Finding Love in the Most Unexpected Place: An IDF Love Story

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Posted on February 14, 2012 by idfspokesperson

We could not have found a better love story to tell you this Valentine’s Day than the one between the soon to be married Staff Sgt. Robert Cohen and Sgt. Rebecca Dekno. Though deeply in love today, the road to happiness was not all roses for this young couple.

Robert was born in Germany months before the fall of the Berlin Wall. He grew up in France and Belgium and finished High School in Brussels.

“I just started University when Operation Cast Lead began. My grandparents, though not Jewish, used to live in Israel and I visited the country twice every year as a child. During Cast Lead one of my friends was injured in battle and that made me understand that I too should take an active stand for Israel’s safety. I moved to Israel and within several months I had already enlisted. One day during my service I had to take a bus to my base near Karmiel, and that’s where I met Rebecca.”

Two Lone Soldiers Falling In Love

“I volunteered to the IDF in 2006 after Aliyah from Hawaii and was assigned to the same base as Robert”, says Rebecca. “That day when I took the bus to base, I wanted to put my huge backpack into the trunk and accidentally got myself caught in the trunk just as the bus driver closed the doors. Robert saw what happened and alerted the driver. He saved my life. We sat next to each other on the bus and talked a bit. Robert kept looking at me and all I could think was that I had never had a guy this cute look at me.”

The two didn’t meet again until two weeks later when they ran into each other at the bus-station in Binyamina. They began talking again and Rebecca regretted not having taken his number the first time they met, so this time she gave him her’s.

“We arranged two dates but had to cancel both of them for different reasons and ended up not hearing from each other for five months. At some point I thought that he had forgotten about me. After about another two months I reactivated my Facebook so I could stay in touch with my mom and saw that he had sent me a message asking for my number because he had lost it – he hadn’t forgotten about me after all. So I sent him my number again and he called and we finally met that same weekend after I came back home from my base.

Rebecca returned home only to find out that her roommate had trashed their apartment during a big party. Just as she was standing in all the mess, Robert called to tell her that he was a few minutes away and asked her to come pick him up. After a great day together, Robert asked her to be his girlfriend, but Rebecca said no. She was already extremely busy with the army and didn’t think that she could split her time between the army and a boyfriend.

Love conquers everything - this young couple overcame many obstacles to find each other

But this wouldn’t be a romantic story if Robert had just given up here. Undeterred, he kept calling her after this; they didn’t, date but remained friends. One night when he called to speak to her, Rebecca was on guard-duty so she couldn’t answer. Robert left her a simple message: “I love you!”

”We started dating again and it didn’t take me long to realize that I loved him too. Our first kiss was like in the movies. We we’re out for a walk and just as the sun was setting, Robert kissed me. It was the most amazing kiss of my life.”

The young couple kept on dating and one day Robert asked his love to marry him after they get released from the army. Obviously she said yes, but only under the condition that he ask her father first. So when Rebecca’s father came to Israel for a visit, Robert did just that.

“I never liked any of Rebecca’s previous boyfriends, but Robert is a very good guy. I am very happy that she found someone like him.”

Rebecca and Robert - Off to a bright future together

Rebecca and Robert will get married on the 27th of June, the same date that Robert’s grandparents tied the knot many years ago.

A Year in Photos: One Year Anniversary of Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz

Posted on February 14, 2012 by idfspokesperson

February 14th, one year ago, Major General Benny Gantz was officially promoted to the rank of a lieutenant general and was appointed as the IDF’s 20th Chief of the General Staff.

It’s been an eventful year in the Israel Defense Forces; a year full of exercises and drills, cooperation with foreign armies, achievements, technological advancements, ongoing war against terror and those looking to harm Israel and its civilians.

We have compiled twelve memorable monthly photos that represent Lt. Gen. Gantz’s first year as the commander of the Israel Defense Forces.

February 2011:

: Honorary Guard Appointing Lt. Gen. Gantz As New IDF Chief of Staff

On February 14, 2011, Major General Benny Gantz was appointed IDF Chief of the General Staff and received the rank of lieutenant general at a national ceremony held in the prime minister’s office. Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz replaced Lt. Gen. (res.) Gabi Ashkenazi, who served as Chief of Staff for four years, and retired from the IDF after 40 years of service. Lt. Gen. Gantz is Israel’s 20th IDF Chief of the General Staff.

The ceremony was held in the presence of Israel’s Prime Minister Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Mr. Ehud Barak and other honored guests. The ceremony was also attended by former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States Military, Admiral Michael G. Mullen, who arrived in Israel especially to participate in the farewell events for Lt. Gen. Ashkenazi.

March 2011:

: Lt. Gen. Gantz In Front of the Newly Deployed “Iron Dome” System

On March 25, Lt. Gen. Gantz ordered, in accordance with government directives, to deploy the “Iron Dome” system across Southern Israel to protect the civilian population from rockets fired from Gaza.

The system is the first of its kind; in terms of speed, accuracy and capability, there was no other system like it in the world. As soon as an enemy rocket is fired into Israel, the system fires a counter-missile which will intercept the rocket.

April 2011:

Following the natural disasters in Japan, the IDF sent an aid delegation to Japan including 50 people and 80 tons of equipment to assist in the rebuilding of the damaged city.

After successfully completing their mission and treating 220 patients, the delegation to Japan returned to Israel and landed at the Nevatim air force base. Lt. Gen. Gantz was there to greet them, and said:

“Israel’s advantage is its people. We have fulfilled our task in the best way possible. As a people that have suffered gravely in our past, we have a moral obligation to help those in need. We send our condolences to the Japanese people and we are pleased that we could lend a hand and assist. ”

May 2011:

The IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz, arrived at the scene of the crime where five Israeli civilians were murdered in a deadly terror attack that occurred in the Israeli community of Itamar. He visited the home of the family, consoled the grandparents and joined a security assessment with Maj. Gen. Mizrahi.

Following a man hunt over the course of the next few weeks, the assailants were identified after having happily confessing to the savage killings. Pictured above: Lt. Gen. Gantz along with two of the three sole surviving children of the Itamar family.

June 2011:

The IDF proudly welcomed its first-ever female Major General Orna Barbivai, who was promoted as Chief of the Manpower Directorate. Her rank is the IDF’s second-highest, directly reporting to Lt. Gen. Gantz. Maj. Gen. Barbivai has served in the IDF for 30 years and has done much for the directorate, including her important work on gender equality in the army.

July 2011:

: IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz and US Admiral Michael G. Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

US Admiral Michael G. Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, arrived for his last visit on active duty on July 18, 2011. Adm. Mullen was hosted by Lt. Gen. Gantz, who held an honorary farewell dinner attended by senior IDF commanders–all who conveyed their utmost appreciation and respect.

Read more about Adm. Mullen’s contribution to the strong ties between Israel and the US.

August 2011:

Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz spearheaded the military response to the multi-pronged terror attack where eight people were killed and at least 40 others were injured. In the premeditated attack, terrorists targeted Israeli civilians who were on their way to Eilat, a popular tourist destination for summer vacations. All of the incidents took place near the Israel-Egypt border. According to Israeli intelligence, the terrorists originated from Gaza.

September 2011:

: Commander of the US-European Command and IDF Chief of Staff

Lt. Gen. Gantz hosted the US European Command (EUCOM), Admiral James Stavridis, during a two-day work visit. Over the course of his visit, Admiral Stavridis toured a number of facilities throughout the country, including a site of an “Iron Dome” battery.

This was the Admiral’s third visit to Israel and his first of 2011. Later on, Lt. Gen. Gantz returned the favor and visited Adm. Stavridis in a NATO conference.

October 2011:

SFC Gilad Shalit returned to Israel after five years in captivity. He was greeted by the Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and the IDF Chief of the General Staff before his return to his parents.

Gilad Shalit (rank at the time: Cpl.) was kidnapped early Sunday morning on June 25, 2006. A terrorist cell attacked Shalit’s tank that was defending the security fence near the southern Gaza Strip. The terrorists crossed the border using an underground tunnel dug near the Kerem Shalom crossing. During the attack, the tank commander, Lt. Hanan Barak, and another soldier in the tank, Staff Sgt. Pavel Slotzker were killed. Four of the soldiers in the post were injured and terrorists kidnapped Shalit, and taking him into the Gaza Strip via the tunnel.

November 2011:

As part of his tour of Israel’s naval bases, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz met with combat soldiers stationed on a Navy missile boat.

Speaking with the soldiers, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gantz emphasized the Navy’s challenge in fighting the smuggling of weapons into the Gaza Strip and upholding the naval blockade on Gaza. He also expressed appreciation for the soldier’s service in the past year.

December 2011:

The Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen Benny Gantz visited an exercise conducted by the Golani Brigade’s reconnaissance battalion last week. The drill took place in the Golan Heights, one of the toughest natural battlefields. Lt. Gen Gantz heard from the soldiers about their day to day activity, and presented to them the challenges that Israel’s northern front faces.

January 2012:

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States Military, four-star General Martin E. Dempsey arrived on Thursday, January 19th, 2012, for a short visit to Israel during a visit to the region. This was General Dempsey’s first visit to Israel, hosted by Lt. Gen. Gantz.

During his visit, General Dempsey held a private meeting with Lt. Gen. Gantz, as well as a briefing with senior commanders of the General Staff, focusing on cooperation between the two militaries, as well as mutual security challenges.

February 2012:

The Israeli winter is usually pretty light and thus the Hermon is snow-capped only during certain parts of the year; however, the Alpine Unit, the elite winter-climate warfare unit of the IDF, trains to be prepared in any scenario.

Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz oversaw the yearly training drill in which soldiers operate under conditions of snow, sleet, and dangerous weather uncommon to Israel.

Cooperation is Key: 162nd Division-Wide Drill

Posted on February 13, 2012 by idfspokesperson

During battle, it’s crucial that soldiers from different parts of the army can depend on one another and know how to work together efficiently. So how do you test the cooperation between your different commanders? You bring them all together for a division-wide exercise.

162nd Division Training Artillery Field Intelligence

Officers of the 162nd Division hit the field

Last Thursday, hundreds of officers from the Artillery Corps and Field Intelligence Corps hit the field and implemented lessons learned from the Second Lebanon War and Operation Cast Lead. Apart from taking part in exercises and competitions, the commanders received lectures from high-ranking officers, including Commander of the 162nd Division Brig. Gen. Agai Yehezkel.

Artillery Corps conducts real-time drill

Artillery Corps soldiers during a drill

While the Field Intelligence Corps is traditionally at the spearhead of any battle formation, the Artillery Corps supplies the troops with supportive fire. Therefore, perfect cooperation between the two corps is of utmost importance, both for military efficiency and for saving lives in the field.

The New Generation of Communication Devices

Posted on February 13, 2012 by idfspokesperson

Two new devices have recently been introduced to active service in the IDF: the radio transceivers MK-710 and MK-714 will replace the old AN/PRC-77 which has been in IDF service for almost 50 years. (Or, as rumor has it, since the dinosaurs left it behind after becoming extinct.)

The old MK-77

Both the MK-710 and MK-714 are significantly lighter and more reliable than the old transceiver. While the working time (time between check-ups and repairs) for the old device was around 100 hours, the two new transceivers can go unattended to over 3,000 hours. They add a wider range of operational frequencies, one even being completely encrypted.

The new tranceiver MK-710 -- lightweight and reliable

“The devices greatly improve our operational capability–within 4 years we won’t be seeing any of the old transceivers”, said the head of the Ground Forces Teleprocessing Corps, Colonel Ronen Schneider. Goodbye to the dinosaurs, hello to a new communications age in the IDF.

Bombs on the Border: Explosives on the Gaza Security Fence

Posted on February 12, 2012 by idfspokesperson

IDF forces spotted yet another explosive device planted near the Gaza security fence today. This is the latest attempt to harm IDF soldiers patrolling the Israel-Gaza border–not the first this year and following 33 explosive devices planted in 2011.

Fake IED planted near Gaza security fence today

The improvised explosive device, or IED, turned out to be fake–an attempt by Gaza-based terrorists to trick IDF soldiers into letting their guard down. The fake IED, like the real one, is extremely easy to make: as the photo implies, it’s the size of an empty soda bottle.

Fake IED planted near Gaza security fence today

IEDs planted near the fence are a routine occurrence and regularly endanger IDF soldiers patrolling the border. Aside from booby-trapping the security fence, terrorists from Gaza–whether Hamas or other extreme Islamist groups–also fire rockets at Israeli communities in an attempt to harm civilians.

Only two days ago, shortly following Shabbat dinner, a rocket fired from Gaza landed in Hof Ashkelon Regional Council, lightly injuring a woman and damaging two buildings.

Disguised Explosive, IDF, IED, Israel Defense Forces, Army, military,

Disguised explosive found near Gaza security fence, January 4

IDF Soldiers Train in Krav Maga Against Abductions

Posted on February 12, 2012 by idfspokesperson

Due to the recent kidnapping threats of IDF soldiers in the different areas, the IDF has stepped up self-defense training sessions for its soldiers.

One of the biggest concerns in the IDF is the kidnapping of soldiers–in fact, the military police have taken to staging mock-kidnappings to catch soldiers illegally hitchhiking on the roads. Commander of the Ephraim Regional Brigade Col. Ran Kahane recently held an exercise meant to prepare his soldiers for a wide range of possible scenarios, including violent riots similar to those of the second Intifada in 2000.

The scenarios included kidnappers trying to physically harm soldiers

Col. Kahane explains: “The enemy understands that [additional kidnappings] would be a major success and therefore has set it as one of their objectives. In 2011, the IDF recorded 12 attempts to kidnap soldiers or settlers in the West Bank, and believes that following the deal to release Gilad Shalit in October, the threat has grown significantly.”

Last week, the soon-to-be officers of the Armored Corps held an exercise exercise that is both unique and irregular as it is the first time in history where there was so much emphasis on Krav Maga for Armored commanders.

“The motivation to kidnap a soldier or civilian has always been high, and now even more so.”

Soldiers during intensive "krav maga" (lit. 'touch-fight') training

The training is the last test for soon-to-be officers. One scenario simulates an attempted kidnapping in a fake Arab village. Soldiers must approach and search every house in the village, and at each house residents could either attack the soldiers or break out into riots.

IDF soldiers train in "krav maga", close-range combat against the threat of abduction

The central goal of the drill is to locate the abducted soldier before the trail goes cold. Ordinarily, the armored brigade would have no need for Krav Maga training, yet this perception has changed due to the exchange for Gilad Shalit–who himself was from the armored division.

Man’s Best Friend: IDF’s Elite Canine Unit

Posted on February 11, 2012 by idfspokesperson

“Oketz” (Hebrew: ‘Sting’) is the elite canine unit of the IDF. Each combat unit in the army needs the help of dogs, from detecting explosives to cleaning out buildings, and that’s where Oketz comes in. These guys are trained to work with every combat unit in the IDF, whether it’s with attack dogs, chase dogs, or bomb sniffers. The unit is also open to female soldiers.

Meet Alon and Nitzan, two brothers who are part of the Oketz pack.

Growing up with a dog at home, Nitzan and Alon both shared the dream of serving in the Oketz unit. Nitzan, 21, was the first of the two brothers to join Oketz in 2008. Shortly after his enlistment, Alon, 19, was inspired by his brother to join the same unit.

Nitzan (right) and Alon (left) stand with their dogs in the forest

The brothers explained that in order to get into Oketz, they had to pass a rigorous three-day tryout session. Once they passed the tryouts, they were put through a training course of approximately 17 months. Nitzan gives us some proportions:

“220 soldiers show up to the tryouts and only 30 pass.”

“Throughout the course, we’re taught to work with every unit in the army, so as you can expect, we’re trained for everything”, says Nitzan. Some of the many subjects the soldiers specialize in are parachuting, urban warfare and counterterrorism.

Both Nitzan and Alon agree that one of the best moments of their army service lies in the last four months of the course, when they are given a dog to work with for the next 1.5 years. Alon received a female Belgian Shepherd bomb sniffer, and Nitzan a male one.

Nitzan (right) and Alon (left) perch on the mound with their canine partners

Oketz has three types of dogs: Belgian, German, and Holland Shepherds. Most of the dogs are imported from their source countries at a very young age in order to ensure the dog is raised properly. The dogs are considered active in Oketz anywhere from the age of one to seven. After the combat dog reaches seven years of age, they become “civilians” and are released home with their last soldier-trainer.

1. What is the hardest part of being in Oketz?
Nitzan: ”I’m being released in one week and it will be very difficult to leave my friends and the dog that I have learned to love.”

Alon: ”Not seeing my friends in Oketz for up to a month at times, since I am usually away carrying out missions with other units.”

2. What are your best memories of Oketz?
Nitzan: ”The last day of the 1.5 year training course – climbing up a steep mountain with cargo on my back and my dog pulling me every which way. I felt like a king when I reached the top of the mountain. You don’t need to travel to South America to get a view like that. The second one is seeing my brother join me at base after his last trek in the training course.”

Alon: “Seeing my brother for the first time in Oketz after a long training course, and getting my female Belgian Shepherd.”

3. Nitzan, you’re being released in a week, what are your big plans after Oketz?
“‘I’m thinking of going to the States and working with a company that trains dogs for the army or the police. Also, since I enjoyed commanding soldiers in the army, I want to manage staff someday for a business.”

: Nitzan’s dog shows off a trick for the camera

4. Any tips you can give us for our dog lovers out there?
Nitzan and Alon: ”It is important to be dominant with your dog. One owner must always stick to their dog during training. The dog will get confused if they’re taking orders from more than one owner. Never be on the same level as your dog, always be above him. For example, if your dog is lying on the floor, then do not lay next to him, instead sit on the couch above him.”

‘Birthright’ Teens Celebrate Tu Bishvat with IDF Soldiers

Posted on February 10, 2012 by idfspokesperson

In celebration of Tu Bishvat yesterday, an American Birthright group visited an Armored Corps base to plant trees together with IDF soldiers.

Birthright is a free program that brings Jews aged 18-26 from all over the world to Israel to experience first-hand what their ancestral homeland is all about. For many of the attendees, this was their first time in Israel, and their first time on a military base.

After their long bus ride to the base, the teens were welcomed with traditional Tu Bishvat foods such as nuts, dried fruit and cakes. Followed by a short presentation about tanks and their operators, they got to see, touch and photograph the tanks themselves.

After the tanks, soldiers and teens alike got to plant trees. In fact, planting trees in Israel is such a major part of Israeli culture, that Israel was the only nation in the world to enter the 21st century with more trees than it had when it entered the 20th century.

As the base visit came to a close, the Birthright group’s Rabbi spoke:

“These seedlings you have just planted in Israel are just like the seeds inside each and every one of you. Joining Birthright is as much a privilege as it is an obligation, you must each return home and share what you have found here with your friends and family to teach them of the beauties of Israel and Judaism.”

The Race Is On: Infantry Officer’s Course Race

Posted on February 9, 2012 by idfspokesperson

5:00 in the morning. Hundreds of infantry officers-to-be stand at the starting line, alongside Commander of the IDF Officers’ School, Col. Eran Niv, preparing for a 10km race in the sandy roads of Makhtesh Ramon.

IDF Infantry Officer's Course at 'Morning Jogging'

This is the course’s last phase, mere days before the cadets are awarded their new ranks. This is an tradition of the annual infantry officers’ course, in which the new leaders of the Infantry Corps stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their elders.

Archive: IDF soldiers during intensive training, earlier this year

By the end of the week, the cadets will be returning to their old units, taking on the role of commanders set on leading soldiers into battle.

Find out more about fitness in the IDF.

How to Clear Minefields: A Guide

Posted on February 8, 2012 by idfspokesperson

The IDF is a great place to learn stuff you’d never thought you’d need to know. For instance: how to clear minefields. If you’re a soldier recruiting to the Combat Engineering Corps, there’s a chance you’ll soon become a leading expert in the field.

Combat Engineering Corps. soldier Clearing the field from mines

De-mining: not for the faint of heart.

For instance, the Golan Heights, one of Israel’s most pastoral and scenic areas, is filled with minefields, some planted by Syrian forces before 1967. The IDF embarks on de-mining operations every few months in an effort to clear away old minefields and replenish them in strategic areas, preferably far away from wandering civilians.

Step 1: Enter the minefield... carefully

So, how do you clear a minefield? Here’s how:

1) Enter the minefield with a small team of sappers, and with the use of mine-detecting devices, clear a path across the field by discovering the first mine is every row. Mark the path with white tape to minimize risk of anyone walking out of line. Designate the exact location of the mines with special devices placed on the ground above them.

Combat Engineering Corps clearing the field from mines

Trust them, they're engineers.

2) Meanwhile, prepare the explosives that will be used to detonate the existing mines via another team positioned outside the field .

3) Withdraw from the field to take the explosives from the other team, then enter the field again to plant them in strategic locations.

4) Connect all the explosives with a special fuse, then wire them to the mines themselves.

5) Back away at least one kilometer.

6) Detonate the minefield.

7) After you’ve calmed down a little, return to scan the field for surviving mines, and start over.