April 10
They say good things come to those who wait and are patient and that everything happens for a reason. When my name was called as one of 14 people who would be moving out of the 75 in the platoon to a new one, of course I received that instant feeling of “new start” again. Even people who always seem confident would be lying if they don’t think about possible obstacles that come with new chapters in lives or journeys. After catching my breath, I told myself it was no big deal and to just wait.
In the end, I was moved with 13 others, many of whom are my best friends in the army up until now, and landed in a tank with two great people who I felt comfortable with and trusted and vice versa, not to mention the friendship thing. Already, I was feeling better. Next, another pleasant surprise – my tank and I were chosen as the number one rated tank in the new platoon, a very high honor and one that comes with large responsibility; however, it also comes with a psychological edge, always thinking, “Hey, I was chosen as the best so I have to be the best.” An extra motivational mechanism in my back pocket.
After getting again lucky and being able to come home to the kibbutz for Purim, an experience that trumps any Purim celebration I had ever partaken in, everyone was supposed to have a fun week of educational touring capped off with a hike up Masada for an addition to our uniform (which may not seem like a big deal, but au contraire…). As stated earlier, being in the tank I arrived to brings on more responsibility, so our staff was chosen to stay on base all week to guard. In addition, we also prepared our tank and moved many heavy objects to their respective tanks and I was (un)fortunate enough to clean the inside of a tank with the engine taken out for 3 ½ hours which was filled with mud up to one’s knees. Mostly sounds bad, but in the end it may have been the most helpful week of my service until now. I was able to work with my staff without other distractions and meet my new commander – a fellow lone soldier from the U.S.A. Not only did he instill confidence because of simply being in a similar situation, but also he had a great way of educating while at the same time giving us independent learning and self-discovery. I finally felt like I was receiving some adult treatment while also being taken under someone’s wings, a great combination. It was a very difficult week, but more than that it was satisfying.
Next, we had a shortened Shabbat coming back to the army Saturday night and were about to enter our first 3-week stint in the army without going home, usually the longest one stays in the army unless of a punishment or war (or elite units). It was filled with guarding, practicing emergency exercises in the tank, more guarding, but overall a lot of fun. As hard as it is, being in the tank with your friends makes it all worth it at the end of the tunnel. It’s called advanced training for a reason – it’s supposed to be more demanding. Every night essentially from now until July is either going to be out with the tanks or doing guarding somewhere. Harder, but becoming more practical and that’s also a nice feeling.
We are now celebrating Pesach, commemorating when the Jewish people became a free people from Egyptian rule and made this land, the land of Israel, their land. I can’t help but think of the connection between Pesach and what I’m doing now – I’m helping protect the same land and keep the Jewish people free. “Wow,” is one word that comes to my mind. Another is, “Pride.” Responsibility. Patience. Pride. Some lessons I’ve re-learned in the past month. All of these keep the experience at an enjoyable level. But most of all, we are free and I hope to make sure it stays that way. As we say at each Pesach, “Next year in Jerusalem. Amen.”
