Sabbath in the army
To Rabbi Shalom,
I serve in the reserves and close on Saturdays.
Because, among other things, my job is to make sure that the soldiers are on alert, check that all the cameras (numbered combat equipment for those who don’t know) are present, etc.
What am I allowed to do if some of the soldiers with the equipment, for example, are in a different location? Am I allowed to call to verify their existence? Should they send me a WhatsApp picture?
And regarding the combat assignment, am I allowed to update it on the computer on Shabbat? I have to keep track of the people and the multiple tasks.
In general, if I have to write in any case, is it better to write on a computer than with a pencil/pen?
And opening an electric gate on Shabbat, am I allowed to call someone to open it for the purpose of taking out and bringing in soldiers who are changing shifts? Am I allowed to exchange soldiers in a tactical mission, for example, when the vehicle is just transporting the replacement and returning the one being exchanged?
In principle, everything that is necessary for military performance is permitted. Changes or patents are only desirable where there is no concern that it will harm your ability and performance. If you become involved in Shabbat matters instead of your military duty, this is not a correct situation. In such a case, you must do what is necessary without considering Shabbat.
I wrote this assuming that you are performing an operational role and not training. If it is a military operation, it is more relaxed and then it is appropriate to be more careful about Shabbat issues. Common sense.
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