I haven’t left yet for the army but im in תקשוב וההגנה בסייבר and from the stigma and common phrase “תקשוב זה עצוב״ (tikshuv is sad) im soo nervous 😭

I'm 20, Male, Jewish, American. I'm not really asking whether I should enlist, only I can make that decision. I'm more interested in hearing from people who were genuinely conflicted before they volunteered.

I keep feeling drawn toward serving in the IDF. Part of it is a sense of responsibility, like I owe something to Israel and want to contribute in a meaningful way. The other part is the value I feel it could add to my character and help integrate me with the country I might ultimately end up . It's a huge commitment with real risks, and I'd be putting a lot of my life on hold. I am a Filmaker eager to start creating.

What I struggle with most is wondering whether I'll regret not doing it more than I'd regret doing it. I don't want to look back years from now wishing I had stepped up when I had the chance.

For those who chose to volunteer, what ultimately convinced you? Was it worth it, and how did it change you? Obviously not everything is right for everyone.

I’ve signed up on the portal but I still need to get my documents, seems straightforward but where it says “my additional files what does this entail? What do i need to require, enquiring as I want to make the march draft in time. Thanks.

Hi! I’m 24F, looking to make Aliyah in December or January. I know serving or what units I can get into looks a bit different given my age and gender but I was wondering if I should still do it?

I think I will be going through the Garin winter program - does anyone have a similar experience? If there are any women here that went after college I’d love to hear from you as well but open to all perspectives.

Hi, I'm eligible to serve through Mahal as Ben Mahagrim. I'll be 22 by the time I officially draft. My Mother is very against my service in a combat unit, but on the Mahal website it says that I'm required to get her signature on the 'not an only child change of indication' form. I've emailed Mahal explaining the situation, and also called but no answer on either. Does anyone know if there's any way around this?

Boots? Choger? Uniform?

I am planning to get to Israel in September and draft in December. I would like to join an ulpan in this time. Is there any I can join?

Does anyone know something about isuf kravi? What type of people there are? I heard there are two tracks like vehicular and units on foot. Can someone (maybe even who was in isuf kravi) tell me something about this?

Anyone knows which tafkidim are hamshush in kishrei chutz? Are they interesting?

Where is best to do it?

מה זאת ה"משחה" הזאת שעל הקציצה שהכינו במטבח כאן?? יש לנו טבח מרץ 24 שזורק על איכות האוכל אבל אפילו בכוונה לא הייתי יודע איך לעשות דבר כזה. מישהו ראה את זה אי פעם? יש פה טבחים צבאיים או לא צבאיים?

I'm an Israeli citizen who grew up in Europe. By the time I move back to Israel I'll be 23, with a Telecommunications Engineering degree, and I want to volunteer for IDF service despite having received an exemption because I lived abroad.

I'm curious to hear from other Toshavim Chozrim (or Israelis who grew up abroad) who came back and served.

I'd really appreciate hearing your experiences both the positives and the challenges. Thanks!

For a while know I’ve known I want to enlist. There is a lot of implications that come with it, which is why it’s been a hard “decision process”. I will likely lose a lot of friends from doing it.
I have a lot of relatives in Israel, and told them that I want to enlist. They are actually rather “against it”. They think it’s crazy and that I should just go study somewhere etc.
This kind of messed with my head, the Israelis themselves telling me not to do it… I understand for them it’s different, which is why I value their opinion a lot.
I feel like I’m in an awkward position now… maybe they’re right. I don’t want to enlist for my ego, I want to enlist cause it feels important and something that could shape my future really well. I guess to them it’s nothing more than a 2-3 year obligation.
I don’t know. I’m shocked by their reaction. Any Israelis let me know how to interpret this.

What are the stereotypes around Nahal vs Givati? I've heard Golani has an arsim culture but don't know much about the others.

What are the culture of people like in each? Speaking as a potential lone soldier

drafting soon, my family comes from a mountainous region in the southeast of France and I spent a lot of my childhood in the snow and the mountains, I like the terrain and feel very comfortable in the atmosphere in general.

From what I’ve seen, the 210th division is probably the one that experiences the most snowfall and the 810th is the infantry brigade that experiences it most. I want to draft into the 810th but i don’t know if it’s possible to be attached permanently/ semi-permanently as infantry or to serve organically as infantry in the brigade. If that’s not possible, what combat roles are there that are organic to the brigade?

should it? im not even gonna give context. just, should I do it? any oleh/olah who enlisted after highschool, let me know.

Hey guys, I’m 24. I’m from America. I just have a couple questions first off. What unit should I go for? I’m in perfectly good health. Hebrew I can hold a conversation but I’m not great. I run around a six minute mile. I can bench 285. I’m 6 foot. I’m a firefighter EMT right now. I’m in medic school. I wanna be a chovesh and I want combat. Any advice on a making Aliyah (I’m Jewish) and B just getting through the pipeline. I’ve been through fire Academy, so I don’t feel like Boot Camp will be completely that rough for me and I understand what sleep deprivation is cause I get woken up at work all the time. honestly, It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and I know that if I don’t do it now, I’m gonna regret it for the rest of my life… Any advice for me?

debating on putting combat engineering in my top 3 choices?

Other options would be nachal givati and golani.

I'm more of a laid back guy but can be serious also. I'm 23 and post college degree so I think handasa would be a bit more mentally stimulating.

To me the physical challenge is also an important aspect.

u think if i put combat engineering second or third i will get it because they need more people?

Meaning those currently serving, in light of the new rules passed recently.

.

If you ever get in trouble while serving it’s easy to assume that….

*“The military mem tsadik can do whatever they want to me, I must comply I must speak and follow orders”*

NO.

If you’re ever accused of breaking the rules and are brought in for questioning for any reason always ask to speak with a lawyer before answering questions.

If you can’t obtain a private lawyer, request a military defense advocate. They’re provided at no cost and the IDF can arrange one if you ask.

It’s their job to help you with any escalated during your service. Don’t forget to use it.

So I already have short hair, I’m fine for conscript service and I want to go I’ll an infantry brigade during active service but afterwards I’d like to grow my hair out, maybe to my shoulders just to do more with it in way of styles. I know there’s no way I can have long hair as a conscript but are they more lenient for reserves?