What we can learn from Israel.

Recently I was reading a book about an American of Jewish heritage that took advantage of his right to become a citizen in Israel and join the Israeli Army.Now this was a guy that had options.His family was well off and could help him in many different ways. His path led him to the Israeli special forces and a different view of the world .While reading the book (Brotherhood of Warriors)I realized that our culture could take some huge cues from the Israeli point of view.
What you have to realize is that every day everyone in Israel has to deal with the threat of terrorists and that each and every citizen has to serve two or three years in the Army.This makes for a nation of warriors.There are some problems with the system,but I think that we need to take a step in that direction.

National Service is an idea that the rest of the modern world has adopted and we really should adopt. Take Spain and The Netherlands for example.Both have a year long term of service that all men must do.Its not always service in the Army,some do social services, volunteer work and national projects. Imagine what kind of services we could provide and all the great things we can do for our country with such a workforce. Plus our teens would come away with a life education that they will miss otherwise.I would have been proud to do a year of service for my country.In fact Israel takes it to another level,any family of Jewish heritage or even spouses can claim the right to be a citizen and do their duty. As Shiras husband I could go and become an Israeli soldier.

The Israeli military and police are the best in the world at counter terrorism techniques and experience.They have been fighting it against Arab nations from the beginning of the country and as Jews from the start.What they do different from the US is invest in people instead of technology.They train people to read other people.The belief that our brain can process more information and that intuition is a valuable tool forms the root of their training system. Anyone who was in the army has had a minimum of 3 months of counter terrorist training ,therefore most men and women in Israel are ready to act. The way they act is different as well. Its super reactive force ,no waiting,no politics in the way.Just get the culprit. Our police and military are so bogged down with rules of engagement that its confusing to decide on the proper act. Part of their success stems from the fact that a lot of Israeli leaders were active special forces soldiers and know how to get things done. They learned leadership the hard way.We have a majority class of politicians that have lots of college knowledge but are really lacking in real world and military skill sets. Until the 70s most of our leaders had substantial military experience,a trial by fire.This might have been the one thing that McCain had going for him.Our policy heavy country is a result of this lack of real world leadership experience and political greed. Our law makers need to have feet on the ground experience for the policies they want to make.
Israeli police are pretty different as well. There is no war on drugs,just a war on criminals.They have problems,but on different levels.Crime is relatively low and is more mob and gang related.Since its a warrior state there is less helpless people. Even women know Krav Maga from time in the military.You going to try and mug a woman who might have been in the special forces and can kick your ass?

The one real problem with the warrior state of Israel is that everyone is aggressive and have a different view of the world.Sometimes it can be difficult to deal with. I know a few people from Israel and they are all quite culturally different. Shira has some family from there and we have spent some interesting time with them. It used to be quite different there,people spent time on the Kibbutz and had a huge sense of community.Now there is a gap in the classes ,a rich upper class and the poor lower class. Kind of a get rich quick attitude has prevailed. Only the Orthodox have clung to the traditions and have become the elite warrior class.I wonder if this is changing with all the struggle going on right now?

If your interested at all in military or Israeli culture I would suggest the book.Its a pretty quick read,but only cause its so interesting. 4 out of 5 stars..