Marva is a program in the Israel Defense Forces that allows young Jews to learn an experience the basics of IDF and Israeli life. Beginning in 1982, Marva operated out of a base in the Galilee, although it now is based at Sde Boker. It was originally associated with Gadna, youth battalions, which are now part of the Israeli Education and Youth Corps. Marva is open to anyone from ages 18 to 28 and speaks some Hebrew, although the vast majority of participants are between the ages of 18-20.