people. Unlike the wimps panting and begging in today's ynet columns and bar talkbacks. Real men, at any age, what a relief.

You can volunteer for the IDF no matter where you live. Look up "Marva" and "Machal" on the internet. Go to www.machal2000.com Take an example from these men. Serve your people. It's never too late.

Absolutely. Not only are they allowed, they're encouraged.

I am thrilled to be joining the Sar-El program later this month. I am a female US college student, and I will be volunteering with the International Youth Program. Females are allowed into this program, and I am really looking forward to this amazing experience.

In the US, applications can be obtained at www.vfi-usa.org or you can contact me at george.iversen@verizon.net and I will send you applications and information

I did the program in the early 90's. It was alot of fun, if you're up for it you do hard physical labor, if not they put you on bases with a lighter load of work. You get taken on a trip in the area where you're posted. You wear IDF fatigues, eat on the base and sleep on the base. Be aware, though, that you can be posted in the middle of knowhere on a low level base where soldiers consider it a punishment to be there.

I was posted in "the middle of nowhere" in the Negev Dessert...It was the best thing I ever did in my entire life...I am a woman 55 years young and got a lot of wonderful friends among the other volunteers and especially among the wonderful young Israeli soldiers..sure it was hard work and yes it was not always comfortable but I recomend this very warmly and never fail any oppotunity to tell others about it. So now I will go back as "meluim" :))