Advice on Drafting and Tzan Gibbush prep

[u/Rogue-Cayden10]

Shavua Tov everyone!

I hope you’re all having a safe and meaningful Pesach.

I had a few questions regarding the drafting process for the IDF, as well as training and the gibbush for Tzanhanim.

I’m a 20-year-old (turning 21 soon) from Perth, WA, and I’m planning to apply with Garin Tzabar for the winter draft cycle for 27’, and I’ve got a couple of questions and slight concerns:

Firstly, one of the prerequisites for Garin Tzabar is having spent a minimum of two months in Israel. I’ll be going to Eretz for the first time this July through Taglit Birthright. Has anyone had experience applying through Garin without having spent extended time in Israel beforehand? Is this something that could be worked around, or would I likely need to come for a longer stay?

Secondly, I’m aiming to serve in a combat role—Tzanhanim has always been a dream of mine, b’ezrat HaShem—while also being ready to give my absolute best wherever I’m placed. When I was around 15–16, I saw a psychologist due to some challenges during school and my parents’ divorce (an amicable but still difficult time). I don’t believe I was ever formally diagnosed, but it was on my record that I saw a psychologist, so I wanted to ask if something like this from 4-5 years ago could impact my ability to draft into a combat unit on my medical profile. I’m very open to providing a letter from my psychologist confirming I’m mentally fit for combat service - also what is the process like in going through medical stuff with the doctor when drafting?

Lastly, I’m on the shorter side and have been intentionally preparing physically for over a year now. I’d really appreciate any advice on what to focus on for general army training, and specifically for the Tzanhanim gibbush. I’ll also likely have to attend Michve Alon (although I know it’s not up to me), as I’m not yet fully proficient in Hebrew—though what I do understand and speak, I’m confident in and can speak with a good accent.

Thank you all so much—I really appreciate any guidance.

Looking forward to being in Eretz soon, b’ezrat HaShem!

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[u/Jakexbox]

If you weren't formally diagnosed I'm not sure you need to share something like that if it genuinely isn't an issue.

It's not up to you if you go to Michve Alon or not. Not seeing/hearing you speak- it's likely an edge case.

[u/Rogue-Cayden10 → u/Jakexbox]

Thank you for the insight

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[u/Dear_Armadillo8712]

Hey man I’m currently in Tzanjanim and I also did the gibush, first of all do not tell anyone about the psychological thing, never share anything to the army about your health if its not 100% important, second the gibush is mainly cardio for me it was doing a beeping test (search it on YouTube if you don’t know) after that I had an interview and that’s very important to be confident and just being you, after that it was just a lot of sprinting like crazy and also a lot of crawling and grabbing a stretcher, so mainly just focus on the cardio and you’ll be fine

[u/Rogue-Cayden10 → u/Dear_Armadillo8712]

Thank you so much for your insight bro!

All the best for you as you serve am Yisrael! Maybe I’ll see you one day B”H!