The guys in my team took their time (naturally) but as they each arrived, they introduced themselves and made quick work of getting to know me and one another. I thought to myself that if this is the way people in the army were going to be, I should consider myself lucky. Each new soldier was friendly and talkative, all the while clearly excited to get going in this journey we were all starting.
The week itself began with a rough landing for me. Our first day on base was the Bar-Or (the standard fitness test for the army) which would decide who was fit enough to attend the Gibush (tryout) for the special forces units of Nahal. Each infantry unit has attached to it something called "Gadsar" which is separated from the "Gdud" or regular forces. It had been something I was interested in trying for and I performed well enough on the Bar-Or that it would not have been a problem for me at all to attend if I wanted to. However, I was told earlier in the day that if I were to be accepted into one of these units, I would definitely have to sign on more time than what I currently have in the army, and it caught me by surprise. I felt very torn and my perspective of all the regular things we were doing was ruined a bit because I was dwelling on making a decision. Ultimately, with the help of a few good "advisors" talking it out with me, I decided to defer my opportunity to try out until such a time where I feel ready to make such a big decision as an extra year in the army.
After deciding not to attend the gibush, I started to enjoy my week much more. I was able to keep it in mind that I could take things slowly and get used to this idea of the army, this sudden transition I had made from civilian life to the military. I got to know the guys in my team really well and, although we were basically doing chores around the base in-between getting a taste of army discipline, I had a smile on my face and grew into this new situation I had found myself in. We spent much of our time digging… and digging… and digging. It seems to be a favorite "we have nothing to do with you" activity. I also learned how to march
Throughout the week, everyone talked about the units that they would request. In Nahal, there are three "Gdudim" (regular units). Gdud 50 "Bazelet", Gdud 931 "Shacham", and Gdud 932 "Granite." I paid close attention to who wanted what and the reasons they gave for what they would request when it came time to do so. It was important to me to hear where I thought the more level-headed, good guys would want to go as well as the more obnoxious, crazy types so that I could gather more or less who would be with me where I would end up! For Trom Tironut, I was in Gdud 931, which was just by chance, as you are just there for your absorption week… in fact, nothing is permanent about Trom Tironut. Even if you go to the same Gdud that you were in for Trom, you cannot be with the same commander you had, and chances are you won't be with anyone from your team. I found myself as one of a handful of guys who had an interview with the commanding officer of Gdud 931 and after a long, really interesting interview, he asked me if I wanted to be there for my service. In a very awkward moment, I informed him that I decided to request Gdud 50 and was hoping to end up there. He had a hilarious reaction, and certainly let me hear his opinion (a negative one… go figure) on the matter.
Later that same night, we had a closing circle with our team. I thanked them all for having patience with my Hebrew and helping me as much as they did and formally requested to be in Gdud 50.
- Darren
No comments:
Post a Comment