War On Terror News

On Patrol with TEDD "Livee"

TEDD (Tactical Explosive Detection Dog) "Livee" and PFC Franklin Sena conduct their first combat patrol together in Southern Afghanistan. Produced by Sgt. Kyle Burns, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division

 

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It’s a dog’s life for Wainwright MP

19.6.2012 US Army Alaska Story by Staff Sgt. Patricia McMurphy

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska - Videos of police dogs show the enormous strength, speed and agility they use to capture suspects.

Staff Sgt. Patricia McMurphyDuring a training exercise in search of explosives, Pfc. Lynette Dalle with the 28th Military Police Detachment gives her Military Working Dog, Gina, a presentation to get her to search high on a wall during a detection training exercise of explosives. Dalle recently won the title Top Dog in her first phase of the Military Police Working Dog Handlers Course at Lackland Air Base, Texas and is now putting what she learned to the test with her new full time MWD.

These dogs might be intimidating to most, but for Pfc. Lynnette Dalle, a military policeman with the 28th Military Police Detachment on Fort Wainwright, they are all part of the job she wanted to do.

The Ottoville, American Samoa, native majored in criminal justice in college and said she didn’t want to do anything else, so when the Army recruiter offered her Military Police she said, “Oh, I want it!”

The Dogs of War and combat stress

Story by L.A. Shively, CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Can courage be measured in a canine heart? Can a dog actually be a hero?

Take Gabe for instance, a yellow Labrador Retriever who has three Army Commendation Medals and an Army Achievement Medal for finding explosives in Iraq. Actually, Gabe’s awards are not for finding weapons, ammunition, or bombs; but for saving lives.

How about Cairo, the Belgian Malinois that accompanied SEAL Team Six to Pakistan on the mission to kill Osama bin Laden? Cairo and the Navy SEALs were honored in a presidential ceremony marking the mission’s success – they got the bad guy.

If dogs can be heroes, can they also suffer the ravages of combat, just as humans do?

Video: USMC Devil Dogs sniff out IEDs

Working Dogs Save Lives

Using Man's Best Friend to Heal the Heart

By Theresa Donnelly American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 6, 2012 - With the uncertainty in military families due to constant moves and deployments, our four-legged family members provide comfort and stability in stressful times. These loyal, furry companions not only help those serving our nation, but are ideal friends to anyone in need.

Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Fox, a patient at Naval Medical Center San Diego's Comprehensive Combat and Complex Casualty Care, pets Tommy, a service dog for physical therapy patients, March 14, 2012. The four-year-old black lab and golden retriever mix provides emotional support to patients during their physical therapy appointments. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class John O'Neill Herrera

n fact, a growing body of research is backing up what pet lovers already know – canines provide therapeutic benefits for those suffering from life's invisible scars.

In the U.S. Army Medical Department Journal, Canine-Assisted Therapy in Military Medicine April –June 2012, authors retired Marine Corps Col. Elspeth C. Ritchie and Army Col. Robinette J. Amaker write that the "acceptance of canines in Army medicine and in the civilian world has virtually exploded." They are the chief clinical officer of Washington, D.C., Department of Mental Health, and the assistant chief of the Army Medical Specialist Corps and occupational therapy consultant to the Army Surgeon General, respectively.

The authors cite several examples, such as canines being used to help children cope with autism, shelter dogs trained as services dogs and therapy dogs that help soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress.

US Army Medical Command reviews its service animal policy

US Army Medical Command 6.6.2012

WASHINGTON - The Army is fully committed to the use of service animals as adjuncts in managing physical and psychological disabilities, to include post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While the evidence for the effectiveness of service dogs in assisting those suffering with PTSD is not yet definitive, Army Medicine is committed to the employment of safe and effective therapies, to include service animals, to treat our wounded warriors and families.

We have reviewed our Service Animal policy with many stakeholders and outside agencies to best shape it to meet the needs of Soldiers and the Army. We are currently collaborating with the Department of Defense team that is building DoD guidance, as we must be certain that our policy aligns with established DoD guidelines.

Marine and his dog: the complete IED detection team

5/2/2012  By Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez  , Regimental Combat Team 5 

KHAN NESHIN DISTRICT, Afghanistan  — 

A team of two jumped out of the vehicle as it came to a stop at a chokepoint on the road.

While Ace, an improvised explosive device detection dog, wandered around the vehicle, Cpl. Sean Grady, Ace’s handler and a pointman with Echo Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, began preparing his sickle and combat metal detector.

The pair then proceeded with what they do best: clearing a safe path for their fellow Marines.

They moved down the road in a carefully choreographed dance, methodically searching for the disguised and dangerous devices. Grady, a 27-year-old native of Otho, Iowa, launched Ace forward with an array of hand signals and verbal commands, while he swept the path with his CMD.

Boxer Inspires Blood Drive

By Mike Peacock, Armed Services Blood Bank Center - Europe

LANDSTUHL, Germany , April 20, 2012 – Holly-Eva, a five-year-old boxer and her bad knees motivated more than 100 people to donate blood at a drive held last month at Wiesbaden Army Airfield, Germany.

The drive collected 109 units of whole blood for the Armed Services Blood Program, making it the largest held in Wiesbaden in more than five years, said Air Force Maj. Madelaine Sumera, chief of the Armed Services Blood Bank Center – Europe which is based here.

“I had made the decision … that one way or the other -- if Holly lived or died -- I would try to put on a blood drive in her honor,” said Holly-Eva’s best friend, Army 1st Sgt. Clark Kuhling, of Company B, 24th Military Intelligence Battalion.

Army 1st Sgt. Clark Kuhling stands with Holly-Eva, a five-year-old boxer whose battle through two knee surgeries and an infection inspired Kuhling to hold a blood drive in her honor. The blood drive was the largest blood drive for the Wiesbaden Army Airfield, Germany, in more than five years with a total of 109 units of whole blood collected. Photo courtesy of Army 1st Sgt. Clark Kuhling

Constant Companion

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Heck and his military working dog, Nina 3, patrol during Operation Marble Lion in Afghanistan's Jani Khel district, April 12, 2012. Heck is a military working dog handler assigned to Company C, 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment.

MWD Vinco and Flake on the job at Helmand

A Military Operations news article

11 Apr 12

Two Army dog handlers have been providing security for British forces in Helmand for the past month by searching vehicles entering ISAF bases for weapons and explosives.

 

Private Kathleen Griffiths with protection dog Vinco and Lance Corporal Sophie Mitchell with search dogs Flake and Trough
[Picture: Corporal Andy Reddy RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

Lance Corporal Sophie Mitchell, aged 27, and Private Kathleen Griffiths, 21, are working with search dogs Flake and Trough, and protection dog Vinco at Main Operating Base Price. Their job involves them providing vital protection to the UK, International Security assistance Force (ISAF) and Afghan troops who operate in the Nahr-e Saraj area of Helmand province.

While Pte Griffiths keeps watch over the area with protection dog Vinco, a five-year-old German Shepherd, LCpl Mitchell handles search dogs Fluke and Trough - both three-year-old spaniels, as they search trucks and cars looking to gain access to the base.

While both handlers and Fluke have been in Afghanistan for about a month. Vinco has a bit more experience having been in Afghanistan for a year already.

Pte Griffiths said:

"The relationship you build up with the dogs is fantastic. It's like having a best friend working alongside you 24/7, and you'll do anything to keep that dog safe."

Vinco, a five-year-old German Shepherd
[Picture: Corporal Andy Reddy RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

Both soldiers have recently become dog handlers; LCpl Mitchell transferred to the Royal Army Veterinary Corps from being an Army clerk last year, and Pte Griffiths joined the Army last February, completing her basic training in time to start training with her unit for Afghanistan.

Both handlers are based in Aldershot with 101 Military Working Dogs Squadron, and this is the first time they have worked together.

Pte Griffiths said:

"Working with the other handlers is really good, because you're working alongside somebody that has the same interests as you, and you've got something in common."

Throughout their tour in Afghanistan the highly trained dogs and their handlers will carry out a variety of tasks including providing security at the main British operating bases, searching vehicles at checkpoints, and going out on partnered patrols with the Afghan National Security Forces to search for weapons, ammunitions and explosives.

(c) MoD

Lex: Retired MWD dies

Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, GA-Cpl. Dustin J. Lee, military police working dog handler, takes a break with his K-9 partner, Lex, during operations in Iraq in 2007. Lee was killed and Lex was wounded in a 73 mm rocket attack, March 21, 2007. Later that year, Lex was adopted by Lee’s parents, Jerome and Rachel., Courtesy Photo, 11/28/2006

3/29/2012  By Nathan L. Hanks Jr.  , Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany 

Marine Corps Logistics Base ALBANY Ga.  — Lex, a retired Marine Corps K-9, died Sunday at Mississippi State University Animal Health Center College of Veterinary Medicine in Starkville, Miss., from an aggressive form of cancer.

He served the Marine Corps from January 2002 to December 2007.

Lex received national attention when he became the first military working dog to be retired from active-duty in the Marine Corps and adopted by the family of a fallen Marine, Cpl. Dustin J. Lee.

He was adopted by his handler’s family, Jerome and Rachel Lee, during a nationally-televised ceremony aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Dec. 21, 2007.

Lex’s handler, Lee, 20, of Quitman, Miss., was fatally wounded during a 73 mm rocket attack in Iraq, March 21, 2007. Lex, who sustained shrapnel wounds during the incident, remained with his partner until other Marines arrived to provide medical attention. Following the incident, Lex underwent 12 weeks of intensive treatment at Camp Lejeune, N.C., before he was deemed fully recovered.

Several months following the incident, Lee’s parents, Jerome and Rachel - avid dog lovers - began appealing to the Marine Corps for the adoption of Lex, even though the dog was returned to active duty with the Marines.

The Lee family’s request was indeed a unique one, the first of its kind. After months of prayers, mailing tons of letters, and making hundreds of phone calls, the Lee family’s prayers were answered.

Since his adoption, Lex had been busy giving back to those who served, according to Rachel Lee.

“Lex, a certified therapy dog with Paws 4 Hearts, visited many wounded veterans in hospitals and veterans’ homes,” she said. “He was involved in many veteran meetings and dedications and brought more awareness to the War Dog Memorial.

“Lex demonstrated the important role of a military working dog and brought more understanding to the relationship between a military working dog and its handler,” she said. “Dustin and Lex’s mission of service will continue on in their honor.”

For Lee’s actions, MCLB Albany’s K-9 kennel was renamed the Corporal Dustin Jerome Lee Kennel during a ceremony held here, March 19, 2010.

 

(c) USMC

[Editor note: For other Lex and Cpl Dusty Lee columns go over to Assoluta Tranquillita and start here.]

Video of Doggie Dental: Joint Team Assists Ailing K9

03.28.2012 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Video by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon

It’s not every day you go to work, and lose a tooth while doing your job…that’s exactly what happened to this 4-legged military member as he “bit in” to his work. Soundbites include Staff Sgt. Joel Brooks - 405th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron dog handler, 1st Lt. Maria Harris - 422nd Medical Detachment Veterinary Services Veterinarian and Lt. Col. Richard Eckert - 379th Expeditionary Medical Group Dentist. Produced by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon.

Dog-gone good medicine: 4-legged volunteers lend a helping paw

March 21, 2012  By Amy Newcomb, Fort Leonard Wood

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (March 21, 2012) -- Each month, the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital receives two special visitors. Both visitors would rather lift spirits than play fetch -- Paisley, a Great Dane and Lela, a Labrador retriever, are Red Cross therapy dogs.

Lela's owner, Kelly Howley, therapy dog volunteer, said Lela knows when it's time to make a therapy trip to the hospital.

Pvt. Jean Lacap, Company B, 84th Chemical Battalion, is greeted by Lela, Red Cross therapy dog, during a visit to General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., March 18, 2012.

"Lela knows -- we get in the front gate and we jump in [General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital] -- and she is literally ready to go," Howley said.

Therapy dogs are trained to improve the quality of life and provide companionship to others. They provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, retirement homes, nursing homes and schools, such as those with learning difficulties and in stressful situations.

Paisley's owner, Lee Vesely, therapy dog volunteer, and Howley, said their dogs do just what they were trained to do -- make people smile.

"For a lot of people, it's a break in their day, especially the ones who have been here for days on end," Vesely said. "Many say 'thank you for coming in.' They are very pleased."

Working dogs are Marine's best friend

RCT6 Story by Staff Sgt. Robert Storm  2.16.2012

PATROL BASE HABIB, Helmand province, Afghanistan - A rifle may be a Marine’s best friend in combat, but a close second goes to the military working dogs that go out with the Marines of 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines every day.

Cpl. Derrick Magee, 21, dog handler with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, from Vineland, N.J. and his dog, TTroy, rest during a patrol break. TTroy is part of the Lackland Air Force Base puppy program and is identified by a double letter first name. This signifies that his parents were both military working dogs. He is trained to find military grade and home made explosives.

"The Marines are very pleased with my dog, TTroy,” said Cpl. Derrick Magee, 21, dog handler, from Vineland, N.J. “He helps keep us alive and I keep him happy, emotions travel down the leash, the dog can tell how you feel and will feel and act in the same way, so you have to be positive.”

Turning Puppies Into Troops

By Elaine Sanchez
American Forces Press Service

LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas, Feb. 7, 2012 – Bernadine Green stands tall amid a group of young military recruits in training, assessing their behavior for signs of future excellence.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Russell Minta, senior noncommissioned officer for the Defense Department's Military Working Dog Breeding Program on Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, plays with a puppy. The program provides working dogs to every service branch and numbers among the largest military breeding programs in the world. DOD photo by Linda Hosek 

In the coming months, some of these troops will “wash out” of training, while others will go on to serve their nation, saving lives and ensuring security in locations around the world.

But for the moment, Green is content to just stand back and watch. These future troops are, after all, just a few weeks old and of a much different sort -- or, to put it more accurately, breed -- than their military training counterparts.

Video: Wounded Warrior Parachutes w/ Military Working Dog

"Never Quit"

 "I am still rocking! For those who haven’t heard, I was blown up, with my MWD, Axe, Feb 17th of this year. I lost both of my feet, and was back to work in July."

Cpl Chester: "They Saved my Best Friend"

Dog saved by Marines after snake bite
By Marine Corps LCpl Cory D. Polom, Marine Corps News

Dingo, a five-year-old German Shepherd Dog, has suffered broken hind legs during his time as a Marine Corps working dog, yet he recently fought for his life not in combat but right here aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point after being bitten by a venomous snake during a training exercise Dec. 5.

During the training exercise Dingo was searching the wood line for the simulated criminal, and after a few brief moments in the woods he was struck by the snake.

“I noticed a red mark on Dingo’s leg as we were in pursuit of the ‘criminal’,” said Cpl. Stacy K. Chester, a K-9 handler with the military working dogs. “When I noticed his leg I called him off to take a look. It had begun swelling and I immediately rushed him to the vet.”

When Chester got Dingo to the air station veterinarian, Capt. Curtis R. Cline, they began to shave the hair on Dingo’s leg, finding a second puncture wound, indicating that Dingo had been bitten by a snake. The vet’s assistants and kennel personnel began calling around in the local area looking for antivenin.

Cpl Chester Leaves No Stone Unturned to Keep Dingo Healthy

Military Dog Survives Snakebite
By Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Cory D. Polom, Marine Corps News

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C., Dec. 22, 2011 - Dingo, a 5-year-old Marine Corps military working dog, has survived a bout with a poisonous snake.

Marine Corps Cpl. Stacy K. Chester, a military working dog handler, pets his partner, Dingo, a 5-year-old German shepherd, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Dec. 15, 2011. Dingo survived a bout with a poisonous snake during a recent base training exercise. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cory D. Polom

Dingo, a German shepherd, was struck by the snake as he searched the woods during a Dec. 5 training exercise here, said Marine Corps Cpl. Stacy K. Chester, a military working dog handler and Dingo's partner.

"When I noticed his leg, I called him off to take a look," Chester said. "It had begun swelling, and I immediately rushed him to the vet."

Chester said when he got Dingo to the base's veterinarian, CPT Curtis R. Cline, they began to shave off the hair on Dingo's injured leg and found a second puncture wound indicating that Dingo had been bitten by a snake. The vet's assistants called the local area looking for antivenin to counteract the snake venom.

"Most snakes are hibernating at this time of year," said Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Lloyd T. Hardee, kennel master for the base's military working dogs. "With the weather changing so drastically over the last month from cold to warm, these snakes are waking up thinking they are hungry and that is what happened to Dingo."

MWD's teach Craven County Community College students a lesson

12/20/2011  By Lance Cpl. Glen E. Santy  , Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point 

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C.  — Cpl. Christopher Krupa, a military working dog handler, and his dog Hrom, a Belgian Malinois, pass through the extensive gated passage to the training field. The students begin to look and point saying “oh my God” and “wow” under their breath as they look at the the dog in awe. Sgt. Shain Nickerson, a military working dog trainer, wearing bite protection armor, waits in the training field for Krupa and Hrom.

A student in the Criminal Justice Society Club, with Craven County Community College watches as Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point K-9 handlers practice attack drills at the military working dogs training field Dec. 9. The students came for a live demonstration and to ask questions about the job field. , Lance Cpl. Glen E. Santy

The students are about to witness the raw power of the military working dogs. The students from Craven County Community College, Criminal Justice Society Club came to Cherry Point to watch a live demonstration of the air station’s military working dogs in action Dec. 9.

The club takes frequent trips to destinations in Eastern North Carolina including gun ranges, prisons and State Bureau of Investigation crime lab and other places that involve criminal justice.

“This club is meant to broaden the student’s horizons after they get their degree,” said club president Tim Meadows. “We are trying to go to as many places as we can. It doesn’t matter if it’s military or civilian we just want to get them exposed to everything.”

K9 Tuesday helps former Soldier deal with PTSD - every day

December 1, 2011 By C. Todd Lopez

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Dec. 1, 2011) -- "He knows how I'm feeling. And if I were feeling unwell, which could be any number of things: PTSD, TBI or other type of pain, he would proactively do something to help me."

Former Soldier, proponent for sufferers of post-traumatic stress disorder, and author, Luis Carlos Montalvan, spoke Nov. 30, 2011, at the Pentagon Library about his service dog, "Tuesday." He also spoke about the book he wrote that documents how his struggle with PTSD was aided by "Tuesday."

Former Soldier, proponent for sufferers of post-traumatic stress disorder, and author, Luis Carlos Montalván, spoke Nov. 30 at the Pentagon Library about his service dog, "Tuesday." He also spoke about the book he wrote that documents how his struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, was aided by "Tuesday."

3/3 Marine and K9 hang out w/Afghan kids

12.1.2011

By Cpl. Reece Lodder

1st Marine Division

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Isaiah Schult, a 20-year-old Indianapolis native and improvised explosive device dog handler with Jump Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, jokes with Afghan children and a Afghan National Police member outside a local residence here, Nov. 22. Following their recent assumption of security responsibility in Garmsir, the leadership of America s Battalion joined District Governor Mohammad Fahim to visit and interact with citizens throughout the district, Nov. 22 to 24. During the visits, Fahim and the Marines discussed issues like tribal unity, education, insurgent activity and the continued development of the Afghan National Army and Police. "We're bringing governance to ungoverned places," said Lt. Col. Matthew Palma, 3/3 commanding officer. "Now, it's up to the Afghan people to work together with their government to make the changes required to become free."

 

(c) USMC

Ohio NG first to get explosive detection dogs

By Army National Guard Sgt. Kimberly Lamb Ohio National Guard

CAMP SHLEBY, Miss. (11/14/11) - Charged with the responsibility to “protect” and “look out for” 24 hours-a-day, battle buddies are authorized to take necessary action to prevent their fellow Soldiers from doing anything that would be unsafe and unwise.

Army Capt. Michael Bellin, veterinarian assigned to Gulf Coast District Veterinary Command, asks Army Spc. Zach Laker, a Tactical Explosive Detection Dog handler and infantryman assigned to Alpha Company, 1-148th Infantry, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, to escort Sassy, his TEDD, to the scales during a check-up at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Nov. 7, 2011. The 37th IBCT will be utilizing TEDDs during their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Kimberly Lamb)

Battle buddies are more than just social companions, they are Soldiers that live by the Soldiers creed and neve leave a comrade behind. Some battle buddies stationed here are teams of two working hard, training hard, and looking out for each other.

Both Soldiers are disciplined, well groomed, and physically fit for duty. Both follow commands explicitly, but unlike traditional Battle Buddies, this team has six legs instead of four. These Tactical Explosive Detection Dog teams consist of a trained dog and a validated handler.

The TEDDs have been trained to sniff out explosives.

Sharp nose protects Marines from IEDs

Detection team sharpens skills, protects Marines from IED threat

Story by Lance Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez

CAMP DWYER, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Maintaining a Marine’s warfighting skills requires rigorous practice and steadfast dedication. Training doesn’t stop, not even in a combat zone.

Putting in the hours of training required to detect improvised explosive device threats are critical for both Lance Cpl. Adam Fox, an infantryman and dog handler with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment and Cpl. Jett, an IED detection dog.

The cost for a missed scent or misinterpreted command is high in their line of work.

102 MWD Squadron saving life and limb in AFG

Working dogs are man's best friend in Afghanistan

A Military Operations news article

21 Oct 11

102 Military Working Dog (MWD) Squadron has recently taken over the vital role of commanding the Theatre Military Working Dog Support Unit in Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK 15.

Private Chris Lush with his arms and explosives search dog, Charlie  [Picture: Sergeant Steve Blake RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

The squadron is responsible for the deployment, care and welfare of over 80 military working dogs.

The dogs provide security at operating bases and help with the detection of improvised explosive devices, allowing troops the freedom of movement to conduct counter-insurgency operations.

The benefits of military working dogs are widely recognised across Defence, with 102 MWD Squadron being responsible for training and deploying a two-fold increase in detection dog capability for Op HERRICK 15.

31 Minute Workout to Honor 31 Fallen

by Sgt. Lindsey Kibler 1st Corps

KABUL, Afghanistan - The only requirement was to give your all— 31 minutes for 31 heroes. For the soldiers, airmen and civilians gathered at Kabul International Airport, Sept. 3, this physical training day left no room for the faint of heart.

Quitting wasn't an option in this memorial service that was unlike any other. The men and women at KAIA gathered to share their sweat and pain during a CrossFit workout, called '31 Heroes.'

They joined countless other CrossFit enthusiasts who, on this day, dedicated their workout to the 30 U.S. service members and one U.S. military working dog who made the ultimate sacrifice Aug.6, when their helicopter crashed during a mission in eastern Afghanistan.

All service members on board were killed, as well as seven Afghan commandos and one Afghan interpreter. It was the deadliest day for U.S. forces in Afghanistan since the war began in 2001.

The event, sponsored by the Navy SEAL Foundation, will serve as a “version of the ‘moment of silence’,” according to their website.

Explosive Detection Dog ‘Lucky’ missing in action

Related media

16 August 2011  Explosive Detection Dog (EDD) ‘Lucky’ is ‘missing in action’ in Afghanistan after the same battle that took the life of Sergeant Todd Langley in northern Helmand province on 4 July 2011.
During the course of the battle Lucky broke away from his patrol and despite repeated attempts to call him back he was last seen in the vicinity of a major insurgent concentration. It was not possible for the Australian soldiers to search for the dog in safety as they were under heavy insurgent fire.

Welcome Home Dogs

Therapy goes to the dogs

Camp Atterbury Public Affairs

Story by Jill Swank 08.08.2011 CAMP ATTERBURY JOINT MANEUVER TRAINING CENTER, Ind. – As the young soldier sat in line Aug. 4 to go through the demobilization process, she whispered into the ear of a dog named Lugnut brought by Dog Trainer Kristi Rush, of Indianapolis.

Sgt. 1st Class David Davila, of Northville, Mich., from the Michigan Army National Guard’s 1225th Corps Support Battalion, which recently returned from Kandahar, Afghanistan, pets 3-year-old therapy dog, Lugnut, Aug. 4. Welcome Home Dogs, a volunteer organization of handlers and dogs, recently started visiting Camp Atterbury soldiers as they work through the mobilization and demobilization process. Photo by Jill Swank

Lugnut, a 3-year-old Golden Retriever and registered therapy dog, who lives in Indianapolis with the Rush family, recently visited with demobilizing soldiers returning from a 10-month tour in Afghanistan. Rush escorted Lugnut and three other teams of handlers and dogs through a few buildings to greet the returning soldiers and staff.

Hawaii Fi-Do dog therapy for devil dogs

Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Kaneohe Bay

Cpl. Daniel Carter, a patient at Wounded Warrior Battalion West - Detachment Hawaii, watches as Marie Selarque, professional dog trainer for Hawaii Fi-Do, works with Finnegan, a 3-year-old Labrador retriever and a Hawaii Fi-Do dog. The organization is conducting a six-week program with the wounded warriors, offering emotional therapy through interaction with specially trained dogs. Since July 15, warriors from the detachment have been working with specially trained dogs from the local nonprofit organization.  Photo by Kristen Wong

08.05.2011 Story by Kristen Wong MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii - Lance Cpl. Joshua Jablon has nightmares from time to time.

Fortunately, he has a new friend he can count on to wake him and offer him comfort when necessary. Through Hawaii Fi-Do, wounded warriors like Jablon are learning to heal, with some canine care.

MoI, Baghdad Police College K9 handler graduation

Written by U.S. Army Spc. Karen Sampson

BAGHDAD – U.S. and Iraqi Soldiers, along with distinguished members of the Iraqi National Police, gathered at the Baghdad Police College near Joint Security Station Shield for a graduation of 26 canine handlers July 30.

The 8-week training program was designed to educate Iraqi police in the handling of dogs specifically trained in explosives detection.

Bomb detection dogs are universally recognized as the most effective means of detecting explosives, said U.S. Air Force Capt. John W. Jansheski, chief, Canine Advisory Team, Iraq Training and Advisory Mission Police, from Newark, Ohio. The dogs arrive to the college trained in basic obedience and odor recognition of approximately 9 basic components of explosives. "We follow up our handling program with the proper care of working dogs,”

said Jansheski. “We make the new handlers aware of the dogs’ need for attention 24/7 with logistic support, medical support and care of the dog’s emotional side as well.”

The challenge in Iraq, as in much of the Arab world, is that dogs are considered unclean,” said Gen. Mohamed Moshab Hajer, chief, Iraqi National Police K9 Unit, Baghdad Police College. “Very few families in Iraq grow up with dogs,” he said.

The ITAM Police - K9 training program, in conjunction with the Baghdad Police College, is working to move beyond these sensitivities. “The program’s training mission is to create a successful training team between the canine and the Iraqi handler,” said Mohamed.

Hobo's back to work after surviving Taliban attack

A two-year-old black Labrador military search dog is back on the Helmand front line sniffing out improvised explosive devices (IEDs) after having recovered from serious injuries sustained during a battle with insurgents.

Left to right: Rifleman (Rfn) Ranjiv Limbu, Rfn Anjan Gurung, Corporal Arun Limbu and Rfn Bidur Limbu with military working dog Hobo, back on patrol in Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province, southern Afghanistan  [Picture: Corporal Andy Reddy, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

 

A Military Operations news article 2 Aug 11

Trained to sniff out IEDs and lead patrols to safety, Hobo has been in Helmand for two months, saving the lives of countless soldiers and marines.

MoI, Baghdad Police College K9 handler graduation

Written by U.S. Army Spc. Karen Sampson

Tuesday, August 02, 2011 BAGHDAD – U.S. and Iraqi Soldiers, along with distinguished members of the Iraqi National Police, gathered at the Baghdad Police College at Forward Operating Base Shield for a graduation of 26 canine handlers July 30.

The 8-week training program was designed to educate Iraqi police in the handling of dogs specifically trained in explosives detection.

Bomb detection dogs are universally recognized as the most effective means of detecting explosives, said U.S. Air Force Capt. John W. Jansheski, chief, Canine Advisory Team, Iraq Training and Advisory Mission Police, from Newark, Ohio. The dogs arrive to the college trained in

Specialized search dogs join the fight against IEDs

7/29/2011  By Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud  , Marine Corps Bases Japan 

 

CAMP SCHWAB, OKINAWA, Japan  — Specialized search dogs have become a new weapon in the war on improvised explosive devices, roving more than 100 meters in front of their handlers to find the deadly devices before they can be triggered.

SSD handlers with Military Police Support Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF worked with their dogs to perfect their detection abilities at Oura Wan beach at Camp Schwab July 26, clearing designated lanes of travel of explosive devices planted for training purposes, much as they would do on a combat deployment.

CAMP SCHWAB, OKINAWA, Japan-Lance Cpl. Joel Juarez, a specialized search dog handler, Military Police Support Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, shows his dog Benny a route to be searched for improvised explosive devices at Oura Wan beach on Camp Schwab July 26., Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud, 7/26/2011

“We set up scenarios such as a possible IED lane that friendly forces need passage through. The SSD handlers needed to clear the passage-way prior to the friendly forces going through,” said Cpl. Anthony J. Manfredini, combat tracking dog handler, MP Support Co. “We set up what we call ‘aids’. They are live explosives without the initiating system and I can either bury them or hide them under something.”

MWD Nero honored in memorial, remembered by Airmen

by Lea Johnson
21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

7/25/2011 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Nero was born in October 1999. Through an academy at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Nero completed both a patrol school and explosive detector school, and arrived at Peterson Air Force Base ready for duty less than three years later.

Nero, a 21st Security Forces Squadron military working dog passed away earlier this year and was honored in a memorial service on Peterson Air Force base July 21, 2011. Various 21st Space Wing members gathered together to remember Nero and his service, which spanned nearly a decade. Many Airmen on Peterson AFB remember Nero from around base for his long fur and lovable demeanor. Military working dogs are considered not just animals, but vital partners to their human comrades. The loss of a working dog is similar to the loss of any other member of the unit. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Nero, a military working dog, was honored at a memorial service July 21 at the Peterson AFB auditorium.

On the stage was a display honoring the bond between Nero and his handlers.

"The leather leash and chain represent the everlasting bond between dog and handler," said Staff Sgt. Tony Carter, 21st Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler and ceremony narrator. "The empty kennel where he once slept represents the life he gave to protect us, our brothers and sisters, and our freedom. The inverted bucket reminds us that Nero is no longer here to fulfill the need for food and water in a life that asked for no more in return than our companionship and our affection."

K9s winners at finding Taleban IEDs

Finding Taliban IEDs is a game for military dogs

A Military Operations news article

22 Jul 11

Treading the deadly paths of Afghanistan to uncover bombs that would otherwise kill their human colleagues, dogs have become an essential asset in conflict. Report by Joe Clapson.

Corporal Robin Ardis, Royal Army Veterinary Corps, with his search dog Travis
[Picture: Graeme Main, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

But, unlike troops, the military animals in Helmand province are blissfully unaware of what is being hunted or the daily risk they face. All they know is that a ball or treat follows a successful find.

103 Military Working Dog Squadron is currently based at Camp Bastion. Part of the squadron, Private Patrick Medhurst-Feeney, a veterinary technician in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC), explained that infantry personnel on patrol are happy to see the animals because of their ability to detect IEDs:

"The lads always give these dogs a good reception because they inspire confidence due to their proven track record," he said.

 

K-9 police team trained for drug, explosive interdiction

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

07.19.2011 BASRAH, Iraq - The police working dog program for the Iraqi police here in Basrah is expanding with assistance from Stability Transition Team Enforcer, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.

An Iraqi policeman trains with his police dog on explosives detection at a canine training facility in Basrah, Iraq. (Photo by: Spc. Jared Forsythe, 55th Signal Co., (Combat Camera) 3AAB, 1st Cav. Div.)

The police have started to maximize the use of these highly trained and skilled canines. They currently have seven dogs trained for detecting explosives and drugs, and plan to add five more to the team.

LCpl Wostencroft & Her Impish Canine Kevin Return

by UK Forces Afghanistan: “Kevin true to form spent much of his spare time terrorising Claire (the Medic) eventually forcing her to move out of our mud hut and into the one next door to us…oops!! I think the final straw was when she walked in and discovered Kevin had chewed a Kevin-sized hole in her mosquito net and was laid there fully stretched out on her camp cot eating her teddies!!”

It’s been a while but they’re back!  Lance Corporal Kelly Wolstencroft (RAVC) and her extremely mischievous but very effective Military Working Dog Kevin are back from R&R and Kelly has written the next instalment of their interesting and always amusing blog.

Below the picture is an extract from this blog and you can read the full piece (all about IED finds, birthdays, holidays and Kev’s trip to the doggy dentist!) by clicking HERE, or on the images below.

Happy 2nd Birthday Kev! Photo: LCpl Kelly Wolstencroft RAVC.

 

Guardian of patrols: Afghan dog fights like Marine

2nd Marine Division

Willy Pete joins Marines from Company D, 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division (Forward), as they patrol near the village. Willy joins the Marines during day and night patrols. Photo by Cpl. Jeff Drew

07.11.2011 Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew FORWARD OPERATING BASE PAYNE, Helmand province, Afghanistan – He defends Marines and sailors with love and tenacity, protecting them as any Marine would protect a brother-in-arms. He is the epitome of man’s best friend, shielding service members from the enemy while providing companionship and camaraderie. His name is Willy Pete, and he’s a warrior, a protector, a friend. He’s also a dog.

Royal Marines in Helmand gone to the dogs

Lance Corporal Tom Welstand, a dog handler with 103 Military Dog Squadron, shares a moment with his search dog Steegan, during an operation in Helmand province. The pair are working alongside 42 Commando Royal Marines, who are operating with Afghan troops to help improve local people's access to the central and provincial Afghanistan government.

CROWN COPYRIGHT

MWD Fanata on the job

06/20/2011 - Fanta, a U.S. Air Force military working dog assigned to the 51st Fighter Wing, barks during an exercise at Osan Air Base in Songtan, South Korea, June 20, 2011. Military working dogs are trained to work with their handlers and perform duties that range from drug and explosive detection to patrol. (DoD photo by Senior Airman Evelyn Chavez, U.S. Air Force/Released)

 

(c) DoD