Grandma'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 na...

The IDF is commonly seen as one of the most powerful armies in the world due to the fact that there is a compulsory obligation to serve. However, it is actually the Reserves – “ miluim”,   in Hebrew, that is the largest and main force in the army.  With yearly training and drills, the IDF’s miluim are prepared and ready for any emergency/war that might spring up around Israel’s borders.  All men, up to the age of 40, (excluding men who served as officers and served until the age of 45) who served in the regular service, regardless of time served, are obliged to turn up for miluim .   Quite a few volunteer to carry on serving until older. Women who were either combat soldiers, officers, or served in other specific jobs in their regular service also serve in  miluim .  All other women who served in the army can do  miluim  voluntarily. The average amount of time one spends in  miluim  each year is between 20-30 days....