Mastering Soldiers

Focusing on the unique experiences of an elite Israeli Defense Force unit, this ethnographic study provides an in-depth analysis of soldiers' perceptions of conflict, the enemy, and their roles. The author, both an officer and a professional anthropologist, spent eight years as a participant observer, employing contemporary anthropological methods to explore the social constructions of emotion and masculinity within military life. This work offers rare insights into the dynamics shaping soldiers' attitudes and behaviors, enriching our understanding of military culture.