Israel’s premilitary “Mechina” program graduates integrate and advance more successfully in the army than does the general population, according to figures released in honour of “Mechina Day.”  The percentage of graduates that enlist in combat units is nearly twice that of the general population: 79.5% instead of 44% of other recruits.  Twice as many graduates also go on to leadership positions — both officer and non-officer roles — as compared to the rest of the army.  Among female graduates the difference was even more pronounced: three times as many Mechina women became officers than non-Mechina women soldiers.  Of 120 soldiers honoured for excellent service this year, four were the product of the Mechina program.