GRANDMA'S ARMY NEWS

All four grandchildren still serving in the IDF are advancing in their particular fields. We are very proud of my granddaughter who just finished an officer’s course. Also of my grandson, serving in the armoured corps, who has just finished a preliminary officer’s course. The two army celebrations took place last month on the same day.

Amitai, who is one of triplets, gave me a brief account of his activities in the armoured corps. He began his army training a year ago. He admits that it was hard for him to adjust to army discipline and in the many pressures involved in army life  - especially since he had previously been studying in a Yeshiva (Talmudical college) for over a year.  However, the congenial atmosphere and the comradeship of his fellow soldiers helped to overcome the difficulties. Spending hours together in a very confined space turned them almost into a family unit . Although they were very strict, he  felt only respect for his excellent commanding officers. In particular, the commander of the corps who dealt with each request with understanding and efficiency.

He even enjoyed the advanced training course which was very interesting. Although some of the crew found it difficult to spend weeks-on-end training  in the field, Amitai even enjoyed the experience, since he was used to  being out of doors.  The work on the tanks is sometimes very hard and there were times when the crews were up all night in order to finish up the work involved. At least he is set for life when it comes to handling hammers, spanners, screwdrivers and other various gadgets. His training has also taught him perseverance and how to work as a team.

Amitai decided to continue afterwards in the officer’s course because many commanders are needed in the armoured corps and he felt it important to contribute whatever he could. He has become more mature and responsible since he joined the IDF and more aware of the importance of defending one’s country.

Adi is the youngest of five children and, apart from the moral suppport she enjoys from her family, her father and brothers help her on various assignments and from their experience in the IDF. One of her brothers is still serving as a commander.

The soldiers who participated in the officer’s course came from all segments of the IDF. They hailed from all over the country and from very different backgrounds.  The company was divided into teams, which enabled her to become  familiar with the various corps and the tasks involved – to picture the IDF as a whole.

The officer’s course was interesting and more theoretical than practical, according to Adi. They learned a lot about leadership and the ability of commanding others.

When I asked her if she envies Jewish youth from the diaspora who  are free to do their own thing after high school, the answer was categorically in the negative. She feels that they are missing out on a lot. The army enables her to get to know all sectors of the population. It offers challenges that she wouldn’t experience in civilian life. To understand that you are capable of much more than you believed of yourself. Above all, it places considerable responsibility on one’s shoulders which can be very satisfying and meaningful.