Service Requirements
Military service criteria for Alpha-Bet program eligibility
Program Eligibility
To ensure alignment between participants and the program's mission, applicants must meet the following service requirements.
1. Honorable Service
Received an honorable discharge or its equivalent from the United States Armed Forces or the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
2. Combat Unit Service
Must have served in an officially recognized combat-designated unit:
a) Israel (IDF)
- •Infantry brigades: Golani, Givati, Paratroopers
- •Special Forces: Shayetet 13, Sayeret Matkal, Duvdevan, Shaldag, Unit 669
- •Equivalent combat roles in officially designated combat units
b) United States
- •U.S. Special Operations: SEALs, Green Berets, Delta, Rangers, Marine Raiders, PJs, CCTs, SR, TACP
- •Combat Arms: Infantry, Marine Infantry, and equivalent frontline roles
3. Primary Combat Role
Served in a unit whose core mission involved direct engagement with opposing forces. Examples include:
- •Infantry
- •Special operations
- •Armor
- •Combat engineering
- •Field artillery
4. Assigned to a Combat Unit
Veterans from combat support specialties are eligible if they were formally assigned or attached to a front-line combat unit and routinely operated in a forward, hostile environment as part of their primary duties.
5. Active Reserve Status (Israel Specific Requirement)
Israeli applicants must be currently serving as a combat-designated reservist or equivalent active reserve status.
6. Entrepreneurial Alignment
Commitment to applying combat-honed leadership, resilience, and problem-solving skills to entrepreneurial ventures. Participants should demonstrate genuine interest in:
- •Translating military leadership experience into business contexts
- •Building innovative solutions and startups
- •Contributing to the veteran entrepreneurship community
- •Continuous learning and professional development
Documentation Requirements / Verifiable Service Record:
Service and unit assignment must be verifiable through official documentation (e.g., DD-214 for U.S. veterans, 'Teudat Shichrur' for Israeli veterans, or other relevant service records) and provided during the application process.
Note: Service records will be kept confidential and used solely for program eligibility verification.
Contact for Questions
For questions about service requirements or eligibility:
- Email: info@vbv.vc
These requirements ensure that Alpha-Bet serves those who have demonstrated the courage, discipline, and leadership that comes from frontline military service, creating a cohort united by shared experiences and values.
Ready for the Next Step?
Continue exploring the Alpha-Bet program to see how we can help transform your military experience into entrepreneurial success.