When I reflect on my days as a combat soldier in the IDF, the culmination of these three years are condensed into a bundle of specific milestones that pop in and out of my head. Now, after almost one year since my release date, I feel as if my career as a soldier was a life time ago. I am now a normal citizen worried about trying to make it in the “real world”. My girlfriend, university marks, work and friends are my main priorities. All things that are centered around me. I am no longer part of a system where everyone is working towards, and fighting to achieve a common goal. Not for financial gain, but for the belief in the importance of the protection of our homeland, and that if we don’t bear arms and protect her, no one else will. The days that I was a combat soldier were undoubtedly the most meaningful of my life and I am sure they will be the same for you.
It’s funny, during those rainy, cold and heavy nights under the stretcher during my maslul (unit training), I would often gaze down at my G-Shock, trying to work out how much time was left until the sun would rise and the suffering would inevitably finish. I think that was a pretty natural feeling and I’m sure 99% of the guys next to me felt the same way. However, what I wish I could have reminded my younger self was that these moments are what life is all about. The moments where you are tested time and again and you have no choice but to meet these challenges head on is, in my opinion, the pinnacle of living.
From my pre army career, training with Tsevet Lohamim I was always fixated on achieving the next goal. So, at that stage, all I was thinking about was making it into the best unit I could. Training, speaking to mentors and reading about famous IDF battles were the only things I would allow myself to focus on.
This mindset followed me into the army and continued as I advanced through each phase. First in maslul I was always driven to finish this period to the best of my ability. Once that was accomplished, I was focused on joining the sniper team of my unit. Of course, once this was completed, and similarly to most soldiers nearing the end of their army stints, I was concentrated on my next steps in civilian life post release.
In saying all of this I believe that determination and goal setting is pivotal in order to succeed in all facets of life. You will certainly need these qualities in order to succeed in the IDF. However, what I am trying to convey by writing this piece is to be mindful and present throughout each of your upcoming endeavours. Keep in mind that the memories and hard times that you will endure will strengthen your character, and stay with you for the rest of your life. And maybe one day, looking back, you’ll be wishing to advise your younger self to stop, be in each moment and enjoy it!
Written by: Josh F.
