Kaplinsky began his distinguished military career in the IDF in 1976 and assumed command of the Golani Reconnaissance Battalion as a major in 1982. During the First Lebanon War, he was wounded in the Battle of Beaufort. His leadership skills led to his command of the entire Golani Brigade in 1993, followed by a promotion to Brigadier in 1997. In 2001, Kaplinsky was promoted to Aluf (Major General) and appointed Military Secretary to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. In 2002, he became commander of Central Command. Today, Kaplinsky remains actively involved with the Golani Brigade Foundation, supporting the legacy of the unit where he began his remarkable career.