Cpl. May Karen serves as a shooting instructor in the IDF Ground Forces. “I knew I wanted to become an infantry instructor even before enlisting,” she says.
IDF female shooting instructors go through an extensive course where they learn how to use different weapons and specialize in shooting techniques. They then teach combat infantry soldiers who will use it in battle.
Experts in tackling moving targets and more, these female soldiers bear the responsibility for teaching IDF warriors how to flawlessly control their weapons.
During the shooting instructor course, trainees specialize in using the different weapons, including different kinds of machine guns. “Throughout the course we fired weapons every day and acquired a lot of experience,” explained Cpl. Karen. “After finishing the course, each instructor was assigned to a different base.”
Cpl. Karn says her job includes both theoretical and operational training. “I teach the infantry soldiers everything: basic shooting modes, how to operate and handle the weapon, tackling complex moving targets,” she says. “I believe that shooting instructors must be both sensitive and patient, since working with people requires heightened attention. It is our responsibility that these soldiers will know how to flawlessly control their weapons.”
“I learned how to do my job efficiently and even grow on a personal level,” Cpl. Karen says. “I discovered how important it is to contribute to the community and be sensitive towards the soldier you’re instructing.”