An army of everyone

Just for when the images of the destruction caused in Lebanon are associated with some kind of monstrous inhumane enemy that has no pity, I would like to remind people that the Israeli Army is compulsory for everybody in the population. The Israeli army is not an "Army of One" (excuse me, but I can't think of a less appealing slogan for an Army: you're on your own, pal, good luck in Iraq). Here in the States the Army is an institution where the poor voluntarily serve as cannon fodder in order to make a living. In Israel, after high school, every 18 year-old male has to go to the Army for 3 years, every 18 year-old woman for 2 years, unless the woman is already married. After their tour of duty, I believe there is a period of rest for a year and then every male who has served in the Army becomes a reservist, and needs to show up for duty one month a year every year until the age of 55. Israel being a country that has not really known peace since its birth, this means that the Israeli Army is an army of citizens who have most probably seen war in their lifetime.