Table 2 Factor loadings and categorization of enlistment motivations

I wanted to fight for Israel, defend and protect it

.83

.11

 − .24

.10

the security situation in Israel at that time made me feel that I cannot stand aside

.70

.09

 − .04

.06

I felt like I had to do my share, regardless of where I'll live later

.62

.13

 − .06

.21

Because of religious reasons, e.g., because it's a mitzvah

.49

 − .13

 − .09

.06

because of antisemitism in the country I came from

.41

.20

.06

.10

I wanted to have a unique adventure, to do something different than everybody else

.10

.70

.00

.11

I needed a fresh start

.08

.56

.10

.07

I believed it would build my character, make me more mature and ready for life

.21

.56

 − .07

.20

I did not know what I want to study or do in life

 − .05

.49

.16

 − .01

I believed Israel would have more to offer me, professionally and economically, than the country I came from

 − .07

.19

.70

.03

because the law requires

 − .16

 − .11

.56

.06

I thought IDF service would look good on my resume

.01

.34

.49

.12

I believed it is important for being accepted in the Israeli society

.19

.04

.08

.67

I wanted to get to know better the people and culture of Israel, and military service is a good place for it

.16

.23

.09

.66

Eigenvalues

3.31

2.36

1.40

1.09

% of total variance

15.08

11.88

8.35

7.32

Total variance

42.64%

Reliability (Cronbach’s α)

.75

.67

.61

.66

Extraction: common factor analysis; orthogonal varimax rotation; factor loadings > .4

Statements removed from the analysis: “I wanted to keep my options open, in case I'd like to live in Israel someday”; “I believed I would gain professional skills and/or social networks that would help me later in life”; “I felt that going to college was not right for me at that particular time”; “I wanted my friends/community to respect me”