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Upon my induction, I was sent to Bakum (induction center) where I was to be assigned my future for the next two years. I felt doomed from the beginning because upon my arrival I realized that I would not be sent to the combat unit that I had dreamed-the date of my arrival was not one for combat units. My fears where reinforced when they handed me the 'jobnik' (desk jockeys) boots. I was informed I would be sent to a base in the north where I would learn Hebrew. Considering my Hebrew was horrible at this time I thought it would be a great idea to take Hebrew lessons. At the new base we took Hebrew placement tests so we could be assigned to the appropriate Hebrew level. My Hebrew level was higher than the current group of inductees, so I was sent home for ten days until the next group of inductees came. I remained in this Hebrew course for two and half months, but I did not learn much Hebrew because all of the soldiers learning Hebrew at the time spoke only Russian. This tended to slow the course down a bit. When I had completed the course my commanders encouraged me to do a gibbush (tryout) for Tzanhanim (paratroopers). The gibbush consisted of two days of rigorous physical exercise. We were made to run with 35 kg (about 75 lbs.) sacks on our backs and stretchers. We had to run up and down hills and crawl with these sacks for about eight hours. If at any time the sack touched the ground we failed the gibbush. After this we were made to do pushups, sit-ups and sprints for about another two hours. When this was all done we where tested on our mental abilities and verbal communication. Out of 78 people who started the gibbush only 17 made it. After completion of the gibbush we were sent home on a week leave. When the leave was completed we were sent back to Bakum to be reassigned to our new units. This is where we found out if we had made it into tzanhanim. When they handed us our red boots (only for paratroopers!) and class " A", uniforms I knew where I was being sent.

Medic school consisted of a rigorous sixteen week course in which we were instructed in medical procedures perfonned in the clinic, streets and in combat. The first four weeks were spent siting in the classrooms studying anatomy, pharmacology, medical procedures and protocol, evacuation ofwounded, clinical procedures and a medic's code of ethics. We sat in the classrooms from 8-10 hours a day. In addition to that, we had to maintain our military duties such as physical fitness, weapons training and four hours of guard duty each night. Eventually, we practiced all that we had learned in the classroom-care and evacuation of wounded in wartime, working in a mobile hospital, infusions, surgery, and caring for the wounded in times of chemical warfare. I completed the course on December 12, 2001 in the top 5% of my class. Since my graduation I have been on leave until tomorrow where I will be sent back to Judea and Samaria to rejoin my unit. Once I arrive I will be required to do a rigorous tironut ( combat training camp) for a period of five months. We will be instructed on the use and maintenance of all weapons used in the Israeli and Arab annies along with military tactics. I will learn the use of the M-16, tavor, MAG, Negev, M-14, AK-47, 50 cal, heavy machine guns, anti-tank weapons, grenades, radio equipment and other military equipment. The unit will also be put on weekly forced marches with full battle equipment that gradually go up to our final march of 90km (55 miles). The average weight carried per person is around 45 kg (approximately 100 pounds). This final hike will have to be done in about 18-20 hours. If completed we will be allowed to wear the traditional red beret of the paratroopers. I would like to thank you all for keeping me in your prayers. I would ask that you continue to pray for my safety and peace of mind as I go through these next couple months. I will not get very much leave in order to go home to Jerusalem for rest and fellowship- so I will really be tried spiritually. May G-d bless you and keep you.

Sincerely,

Zev (Peter) Lerner