The transition from civilian to soldier happens faster than you might expect. One moment you're finishing training on Thursday, the next you're being told to report Sunday morning to collect your gear and begin active service. There's no gradual easing into it—the army doesn't believe in slow transitions.
Gearing Up for Something Greater
Sunday morning arrived with the weight of anticipation. We collected our full gear—every piece of equipment that would become as familiar as our own names in the weeks to come. The speeches that followed were unlike anything I'd heard before. They spoke of sacrifice, of service, of the reality that every role matters even though some exact a higher price than others.
The words hung in the air as we went through physicals and received our job assignments. Welding, tank repair, tech support—the diversity of roles reminded us that an army runs on more than just combat soldiers. And then came our first real taste of military life: the infamous "hurry up and wait."
The Journey to Base
Buses transported us to base, but the real journey began with a 3-kilometer hike in full gear. Every step brought us closer to our new reality, our bodies adjusting to the weight we'd carry not just physically, but symbolically.
The induction ceremony into the 99th Battalion was something I'll never forget. Having families present made it incredibly moving—you could feel yourself becoming part of something much bigger than yourself. When we sang Hatikvah and Ani Maamin on a base just 100 meters from the border, with the distant sound of machine guns and artillery punctuating our voices, words become inadequate. Some moments simply transcend description.
The Reality of Service
After dinner came the security briefings—thorough, sobering, and necessary. Rockets from Gaza, rockets from Yemen, rockets from Iran, infiltration scenarios. Each possibility was methodically covered, each response protocol drilled into us. We were then assigned to our units and introduced to our commanders, beginning what would become an endless series of briefings focused on weapons training and safety protocols.
My unit carries the responsibility for base security, both external and internal. We are the first responders for any incident that might arise. Being new doesn't diminish the weight of that responsibility—if anything, our eagerness to learn and prove ourselves makes it feel heavier. We quickly adapted to our tents and the rhythm of base life.
Alog 99: The Backbone Behind the Front Lines
Our unit, Alog 99, serves as the logistics division supporting the battalion operating front and center in Gaza City. We deliver supplies, transport food, and repair equipment. While we're not on the front lines, our commanders repeatedly emphasized the vital nature of our support role. Without logistics, even the most skilled combat units cannot function.
What makes this group remarkable extends beyond our mission. Many of us are chareidim who fought for the right to serve, continuously pushing for more training opportunities. Despite facing battles at home and community pressure, we stand here today as soldiers sworn to protect our nation. The reality is stark—many can't even tell their families exactly what they're doing.
Ready to Serve
The path here hasn't been easy for any of us. Some faced opposition from their communities, others struggled with family expectations, and all of us grappled with leaving behind civilian life. But at the end of the day, we're here. We're ready to learn fast, adapt quickly, and serve with everything we've got.
Standing on that base, 100 meters from a border that represents the front line of our nation's security, the abstract concept of service becomes intensely personal. We're no longer individuals pursuing separate paths—we're soldiers, united in purpose, ready to shoulder whatever responsibilities our service demands.
The training is behind us. The real work begins now.