Tips For A Succesful Draft-Day & First Day In The IDF

B.B.

Lakewood, New Jersey

Draft: February 2021, Kfir

1. Arrive well rested. There’s a lot of standing around and being tired will not make life easier.
2. Have 2 emergency contacts in Israel on hand, written down on a small piece of paper – you’ll be asked for it a million times! Make sure to have their phone numbers & home addresses!
3. Have your bank information & any other paperwork such as your rental contract in a folder ready.
4. Be prepared to wait around… A lot!
5. You won’t have your phone and will not be allowed to smoke.
6. Make sure the boots/uniform that you receive fit and if it doesn’t ask for a different size. They’ll always tell you that it fits – don’t leave the room until it actually fits.
7. Keep a positive attitude, try to be excited and ignore the annoying parts.
8. Ask questions if you don’t know. Don’t be scared to ask.
9. When you’re on the bus on the way to base, charge your phone.
10. Try to memorize your מספר אישי (army identification number) as soon as you receive it – this will make your next few hours way way easier.
11. If you want a ptor zakan פטור זקן (approval to keep your beard), ask for one at Bakum
12. Pay attention to what your מפקדים say and follow their instructions, in my experience they are sensitive to the fact that you’re still learning but they want to see you making an effort.
13. Do Tzevet Mikey and you’ll be less confused and many steps ahead of anyone else there.