Ofer Winter is a brigadier general in the IDF who serves as commander of the Fire Formation, Israel's highest division of paratroopers and commandos. Winter, the oldest of four brothers, was born in Rechasim and raised in Kiryat Ata. He inherited his military skill from his father, David, who fought in the Yom Kippur War. Winter attended Yeshivat YABA Or Etzion, YABA's military boarding school, and the Bnei David pre-military academy in Eli.

In 1990, Winter joined "sayeret matkal," the IDF's special reconnaissance unit. He went on to train as an officer, and then served as a team leader in the elite Maglan commando unit.

He then served as a platoon and company commander and participated in several military missions, including Operation Grapes of Wrath.

Winter then held several command positions in the Givati brigade in the war against Palestinian terror during the second intifada in Gaza. Under Winter's command, his battalion was cited for outstanding service and received The Medal of Distinguished Service, the third highest medal awarded by the IDF. Winter served in numerous command positions, including as brigade commander of the elite, counter-terrorism Duvdevan Unit during the Gaza War. Winter's battalion was singled out for outstanding military achievement. He was also the commander of the Givati brigade during "Operation Protective Edge."