The march typically takes place at night and can span anywhere from 20 to 45 miles, depending on the unit.
By Hezy Laing
Masa Kumta, literally “Beret March” in Hebrew, is one of the most iconic and emotionally charged milestones in the journey of an IDF combat soldier.
It marks the end of months of grueling basic training and the beginning of full membership in a combat unit.
For many, it’s not just a physical challenge—it’s a rite of passage, a moment of transformation, and a deeply personal triumph.
The march typically takes place at night and can span anywhere from 20 to 45 miles, depending on the unit.
Soldiers carry full combat gear, stretchers, and sometimes symbolic items that represent their unit’s heritage.
The terrain varies—mud, desert, hills—and the conditions are often harsh. Rain, heat, exhaustion, and silence are all part of the experience.
The goal isn’t just to reach the destination, but to do so as a unified force, supporting one another through every step.
One powerful example comes from the Nahal Brigade, whose soldiers marched 31 miles through the Negev Desert to reach Masada, the ancient fortress overlooking the Dead Sea.
They began in pouring rain, trudged through thick mud, and climbed the mountain just as the sun rose.
At the summit, they were awarded their green berets, a symbol of their new status as full-fledged fighters.
The ceremony at the end is deeply emotional.
Commanders speak, families sometimes attend, and the beret—color-coded by brigade—is placed on each soldier’s head.
It’s a moment of pride, reflection, and unity. For immigrant soldiers, like those from the U.S., France, or Ethiopia, it’s often a culmination of a personal journey toward identity and belonging.
Masa Kumta is more than a march. It’s a story of endurance, camaraderie, and the forging of character under pressure.
