Shavit served in the regular IDF from 1977 to 1981, in the Paratroopers Brigade, with which he participated in the 1978 Litani Operation, and in the 932 Nahal Battalion as a platoon and deputy company commander in the Jordan Valley. Shavit served in the IDF reserves, from 1981 to 2003, as a Platoon Commander in the 1982 First Lebanon War and 1988-1993 First Intifada, and as a Battalion Intelligence Officer and Comptroller Officer in the Inspection and Supervision Division of the General Staff, reaching the rank of Rav Seren (Major).