In my first month (and a bit) of my basic training in the IDF, I have had experiences that I would never in my life have anticipated having. You often wonder what you will take away from your army service. If it were only ever one month long, I would already be taking away some incredibly unique knowledge and have participated in some very extraordinary activities.
A wonderful part about the Israel Defense Force is its double function as a social and educational institution. While there is an incredibly physical part about being in the IDF ("obviously," you're thinking), you do often find yourself in a classroom. Sometimes, you are listening to very impassioned debates about the use/abuse/danger of drugs and alcohol after watching a one-man play with your unit on the subject (true story), while other times, you are learning critical information about your job as a soldier.
It is also true that before we are expected to use any equipment for the first time, we are taught at-length, and tested, on it. The army goes to great lengths to make sure that you understand the bigger picture about what you are doing, that all of the possible dangers and malfunctions attached to what you are about to do have been extensively covered, and that, at the end of the day, its soldiers have good heads on their shoulders.
Two of the more interesting subjects that we spent time learning about were battlefield first aid and lessons on our enemies. These were covered in the same intense week! Toward the beginning of the week, I was able to have the first aid classes with one of my best friends from my Garin, Matt, and we did the physical portion of the examination together. I have to admit that it felt a bit strange to be learning about the many possible wounds, conditions, and cures that we could face in operation. At the same time, it was actually enjoyable, and being with a friend meant that there were many laughs to be had. When it came time for us to show what we had learned, for a grade, we both performed well, and Matt has actually been chosen by his unit to exit basic training to attend the IDF Medics' Course. I'll take some credit for being such an outstanding patient. (Congrats Matt!) Learning about Israel's enemies was also fascinating, but in a totally different, more hands-off way. I am not entirely sure how much I am allowed to write about the subject, so I will keep it minimal, but it was a very interesting course that taught me a lot about some of our "friendly" neighbors!
Another intense week brought two very hands-on experiences in our first experience throwing grenades (!!!) as well as training in biological, atomic, and chemical warfare. Yep. As I have written above, the IDF really does want you to feel as prepared as you possibly can be for these types of things, but I can't remember a time I have been quite as nervous as I was running up the hill in full gear, grenade in my vest, running over the steps in my head to safely throw. Waiting for me was my company commander, who went through a few drills with me before instructing me to do the real thing. I let go, shouted, "Rimon!!!" (grenade) and ducked down, covered by my officer, and counting before hearing the explosion. It was totally exhilarating. As I stood up and saw the smoke, the commanding officer reminded me that I forgot to look where I had hit before ducking, but ensured me not to worry, that the "target was neutralized." I couldn't help but laugh.
For the rest of the week, we learned about the dangers of chemical warfare against Israel and how we prepare to deal with this unique threat. The culmination of the week, as was well known to us, was the "ABACH (HAZMAT) Tent," an experience inside a tent of teargas. You are run around and worked out in your gas mask before charging inside, at which point a madricha (instructor) dressed in an outfit best described as an alien suit has you remove it. She leads you in a few light physical activities before beginning to ask you questions. Tears fell quickly from my eyes, my throat struggled to allow words to exit comfortably, and my nose ran, but I stuttered my way through the answers. That is, until she asked me what my favorite soccer team was. Who was this girl!? Tear gas or not, I am always ready to talk enthusiastically about Manchester United and Wayne Rooney. When she realized I was not going to stop any time soon, she laughed and allowed me to run out!
- Darren
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