IDF Dog unit Oketz

The Unit Oketz (Hebrew for "sting"), is the IDF dog unit. The unit specializes in training and handling dogs for military applications. Dogs are trained as tracking and chasing dogs, for manhunts and detecting breaches at the borders. Dogs are also trained to search for guns, munitions and explosives and as search and rescue dogs, to find people in collapsed buildings. Here two pictures of dogs who got medals as a token of appreciation for their valuable work.

 

Rick, one of the Chasing Team dogs, receives a medal for exceptional combat performance in the Gaza strip, including tracking down many Palestinian terrorists. Rick was three years old at the time and received the medal from the Major General Y. Ron-Tal, commander of the IDF Land Corps.

Source: www.zahal.org
 

Star, a Belgian Shepherd, served in the Israeli IDF dog unit, Oketz, mainly in search and rescue operations.

Source:www.tripawds.com