It seems impossible to believe that the most sophisticated hackers on the planet are getting paid pocket money.
Basically a signal intelligence/hacking unit just like any other military outfit in their forces.
It is mostly 18 to 21 year olds. And I would think it looks really good in your CV if you want to work on the sector later.
I wonder which unit is the elite one.
I’ve seen firsthand that security engineers tend to be paid less than mainstream dev roles, but pocket money for the best talent in the world seems unlikely. The IDF needs them more than they need the IDF. Even with religious beliefs in play, wouldn’t market forces still have an effect?
Well, this of course only applies to the conscripts who are serving their mandatory (almost) 3 years in the IDF. It's not like you can leave and if you're planning to build your career in this field it obviously preferable than serving in combat or logistics units.
I would assume they are more like interns/apprentices though (how useful can most 18-20 year olds be anyway?) and most real work is done by people who are actually being paid a salary.