Wednesday, April 13, 2011

War, Morality, and the Israeli Soldier

IDF soldiers share the challenges they face on and off the battlefield.
April 13, 2011 - by Reut Cohen
 
 


Israel, whose military includes significant populations of Druze, Bedouins, and other minority groups, is the only Western nation to draft women. Israel’s geographic location and perpetual conflict with its neighbors make compulsory military service an official necessity.

“Being a commander in the army is like being a mother,” said Shira Lawrence, a second lieutenant in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in an interview with this author. “You’re with your soldiers way more than their parents. You’re responsible for making them transition from civilians to soldiers.”

Lawrence is a marksman instructor at the IDF School for Counter-Terrorism that trains IDF Special Forces and elite units.

“It’s understood that women will play the same role as men,” said Lawrence.

Her job is focused on teaching ethical warfare in order to minimize civilian casualties.


Full article here: http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/war-morality-and-the-israeli-soldier/

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