I would say this is imperative for anyone making Aliyah who falls within the age range of IDF service for Olim Chadashim, even if it is a shorter military service than the standard three years that most Israeli males serve. I did a shortened active duty service and was more than satisfied. Especially those getting drafted as per army orders.
If you're thinking of volunteering to serve in the IDF through Garin Tzabar and are bit younger, I wouldn't be concerned as much since the support system provided there is generally excellent. Garin Tzabar recruits often more than other Olim tend to enter the army with higher levels of Hebrew and receive a general higher overall preparedness level. Mahal on the other hand, I wouldn't recommend as much. I've heard some stories through friends who have served through this avenue and have not had the same type of positive feedback regarding their path to service. I was told in many cases that the benefits for lone soldiers through Mahal were not the same, this makes sense since Mahalnikim are not Israeli citizens. Clearly though, my non-partisan opinion is reserved for those regular Olim who've received their Tzav Rishon after about a year or so in the country, and soon enough find themselves serving in places like Michve Alon for two or three months unsure what to expect and where exactly they'll be going. Whether in combat or in support positions or as simple jobnik, the motivation to be there, and to serve and contribute is all you need to come away with a worthwhile experience. Even if you end up pulling hours on end of mind numbing guard duty like me in the most random of bases in the army, at the end of the day, it's still worth it.
In regards navigating the unending bureaucracy that is the IDF, or better yet that exists in Israel in general, I will have to leave that to another post, or maybe ten.
