New rank for IDF officers - Master Warrant Officer

The Israel Defense Forces has a new rank: master warrant officer. As part of "Derech Keva," the new framework for non-commissioned officers in the IDF, Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz on Tuesday approved the creation of the new rank (which in Hebrew is called rav nagad mishne, or ranam for short).

Within IDF hierarchy, the new rank will come between warrant officer and chief warrant officer. It will be the second highest for non-commissioned officers.

The new framework approved by Gantz and other IDF brass will also raise the retirement age for IDF servicemen to 50.

In the coming months, the IDF retirement age will rise gradually. Starting in 2012, the minimum retirement age for officers in all technological units will be 46, while the retirement age for other branches will be 48 or older. The average retirement age for non-commissioned IDF officers currently stands at 46 and will gradually rise until the year 2029, when the average retirement age will be 50. Despite these changes, the retirement age for combat officers will remain unchanged at 42.

Following the approval of the new model for non-commissioned officers, Gantz has ordered that it be implemented. "The country's security is based on the quality, professionalism and expertise of non-commissioned officers and the [new] non-commissioned model will support that," Gantz said. "The model will respond to the IDF's developing needs and challenges, and it will allow us to maintain the priority given to combat units while taking full advantage of the maturity and experience of officers serving in both combat and support roles.