Army Dogs- Four Footed Heroes
Today we would like to highlight dogs who have served in the U.S. Army.
There are approximately 500 Military Working Dogs (MWDs) currently detailed to the Army, many of whom are serving in Iraq with their fellow soldiers.
These deployed dogs may spend up to one year in the war zone, after which they will return to their home posts to become patrol dogs, focusing on either drug or explosive detection.Vendi, a four-year-old German Shepherd, recently returned home to Fort Belvoir, VA after a tour of duty in Iraq. She spent six months searching for explosives.
Arrow, a seven-year-old German Shepherd and Begian Malinois cross, has assisted the US Secret Service in 50 missions, including security details at the 2004 Democratic and Republican National Conventions. He also provided security for George W. Bush and John Kerry while campaigning.
These dogs are dual-trained as either patrol-narcotics or patrol explosives dogs. Dogs respond to their handler's single-word commands and are extremely focused and obsessive when conducting searches.
The dog teams are held to very high standards and undergo monthly proficiency tests and rigorous evaluations every quarter. According to Sgt 1st Class Donald Nelson, Ft. Belvoir's Kennel Master, " The Army has the strictest policy concerning the training of MWDs.
They undergo at least 16 hours of training monthly, in both detection and patrolling. In narcotics detection, the dogs must maintain 90% proficiency, and in explosives detection must achieve 95% proficiency.
A dog is assigned to one handler and that handler's duty id to build a strong rapport with the dog. Handlers are responsible for every aspect of the care of their assigned partners- from grooming and feeding to exercising and training.
Nelson states, "These dogs are our partners, not our pets. And while they can be their handler's best friend, they can be a foe's worst enemy. When their aggression level is high and they are looking for something to bite, that's when they become "war dogs", and they can be as intimidating and formidable as any armed soldier.