Those seeking to join the IDF quickly learn about the elite special forces units – units that have achieved near mythological status for their ability to accomplish the impossible. It is no wonder that individuals with high levels of motivation and drive, such as many Olim (new immigrants), choose to pursue serving in these units.
Unfortunately for anyone set on reaching these top teams, only a handful are selected to begin training and even less finish maslul (the training period for each unit) and become warriors. This means that for many Olim, most will not end up in their “dream” unit. Too often, however, the desire to serve becomes the desire to serve in a particular unit and we lose sight of our main purpose. For those who do not reach these units or those who begin maslul and are cut before finishing, it is important to remind ourselves why we came to Israel in the first place: to serve.
I began my military career in an elite combat unit. The unit’s maslul is 2 years and throughout the first year, a soldier was “cut” nearly every month as the officers increased the pressure and expectations from us trainees. Finally, after nearly 11 months in the unit, I was told I was no longer continuing maslul with the team and would be placed somewhere else.
This was a devastating blow. Not only did my ego and self-confidence suffer a massive hit but my friends – brothers – I served with for nearly a year were going to continue on without me. Moreover, it was not easy transitioning from one of the most elite units in the IDF to the “big army”. I had to integrate into a new tsevet that had been together already a year, learn the culture of the “big army”, and re-prove myself.
While I was extremely disappointed, I remembered the reason I drafted in the first place. This thought drove me forward and helped keep my motivation high. As a warrior in Sayaret Tzanchanim (the reconnaissance unit of the paratroopers), I earned the prestigious position of chief navigator for my team and was also selected to lead a small, 4-man team that specialized in gathering intelligence in the West Bank. Through motivation, hard work and a warrior-spirit, I made the absolute most of my time in the military and not only did I make friends for life while having an incredible experience, but I also had a tangible impact on Israel’s security.
I experienced first-hand how easy it is to lose sight of what is important during our service. By succumbing to depression and tying our self-worth and motivation to a unit, we can quickly miss out on the opportunities that are right in front of us.
In ANY unit in the IDF you can have a meaningful service where you make a tangible impact. This, however, is entirely dependent upon your attitude and motivation. With the right attitude, you will enjoy your service, make friends for life, and grow from the experience. In short, it is not about where you serve but what you do.
Written by B.Morris