A military working dog (MWD) is a canine military member who aides their handler in performing security patrols or searching for and detecting explosives and narcotics. All MWDs, from every branch of the military, are sent to Lackland AFB, Texas for fundamental training. The training is composed of a 90-day course where the MWD is…
Canines are one of the best partners that we can have. I don’t want to sound demeaning, but they are also a great tool. The nose of a canine can sniff out suspects, drugs and explosives. Agencies around the world tend to spend thousands of dollars for a canine, most of the time that doesn’t…
About 11.11.11: V-DAY 11.11.11 is a feature-length documentary that examines what it means to be a veteran in America by telling the stories of some of the men and women who dedicate their lives to our country. Cameras followed veterans from every branch of war and times served on November 11, 2011 for a glimpse…
HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Riding in an armored truck over Afghanistan’s rutted dirt roads is scarcely a smooth or comfortable experience. Each bump is felt as springs groan and creak under the weight of the mine resistant, ambush-protected vehicle. The air conditioner circulates dusty air, and unless you’re right next to the vents, you’re drenched…
New York, NY – Military Working Dogs are more intelligent than second and first lieutenants, according to an article to be published next week in Army Times. The article, titled “Who’s Got the Smarts?” examines groups of soldiers from different ranks, military occupation specialties, and career branches, and then orders them by intelligence. “We factored…
Rebecca’s War Dog of the Week: Memorial for first female handler KIA By Rebecca Frankel Best Defense Chief Canine Correspondent On January 12, a bronze plaque was unveiled in front of the kennels at Fort Belvoir bearing the facility’s new name: “Sgt. Zainah “Caye” Creamer Military Working Dog Kennels.” It was a year ago…
Military working dog handlers with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I-MEF, have been participating in Large Scale Exercise-1, Javelin Thrust 2012. From left to right: Cpl. John Brady, with his patrol explosive detector dog, Tesa. Cpl. Fidel Rodriguez, with his combat tracker dog, Aron. Cpl. Dwight Jackson, with his patrol explosive detector dog, Hugo. Lance Cpl.…
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – When a working dog is sick or injured, the staff of the Kandahar Airfield Veterinary Medical Team is a dog’s best friend. The veterinary medical team here operates a medical clinic for canines deployed to southern Afghanistan Read More:
On Oct. 6, Gabe, a weapons sniffing dog at Fort Jackson who conducted 210 combat missions in Iraq – and has more than 20,000 Facebook friends – will be cooling his paws at the Beverly Hills Hilton with the likes of Betty White and Whoopi Goldberg. The 10-year-old lab mix — who was rescued as…
I came across this wonderful photo of Butch and war-dog tribute in his honor on United States War Dog Association’s Facebook page this week. I got in touch with the owner of the photograph, Tonja Dubois, and not only did she graciously give permission to share the image here (a photograph her father carried in…