Photos: Hoping to make elite units, Israeli teens take private training

An Israeli high school senior participates in an urban fighting drill at a privately run military training program at Kibbutz Mizra, Israel, March 24, 2015. The teen has signed up for the courses in order to improve his chances of gaining entrance to the air force, officer corps or a commando unit. Oded Balilty / AP

The photos in this gallery are part of a series made by Associated Press photographer Oded Balilty. Oded Balilty / AP

Young men in a military training program held in Netanya are given instruction in the AK-47 assault rifle, Feb. 17, 2015. Oded Balilty / AP

Using wooden rifles, trainees work through an urban fighting drill at the program at Kibbutz Mizra. Oded Balilty / AP

One of the teens at Kibbutz Mizra poses in a mask during an urban fighting drill. Oded Balilty / AP

In Israel, military service is mandatory. While Ultra-Orthodox Jews and Palestinian citizens of Israel are mostly exempt from the service, many complain of discrimination – especially from potential employers – for standing down. Oded Balilty / AP

Not all young men train in programs like the ones photographed here. Some train solo for the pre-draft workouts held by the military. Oded Balilty / AP

The training includes obstacle courses and strength drills. Oded Balilty / AP

In this drill, the teens carry weighted bags into the ocean. Oded Balilty / AP

Nir Cohen, 31, a former paratrooper who runs one of the programs said "The mandatory military service is one of the experiences that most shapes the lives of Israelis. We try to prepare them both physically and mentally." Oded Balilty / AP