At Last, An Army Draftee: The Tzav Rishon

During the last month, I finally completed my long awaited Tzav Rishon. To summarize what it is before I delve into more detail, the Tzav Rishon literally translates to the “first draft.” For Israelis, this day takes place during the junior year of high school and is designed to determine which units the draftee is fit for. Being that we're with Garin Tzabar, our Tzav Rishon took place a mere two months before our draft dates, as most everything is expedited for us.

The Tzav Rishon consists of a few different tests to measure your mental and physical health, as well as your intelligence and motivation.

Upon arriving in the morning, I was directed to the Hebrew testing station. For months, this station was my most feared, as the results determine whether or not I need to attend Michve Alon (a three-month army ulpan in the beginning of the service). The first component of the test was a bit of general conversation, designed to gauge spoken level. Following the oral test came the reading portion, in which I was given lines to read and translate. Of course, after feeling slightly confident about the spoken bit, the lines appeared to be gibberish to me. Thankfully, that section was short. Finally, the written component consisted of reading a few words in a sentence and completing it as I wished. Overall, I felt that the written was my strongest portion.

I can't say I felt confident as I left the Hebrew test. At this point, my biggest obstacle to conquering the Hebrew language is a lack of confidence when I speak, something I feel easily shines through in an examination. I was told a few days later that I wasn't given a high enough score to get out of Michve Alon. A few days later, however, the mashakiot (army social workers) informed me that my score was borderline, meaning I'd have another chance to test out of Michve Alon in the beginning of November before the draft. Whatever result I get at that point sits fine with me. I'm happy to draft into the army ulpan if I need it, though I'd much prefer to draft straight into a combat unit this November.

Moving on...

Directly after the Hebrew test came the health examination. This consisted of a urine sample, eye exam, and a general check-up with the doctor. He checked for the usual issues and specific problems that might hold someone back in a unit designed for fighting and physically strenuous work. A health profile is given at the end of the exam and is a major factor in determine which units one is eligible for, especially men.

A 97 health profile is the highest a soldier can receive and means he's eligible for any unit. An 82 is given for specific small issues (very flat feet, strong seasonal allergies, etc.) and limits a soldier to regular combat units. A 72 is the next profile, given for more serious health issues, and limits a soldier to very specific combat units (tanks, artillery, field intelligence). Anything below a 72 eliminates a soldier from combat contention.

Thankfully, I was given a 97 and proceeded on to the next test.

After the intelligence test, a series of shape patterns and analogies (thankfully given to me in English), I sat through a short interview to determine my lone soldier status. I completed the day far sooner than expected and left the Lishkat Giyus (draft office), satisfied with a productive day under my belt.

About four days later, I received the results of my Tzav Rishon. Three scores are given to each draftee: the physical profile, the intelligence score, and the Kaba. The Kaba is the overall score the army gives a draftee and represents their evaluation of the future soldier as a whole. The highest possible score is a 56. The score helps determine eligible jobs for the draftee and possible entrance to officer school in the future, as well as opening up doors such as Yom Sayerot (special forces tryouts), something I'll explain a little bit in the next post.

Thankfully, I received good scores in each of the sections and now patiently wait to find out where I'll be heading as a soldier.

Signing off for my first time as property of the Israel Defense Forces!

-Brett