My commander, a small Ethiopian guy with a big smile, is probably the best thing that's ever happened to me in the army. He understands my position (24, mature-ish, educated, motivated, less than perfect Hebrew), and better yet, he seems to respect me. When I mess up, which is inevitable, he tells me what to do instead of yelling and giving me punishment. My squad commander is just about the greatest guy in the world.
The other morning us religious kids returned from the morning prayers and did the obligatory announcing of the commander. It's like the "officer on deck!" thing in the American navy, I guess. Commander Sweetheart put a smile on my face as usual:
"FOR THE RECEPTION OF THE COMMANDER BY THE RELIGIOUS, STAND AT ATTENTION! 2, 3... ATTTENNN-TION!!"
Commander Sweetheart walked down the line with his hands in his pocket, a grin on his face, and then came to a stop. He stood with his feet together in the orthodox Jewish prayer style and rocked back and forth like an Old Word rabbi.
"Amen!," he shouted.
5 comments:
Relatively new reader, but love hearing the details of your time and training. LOVED this post...hearing how commanders there do (or allowed) have personalities!
By the way Danny, not to scare you or anything, but be aware that Basic Training is actually the easiest part of your Army Service. Don't say we didn't warn you ;-)
Naftali
Also relatively new reader- love hearing about the perspective from a soldier-in-training. Thanks!
Danny,
Can't tell you how much I appreciated this post - put a huge smile on my face so thanks!
Take care,
Neil Gillman
I'm not just a reader -- I'm a subscriber....and i find myself forwarding your posts all the time. Thanks for giving us your unique perspective as an American oleh in the IDF. Kol ha k'vod!! Lynne
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