The Call to Arms: Understanding Combat Motivation Among IDF Reserve Soldiers in the Iron Swords War

Combat motivation lacks theoretical grounding and has overlooked reserve soldiers facing dual-identity challenges. This study provides an application of Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to combat motivation, examining how intrinsic motivation predicts reserve soldiers’ willingness to risk their lives and return for future deployments. Data from 778 Israeli Defense Forces combat reserve soldiers following extended deployment during the “Iron Swords” War were analyzed using ordinal logistic regression. Intrinsic combat motivation—operationalized through SDT as unit cohesion (relatedness), mission necessity (competence), and operational enthusiasm (autonomy)—was tested alongside trust in commanders and civilian concerns. Intrinsic motivation was the dominant predictor of both outcomes. The two outcomes exhibited different motivational profiles: immediate risk-taking depended almost entirely on intrinsic motivation, while sustained commitment additionally required trust in commanders and was undermined by career concerns. Findings suggest that fostering intrinsic motivation is essential for combat effectiveness, while retention additionally requires trustworthy leadership and career protection.