THE PEOPLE'S ARMY

“Grandma’s Army” began with seven of my grandchildren in the army at the same time. Since then, we are still “soldiering” on and the original seven have been gradually joined by eight others (all but one in fighting units) all of whom have finished their compulsory service.

One of the original seven is still serving, and has been doing so for eight years - so far. After completing an officer’s course, he was given total responsibility in the training of a troop of recruits, and turning them into a unified fighting corps. Not long ago, he was promoted to Major. Most of what his unit  carry out are covert military operations and are strictly confidential.

Even though my other grandchildren are no longer regular soldiers, they are still serving in the reserves. Israel has constructed a unique system that relies on a rapid mobilization of large numbers – all well-trained reservists - to complement its regular force. These reserve forces are considered the very backbone of our nation’s military. Without them, there is no IDF. Without the IDF we – as a people – will inevitably return to being at the mercy of those who would harm and kill us, simply for being Jews and Israelis.

Reserve duty brings together all sectors of the population, regardless of race, religion, gender, or ideology. When they willingly serve together in reserve duty they are unified for a common purpose. 

I have asked two of my grandchildren, Yair and Adi, to tell us in their own words:

“The Israeli Air force, differs from the regular army, because its everyday missions and of course, emergency situations, are manned by reserve pilots and UAV (pilotless planes) operators. 

The UAV squadrons  carry out more than 70% of the missions and the flight hours in the IAF, so the demand for human resources is insanely high. UAV operators, like myself, perform more than 60 days of reserve duty a year! More than a day in each week - including weekends and holidays. Some of us even serve 90 days of reserve duty a year! We need to be ready for war or emergencies, so we practice every couple of weeks and also perform combat missions. 

A typical day of reserve duty means an early arrival to the squadron, quick cup of coffee and briefing for the day's mission. Then, a short meeting between the officer and operator before heading to the GCS (ground control station). The mission can take around 4 hours for each crew, while the UAV remains above the target for more than 14 hours... 

After 4 hours, different crews take our place and we leave the GCS for debriefing and rest, before the next 4 hours. After 8 hours in the GCS and 12 hours in total - I'm heading back home (sometimes in the middle of the night). Back to my family, and work I've left behind for the day. The following week, all over again”.  

Yair’s sister Adi (who became engaged recently), writes about her experience in the Reserves: “I finished my army duty serving as an officer, training recruits in the Armoured Corps. At present I am taking a university degree in Mechanical Engineering. When I am called up to serve in the Reserves, I am assigned as an officer to the special missions, so-called “war room”,  of the Gaza division. The “war room”, operates 24/7. It is manned by officers from the fighting forces who are joined by soldiers and officers from various professions, such as logistics, observers, medical, etc. The air force is also connected to the “war room” with planes which photograph  from the air.

I am responsible for alerting the necessary forces, as soon as possible, when detecting suspicious behaviour from Gaza. In general, everyone in the “war room” takes part in emergency operations.”

What differentiates the IDF from other armies are the various activities it has initiated which are not connected to basic army requirements. It is a “People’s Army” and treats everyone equally. It helps to instill values and to turn its youth into mature and responsible human beings. It includes: completing high school certificates, conversions to Judaism, Hebrew lessons, framework for “at-risk” youth, etc.