In Israel, a naval sailor became a Navy officer — Jerusalem Post
In Israel, a Navy serviceman identified in the article only as “O” completed an officer training course after 18 months of non-officer mandatory service as a combat sailor. As reported by the Jerusalem Post, such a transition to officer training after lengthy service is atypical for the Israeli Navy.
Usually, recruits being prepared for command positions on ships are selected for the relevant course from the beginning of their service. The training combines classroom, university and operational naval instruction and lasts several years.
Service after October 7
According to the ship’s deputy commander, Lieutenant Commander “Y.O.,” “O” distinguished himself during combat missions that began after the Hamas invasion on October 7. At that time, naval forces urgently put to sea without a clear understanding of the upcoming mission and threats.
The commander said that naval servicemen could remain without access to phones for several days or weeks. They could not immediately learn the fate of friends and acquaintances, but had to focus on carrying out their tasks. In “Y.O.’s” assessment, “O” stood out for his maturity, understood the importance of the mission and voluntarily took on individual tasks.
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Officer training
The ship’s commander, Lieutenant Commander “Y.A.,” who has more than 15 years of service in the Navy, noted the 20-year-old sailor’s ability to calm others and explain why a specific task had to be carried out immediately. He also drew attention to his vigilance and endurance under conditions of sleep deprivation.
“O” began the officer course in February 2024. He described the training as difficult both physically and academically, as he had to master various systems used on Israeli Navy ships.
The serviceman stated that during combat operations in 2023, the Navy assisted Israel Defense Forces in Gaza and received requests for support from battalion and brigade commanders. According to “Y.O.,” “O” was later involved both in actions against Hamas in Gaza and in defending Israel’s airspace during Operation Roaring Lion, as well as in guarding the country’s strategic facilities.
