The Israeli military announced this month that it would begin enlisting soldiers living with HIV, according to The Associated Press. The new policy is expected to be put into place in the upcoming weeks.

Military service is required for all Israeli citizens, but until now, those living with HIV were exempt. Depending on their health, HIV-positive soldiers will be able to serve in a variety of positions, except those where they might be at risk of bleeding.

Colonel Moshe Pinkert, who head the medical department of the military, told the AP that the new policy will not affect many soldiers but that it was a “very important step...for the acceptance of people with HIV into society and reducing the social stigma.”

Pinkert said the Israeli military was a “pioneer” because of the new policy.

In the United States, people living with HIV cannot enlist in the military, although if a person tests positive while in service, he or she may continue service if medical evaluations deem it appropriate.

To learn more, read the POZ recent cover story, “Mission Critical: Fighting to live and serve with HIV in the U.S. Military.”