Reflecting on my IDF service

My name is Sgt. Peleg and I serve as a combat soldier in the Search and Rescue Brigade. I enlisted to the IDF almost three years ago, in March 2015, which means that I’m almost done with my military service. Looking back, it was an amazing experience and I’m sad it’s almost over.

When I first enlisted I went to a preparation course where the other girls and I were given a taste of what our training would be like. We practiced putting on our gear quickly (in under 7 minutes), had marches, learned to shoot, and did a lot of other drills that helped prepare us for combat training. I had the option to not continue on to combat training, as did everyone else, but I decided to stick with it.

Now I'm a combat soldier in the Search and Rescue Brigade. This means that I go out on patrol and guard duty. When I’m doing these things I feel the impact of my service and know that I’m helping defend my country. The Search and Rescue Brigade helps get people out of dangerous situations. The brigade doesn't just help people in Israel. In September 2017, the brigade sent a delegation of people to help in Mexico. I'm proud to be a part of a brigade that’s impact is bigger than itself.

My service was challenging, but the army taught me a lot about restraint and understanding. At first I was very rebellious and undisciplined, but now I understand that it’s important to wait, listen, and think before acting. It's life. I think I grew up while in the army.

I also learned what it meant to be a female combat soldier and that the most important thing is believing in yourself, even if you think you can’t do something. Being a female combat soldier means always doing your best because people can surprise themselves and do more than they ever thought possible. It means that there are always people who will help even if you think they won’t. It's a really good feeling.It's the only one fighting from the whole gang and it feels really good. It is fun to say that you have an active role in defending Israel.

I know that even if I regret my choices along the way, at the end of the day, I have understood why I wanted to do this and I stood by it. At the end, you get to a good place.