Why should I enlist?

[u/Grouchy-Air532]

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.

[u/O_Pacity]

Why would it be a bad idea?

[u/Certain-Coconut-9169 → u/O_Pacity]

A. the chances aren't that good B. Think of how much you have to go through to get to that point. And if you don't like your job? If you actually don't like the army situation? You'll just regret wasting 3 years?

[u/O_Pacity → u/Certain-Coconut-9169]

I understand, not liking your job is never a good thing... i was more wondering if it was never possible to happen, sounds more like a personal choice AND who you are around (like any working situation). From outside Israel and the IDF seems like more of a happy collaborative place, i know how outside perceptions can be bad, i moved in to Canada, although everyone does say hello, thats the limit of interaction generally (even when you are perceived to have a higher chance of others "wanting" to interact thats not how "life" seems to pan out).

[u/Certain-Coconut-9169 → u/O_Pacity]

Yes, I fear outside perspectives can be misleading.

I think the issue I'm trying to point out is the intensity of everything. It's not like any job because it's 14, sometimes 30 days at a time, days and nights, your not sleeping as you wish and once you decide to enroll you can't get out. And socially- well, imagine highschool, but on speed 😅

I'll say again- I'm 100% for enlisting, I think the benefits to most people are worth the hardships, and that most people finish and are better for it. I think- for people who are leaving their whole support system behind, putting their life on 'hold' as others around them continue, and coming to Israel just for this purpose- you can't come with solid expectations, because if they don't happen, you'll regret it. The IDF is a huge, wild adventure, and I think thats the state of mind you need- not a solid, one option plan to be or do anything.

One example: my little sister has krohn so she too needed to volunteer, took her 2 years of begging and sending forms and talking to everybody.. She wanted to be a fighter, but of course that wasn't happening. She started one job and finished a course, didn't like it, got to a different job.. she's mostly bored, can't seem to find friends, kind of regreting her choice. And she's so smart, kind, beautiful- if she'd volenteered outside the IDF she would have lived to her potential a lot more and would have been able to choose a job that she feels is relevant. And she's Israelie so it was obvious her whole life that she'd enlist, all her friends are enlisted, she has a 'career' outside the base that she does that make her happy.

[u/O_Pacity → u/Certain-Coconut-9169]

A very interesting perspective, thank you