mahal as a combat soldier?

[LivingTruth]

Hi,
I want to join the IDF through Mahal. But I really would prefer to be a combat soldier. I don't really want to volunteer, learn Hebrew, move to Israel, etc, to sit at a desk and be a jobnik. Is there any way that I can know before I enlist whether I'd be a combat soldier or a jobnik?

I am in decent shape, about 6' 190 pounds, 21 years old. I will be a college graduate, but right now I don't know any Hebrew. Can I express when I enlist that I would prefer not to have a desk job? And if I get assigned to one anyway, am I stuck there for my entire service or is there any way to move?

Thank you.

[rafi]

Welcome to the board. You asked allot of questions, let me try to answer a few.

MAHAL is a program for non-Israelis to serve in the IDF. The vast majority serve in an infantry unit.

The language of the IDF is hebrew. It comes in handy for people telling others things like "That is a mine field." "People are shooting from the left" "I need more bullets". You know what I mean. You are going to take physical exams and tests to make sure you are OK to serve. Based on your physical ability, if you are able to be in a combat unit, you will most likely be in one.

Due to the short duration that you are going be in the service, there may not be time to process a transfer. And yes, once you enlist, you are in.

But some food for thought regarding hebrew. If you can't understand anything, even in a combat unit you are going to be most suited to the job of carrying things from one place to another. You won't advance because you can't lead. The more hebrew you know, the better off you will be. The army will help you, but you still have months to prepare.

I cannot give you firm answer as to timeline. That you will find out from the army.