Army - Afterthoughts
I've been trying to write about my army experience for a while. Specifically that's the reason why nothing came out of me since my last promise to write more. I've begun many posts and they all end up in draft because I cannot seem to push it out of me. I don't know what I'm trying to say and how and therefore, I decided that if I'm going to say anything, I'm saying it now. And if inspiration comes calling I'll finish those other beginnings. So here are just some random thoughts in no particular order.
- I miss the army. I can't say that I loved the entire experience, only maybe a third of it. Another third I was undecided and the remaining third was one of the worst periods in my life. And yet I miss the army. I miss the uniform, friends, desert, and I really miss my M16.
- If I had to serve more than my six months and I wasn't 26, then without question I would have attempted to be a combat officer in artillery.
- Israeli army is a bunch of kids. Kids that go home to their parents and don't have to worry about bills, food, rent. They still carry their "Hello Kitty" notebooks and listen to Britney Spears (or whoever else is a teen sensation at the time).
- People in charge of the kids have been in the army for so long that it's all they know. And the majority of them should have been fired if it was possible. On the other hand, there are few individuals that stand out who care about these kids more than anything and don't leave not because army is their only option but just because they enjoy their job and feel that they're making a difference. You can always see those because they are the only ones working.
- IDF is the biggest employer and proffesional school in Israel at the same time. That's why most Israelis don't know how to work. They think it's OK to talk on the phone while ignoring customers because that's what they did in the army.
- There is a huge difference between combat soldiers (infantry, artillery, armored corps, field intelligence, combat engineering) and jobniks. It's beyond me why anybody would voluntarily become a secretary for three years. The tougher it gets physically, the quicker the time passes, the happier and more fulfilling the experience and the stronger the friendships.
- The real strength of IDF is technology. From scientific analysis how to shoot better to star wars technology nobody knows, Israeli army is based on efficiency.
- In everyday life, IDF is the most inefficient organization I've ever seen.
- There is so much that can be done in a day. Especially when you wake up at 6 and do something non stop until midnight. Even if there is no point to your actions.
- Finding an extra minute to sleep or to at least sit down is better than not.
- Need to drink a lot of water.
- Being 18 is better than 26. Especially when running.
- I "hate" the French. Jeremie Dreifuss is not French.
- I love artillery and my turquoise beret.
- I can't wait to be called up for reserves.
- Army gives instant understanding of Israelis, a common background and countless basis for conversations with almost every citizen in this country. It's the best and most important way to be integrated into this society.
- I miss my M16.
- I was really proud to belong to Israel Defense Forces and to wear the uniform.
- I miss the army. I can't say that I loved the entire experience, only maybe a third of it. Another third I was undecided and the remaining third was one of the worst periods in my life. And yet I miss the army. I miss the uniform, friends, desert, and I really miss my M16.
- If I had to serve more than my six months and I wasn't 26, then without question I would have attempted to be a combat officer in artillery.
- Israeli army is a bunch of kids. Kids that go home to their parents and don't have to worry about bills, food, rent. They still carry their "Hello Kitty" notebooks and listen to Britney Spears (or whoever else is a teen sensation at the time).
- People in charge of the kids have been in the army for so long that it's all they know. And the majority of them should have been fired if it was possible. On the other hand, there are few individuals that stand out who care about these kids more than anything and don't leave not because army is their only option but just because they enjoy their job and feel that they're making a difference. You can always see those because they are the only ones working.
- IDF is the biggest employer and proffesional school in Israel at the same time. That's why most Israelis don't know how to work. They think it's OK to talk on the phone while ignoring customers because that's what they did in the army.
- There is a huge difference between combat soldiers (infantry, artillery, armored corps, field intelligence, combat engineering) and jobniks. It's beyond me why anybody would voluntarily become a secretary for three years. The tougher it gets physically, the quicker the time passes, the happier and more fulfilling the experience and the stronger the friendships.
- The real strength of IDF is technology. From scientific analysis how to shoot better to star wars technology nobody knows, Israeli army is based on efficiency.
- In everyday life, IDF is the most inefficient organization I've ever seen.
- There is so much that can be done in a day. Especially when you wake up at 6 and do something non stop until midnight. Even if there is no point to your actions.
- Finding an extra minute to sleep or to at least sit down is better than not.
- Need to drink a lot of water.
- Being 18 is better than 26. Especially when running.
- I "hate" the French. Jeremie Dreifuss is not French.
- I love artillery and my turquoise beret.
- I can't wait to be called up for reserves.
- Army gives instant understanding of Israelis, a common background and countless basis for conversations with almost every citizen in this country. It's the best and most important way to be integrated into this society.
- I miss my M16.
- I was really proud to belong to Israel Defense Forces and to wear the uniform.
posted by Mark at
1:05 AM
3 Comments:
you should be proud. you did well. but now its time to make some money-- embrace the daily grind.
By
Anonymous, at 12:39 AM
...and not only when running. enjoy your life!
By
Anonymous, at 5:51 AM
I think I'm gonna link to this sometime. Bseder?
By
the sabra, at 10:19 PM
Post a Comment
<< Home