The Israeli army is called the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) . It was established on May 31, 1948, just two weeks after Israels declaration of independence. The IDF is comprised of three service branches: the Israeli Ground Forces, the Israeli Air Force, and the Israeli Navy. Military service is compulsory for Jews and Druze, both men and women, and for Circassian men. However, there are some notable exceptions, and Israeli Arabs, religious women, married individuals, and those deemed unfit medically or mentally are exempt from compulsory military service. Once enlisted, men are expected to serve for a minimum of 32 months and women are expected to serve for a minimum of 24 months. The commander of the IDF is the chief of general staff, a position subject to civilian oversight by the minister of defense.