Military working dogs have been thrust into the media spotlight over the last few years, bringing awareness to the critical roles they play in the U.S. armed forces. While once considered “unsung heroes,” multiple books, television shows, and even a military working dog monument have brought attention to their service. Read More:
Brain trauma from blast force is the signature injury of the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns, afflicting hundreds of thousands of U.S. combat personnel. Although unseen, the damage strikes deeply into a soldier’s mind and psyche. Read More:
Brain injuries caused by blast events change soldiers in ways many can’t articulate. Some use art therapy, creating painted masks to express how they feel. Read More:
Popular adages may promise every dog its day, but the sad reality is canines that serve in the US military — sniffing out bombs, mines and other explosive devices — aren’t even guaranteed return transport after multiple tours of duty overseas. Often, they are left behind with new owners abroad when their handlers return home.…
As the desert air cooled and night fell, Staff Sgt. John Mariana looked down into the reassuring eyes of one of the most valuable comrades of his eight-month deployment to Afghanistan: Bronco, his military working dog. Sgt. Mariana and Bronco were leading a U.S. patrol in June 2011, searching for roadside bombs. Bronco kept his…
CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan – Military working dog handlers put a spin on the old adage, ‘teach an old dog new tricks,’ by participating in a fast-roping exercise with their dogs Oct. 7 at the Camp Hansen rappel tower.This was the first time handlers with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion tried fast-roping with their dogs. Alongside…
It is driven to hunt and capture prey. It looks like a leaner, more agile German Shepherd. It has a 270-degree field of vision and the force of its bite equals 1,400 pounds per square inch. It can run 30 miles per hour. It can withstand the heat of the desert and an August day in Washington,…
In the free-for-all that constitutes information sharing in the age of Twitter, Face Book, and personal blogs, there is plenty of misinformation about Military Working Dogs (MWDs) circulating on social media and on not-to-be-trusted websites. These myths range from the fairly innocuous and tiresome (MWDs are outfitted with titanium teeth to make them more…
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – Throughout the ages, dogs have served as a valuable asset to militaries everywhere. In modern times they continue to serve with U.S. Soldiers in some of the most dangerous conflicts ever. Prior to the year 2000 when a military working dog was retired from service it was euthanized, but on…
CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, OKINAWA, Japan – Military working dog handlers and their dogs executed explosives and narcotics detection, patrolling and bite work training Aug. 7 in the Central Training Area, Okinawa, Japan. During the scenarios, the dogs searched for hidden narcotics and explosives along a trail and in a building. The patrol training involved dogs…