Ro’im Rachok” program. The program works with the army to place autistic people in sensitive military positions in order to utilize their particular sets of skills that provide them with comparative advantages. While many autistic teenagers are exempt from military service, Ono’s “Ro’im Rachok” allows them to sign up as volunteers. The program has recruited 300 soldiers into the IDF who serve in 27 different units. Some of these soldiers’ preliminary training takes place on Ono’s campus before they begin their service, like the electronics training course, which takes four months.
The first “Ro’im Rachok” soldiers joined the prestigious Unit 9900 which performs visual-intelligence analysis and is sometimes called the “eyes of the country.” Maj. R., who initially accepted the “Ro’im Rachok” soldiers into Unit 9900, noted that those in his command with autism performed particularly well in the unit’s tasks which have been said to include analyzing images from satellites, drones and reconnaissance flights over areas like the Gaza Strip and Syria. They were able to work long hours doing vital work and were less distracted than other soldiers. During the August 2022 Operation Breaking Dawn, the soldiers of Unit 9900 “helped protect civilians” and provided operational support in the clashes according to the IDF Spokesperson’s Office.
During the interview with Business Insider, Sgt. I., in addition to discussing his work (to the limited level permitted by the IDF informational security officers), mentioned other ways his autism interacts with his job. He mentioned “stimming” — a behavior often associated with autism that can involve repeating words, sounds, or movements to cope with stress, as well as flapping his hands when he’s excited or overwhelmed. He said, “It’s an urge, like blinking.”
Ono faculty member and Mossad veteran, Tal Vardi, who helped found “Ro’im Rachok”, wanted to clarify that the program is ”not an act of charity.” The program is mutually beneficial for the IDF, people with autism, and their families. Soldiers with autism receive skills and connections that assist them in forging an independent future working in civilian professions. “The idea is to put together real needs with real capabilities to create this win-win,” Vardi said.
To read the full article, click here: https://www.businessinsider.com/army-autistic-people-israel-idf-calling-up-military-conscription-2023-1
