IDF's Oketz Unit: Canine Combat in Urban Warfare

2025-01-02

This article details the experiences of the Israeli Defense Forces' specialized canine unit, Oketz, in urban warfare in Gaza. Oketz dogs proved crucial in explosive ordnance detection, survivor location, and tunnel operations, significantly enhancing operational effectiveness and reducing soldier casualties. Four key lessons are highlighted: remote operations and tech integration, scalable force size, improved mental health through group deployment, and attention to operational details. These insights offer valuable lessons for the US military to improve its military working dog programs, acknowledging the significant sacrifices made by both soldiers and dogs in high-intensity combat.

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