An Army-Like Experience

About a month ago, I went on a special school trip called "Gadna" ,that took place in Sde Boker. In this trip high school, students get an opportunity to experience a whole week through the eyes of soldiers, serving in the Israeli army. I would like to tell you about the special experience I had on that trip.

When we got to Sde Boker, we were divided into small teams of about 15 students each, and each team had its own commander. Our commander was very strict and she seemed emotionless and apathetic. In spite of that, all of us felt that there was a kind person under that tough act. The strict discipline and the harsh military atmosphere made the experience very difficult. It made me extremely home sick and I had a terrible time in the first day.

As the week went by, I gradually started to adapt to the discipline, the atmosphere and our commander. The experience turned out to be very enjoyable and educational. For instance, we got to feel like real soldiers, sprawling on the ground and ducking make-believe grenades thrown by the enemy. In addition, we attended fascinating lectures about the Israeli army’s ideology which helped me solve some conflicts I had, regarding joining an army that was made in order to fight and harm.

I must admit that at first, I was terrified to go on that trip. I tried all I could to get away from it, but I ended up not regretting it at all. It gave me a pretty good taste of what my years in the army would look like. I believe that every Israeli student should go on such a trip, adapt to the harsh discipline and atmosphere, and become much more prepared to serving the Israeli army.

Excellent work!
(100)
Daphna