@EBROWN – your statements on the army in the times of Tanach are demonstrably false. Just an easy example – look at Yiftach’s army, described by the Navi as being constituted of “Anashim Reikim” – empty people – who were presumably not nearly at the level of observance that your cheder rebbbi would have you believe. Yet, when Klal Yisrael needed rescuing, Yiftach and his people were whom they turned to.
The army today is not run by Shomrei Torah uMitzvos – that is true. However, the army as a whole is very willing to make accommodations for those that are, including setting up specific units that are designed for not just a Frum lifestyle, but a Chareidi lifestyle. Are things perfect? No – there is still room for improvement, of course. But the army is making a good-faith effort, and there is no doubt that with Chareidi involvement and cooperation, the situation could be made better yet. So, it behooves Chareidim to get involved and work toward this goal – instead of sitting on their hands while the rest of Klal Yisrael, including a great number of Bnei Torah, puts their lives on the line to defend them and their fellow Jews.
an Israeli Yid