The Balance Between Home and Defense

“As a resident of the north, I approach reserve duty with the goal of protecting my home and my children. I chose what suited me best, and it allowed me to stay close to them. They are my top priority,” detailed Captain O., a mother of three currently deployed on Israel’s northern front.

“One moment, we were operating in Lebanon, and the other, I was accompanying my kids while they were remote learning. Although times are tough, I do this to serve my country. The officers get tired after so many shifts, so when another officer comes for reinforcement, it gives them breathing room.”

CPT. O. has been in reserves for 20 years now. Originally a surveillance soldier, she later became an operations officer. “I did it because I wanted to contribute; it’s the Zionist thing to do. I also felt it fit me - I’m not only a mother to my children, but also to my soldiers. They can always turn to me, and I will take care of them.”

After her release, she remained on call, even on her wedding day and while her daughter was born. “I chose to stay and work with a battalion in the Jordan Valley until the birth of my second. When the war [Swords of Iron] started, I volunteered at a refreshment station for soldiers and prepared food for them, until I could return to my post.”

“It was then that I decided I wanted something new. I took on various intelligence roles - it suited my field of expertise,” she explained. She is currently serving in the Alexandroni Brigade.

CPT. O. chose her previous battalion in the David Brigades due to its unique nature. The soldiers who serve in these reserve brigades are stationed close to home to guarantee an immediate response to threats. As a result, they are more accommodating to parents who wish to serve but remain close to their children.

Nonetheless, there are times when work becomes more demanding, and parents turn to their support system for assistance. “After Operation Roaring Lion started, my ex-husband was also called for reserve duty, and those three weeks were complicated. My parents helped, and so did my neighbor. I always try to make sure that the children see me as often as possible. When I’m not on base, I’m with them.”

“We host soldiers in a housing unit in our apartment, and when they come, the children get very excited and invite them for dinner. After over two years of war, they understand the meaning of service.”

But the children remain curious, and they aren’t afraid to ask difficult questions. “When I put on my uniform, they ask: ‘Why you?’ They ask if I fight, and I don’t want to scare them, so I tell them some fight with their bodies and some fight with their minds, like me. I’m helping the army and contributing to the state’s defense—these are important things to do. Slowly, they understand.”

In reserve duty since January, CPT. O. has spent the better part of four months on base. “I insist on returning home every day to my children. Even if I’m on duty until 1 a.m., I still go back to them. They come first for me - everything else comes after.”

Raising three young kids as a divorced mother is not an easy task, even during calmer times. CPT. O.’s motherly devotion proves this noble task is possible, alongside the dedication of countless mothers across the IDF.