K9 unit

[K_Johnston]

you have completely lost me.

I thought you wanted all dogs under MP control, now you're saying you wnat to take them away? And R(C?)MP SERT? What relationship does that have to do with MPs? And where do MPs and JTF2 meet?

What, exactly, is your military experience again?

It made a lot more sense in my mind then it did typed out.   I was trying to use examples of where one job was firmly under control of one unit, but handed to another when it was discovered things could be done with more effect.  As in instead of the original unit keeping a hold on that job and build an empire, it has branched out of been handed to someone else.
I was trying to use it as an example of how you could initially begin the dog program with MP's, but then expand to have dogs everywhere they may be needed.  I dont mean all dogs should be under the MP's, I realize now it doesnt make sense.  But I am saying it would be a good place to start.

Sorry if it isn't clear still exactly what Im tring to say.  I often get told to pipe down unless I can make others understand it clearly.

 

[big bad john]

I read this article in today's Stars and Stripes and I thought that it might be of some interest.

http://www.stripesonline.com/article.asp?article=37398&section=104

Miesau kennel reopened to house military working dogs


By Steve Mraz, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Tuesday, May 23, 2006



Steve Mraz / S&S
Rio, a 7-year-old German Shepard, chases down Staff Sgt. Darren Smith with the 529th Military Police Company on Friday after the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new kennel at Miesau Army Ammo Depot. The scenario was a demonstration of a felony traffic stop while using a canine.


Steve Mraz / S&S
Rio, a 7-year-old German shepard, holds down Staff Sgt. Darren Smith with the 529th Military Police Company on Friday after the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new kennel at Miesau Army Ammo Depot.


MIESAU, Germany — A dog kennel at Miesau Army Depot has received a new lease on life thanks to the war on terror.

Military working dog teams will be able to use the facility, which is capable of housing 60 dogs, during their transits to and from locations downrange. And in addition to housing working dog teams in transit, the facility also will support the Kaiserslautern Military Community.

A ribbon-cutting took place Friday morning to celebrate the The newly refurbished facility, which is on the western edge of the Kaiserslautern Military Community and just minutes away from Ramstein Air Base.

“Recently with the global war on terrorism, we’re looking at huge numbers of dogs we have to transit through this community,” said Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth S. Throckmorton, military working dog program manager with the Headquarters U.S. Army Europe Office of the Provost Marshal. “Every time we move dogs through here we’re not talking five or 10. In some cases, we’re talking 30, 40 dogs because no longer is the (military police) corps the unique provider of military working dogs. You have engineers, Special Forces, infantry and so on.”

Years ago, the Miesau kennel housed sentry dogs that patrolled the installation when sensitive items were stored there. For 20 years, it was the largest kennel in the Army, but the kennel closed as Miesau stopped housing the important equipment.

As a result of needed support for the downrange mission and the prospective “end state” of U.S. Army bases in Europe, a decision was made to revive the Miesau kennels, Throckmorton said.

Now, the Miesau kennel is the premier military working dog facility in Europe, said Col. Jack McClanahan, U.S. Army Europe provost marshal.

“A lot of people kind of grin whenever they say, ‘Ah, it’s just a working dog facility,’” McClanahan said. “Well, ask the warfighters, community commanders and senior mission commanders if they can do without their working dogs. Let me just tell you. I’ve gotten three-star (general) phone calls about shortages of one working dog, one explosives dog in a far-off place before that I had to scramble and pull together. I guarantee you, people care.”

Given the importance of combating hidden explosives and roadside bombs, military working dog teams are some of the most deployed, most in demand and dependable force protection tool available.

“They are absolutely essential,” McClanahan said.

The highlight of Friday’s ceremony was a demonstration of a felony traffic stop involving a military working dog. Staff Sgt. Darren Smith with the 529th Military Police Company put on a protective jacket before attempting to outrun Staff Sgt. Clayton Glover, also with the 529th MP Company, and Rio, a 7-year-old military working dog. Smith did not make it far before Rio, a German shepherd, bit his left arm and pulled him to the ground while Glover slapped a pair of handcuffs on Smith.

 

[Cloud Cover]

When I was in Scotland in 2002 the RAF police were using them for security patrols around the fence perimeters as well.

The sheep are probably angry.

 

[IN HOC SIGNO]

The sheep are probably angry.

Gotta keep them away from the Air Force! uh because of FOD...yeah that's it.....

 

[big bad john]

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/PeopleInDefence/TheyveAllGoneBarkingInBallykelly.htm

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They've all gone barking in Ballykelly
6 Jul 06
A Canine Biathlon for the Army Dog Unit in Northern Ireland is never going to be your average dog day out.


Getting down to it; one of the competitors gets a little bit wet as she gets through the river with her dog.
[Picture: Sgt Will Craig RLC]
Forget about pampered pedigrees and parading pooches, the Best in Show at Shackleton Barracks, Ballykelly exhibits gruelling physical ability, mental agility, military skill and an intense bond between handler and dog.

The 18th Canine Biathlon for the Army Dog Unit in Northern Ireland saw 60 service dogs and their handlers completing an incredibly demanding four and a half mile course which involved explosions, water, darkness and shooting! Doesn't really sound like Crufts does it!

Major Matt Sheriff, who took part in the competition said the course took about an hour to complete. "A desperate hour," he says.

"It was one of the most difficult things I have ever done. You want to gasp for breath, but you can't."

There were lots of ‘stands' along the course, involving the handlers having to strip and assemble their weapons, do press-ups, throw grenades and carry their dogs on a narrow walk way.

Major Sheriff continued:

"It was a fun event, but was also designed to the test the bond between man and dog. It was often tested to the limits. The hardest activity for me was going down a dark tunnel with water in, and shoving my dog Jess down too. It was absolutely demanding!"


Up, up and away; Private Mark Sadler Royal Irish goes over one of the obstacles. [Picture: Sgt Will Craig RLC]
[Picture: Sgt Will Craig RLC]
The competition lasted all day and was won by Lance Corporal Goodall from Ballykelly, and his dog Odie. The day was sponsored by dog food provider Eukanuba, who according to Major Sheriff "Did us proud." The prizes were presented by the Director of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, Brigadier Andrew Warde.

The Army Dog Unit Northern Ireland has provided trained dog teams and veterinary expertise throughout the province since 1973 with currently 132 dogs in the province and 100 handlers, supporting the army.

A unique military unit, it is made up of Royal Army Veterinary Corps Dog Handlers and volunteers from other Regiments and Corps. As part of the Northern Ireland normalisation process the Unit is relocating to North Luffenham next year so although some dogs will remain in the province, this was the last Canine Biathlon for the unit.

Major Sherriff will be in London next week for the opening of the Animals' War Exhibition at the Imperial War Museum. Opening on July 14, the exhibition will tell the story of  animals as diverse as dogs, elephants, dolphins and rats, caught up in twentieth century conflicts.

The last Canine Biathlon in Ballykelly celebbrated 33 years of continous sevice by the Unit. and was enjoyed by all who particpaited. Including the dogs.

Major Sheriff added:

"There were a few humans who were suffering from stiffness the next day but no dog injuries. And you could tell by the dogs faces they had a great time."

Despite asking, we were unfortunately unable to get a quote from Odie, the winning dog.

 

[big bad john]

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/OneManAndHisSearchDog.htm

One man and his search dog
25 Jul 06
Anyone who reads a newspaper or watches television is more than aware of the UK's involvement in Southern Afghanistan and the 3,000 plus British troops that are deployed there. But not many are aware of the military working dogs that are doing their bit to restore peace and security in Afghanistan.


Lance Corporal Bates and Jamie
[Picture: Cpl Mike Fletcher RLC]
By the end of July 2006, both search and patrol dogs will be deployed in Afghanistan and will be providing vital canine assistance to the security efforts. At the British base in Lashkar Gah, Lance Corporal Charlie Bates, aged 24 from Birstall in west Yorkshire, and his Vehicle Search (VS) dog, Jamie, aged 7 in human years, are just one team which daily put themselves on the frontline in order to assist security.
Lance Corporal Bates (Royal Army Veterinary Corps) and Jamie provide an invaluable service by searching vehicles which wish to enter the base for arms and explosives. In total, Lance Corporal Bates has had nearly a year's worth of training courses to get to his current level as a class one dog trainer. He has now completed five years of service and been to Iraq, USA and Canada.

Military dogs and handlers are trained at the Defence Animal Centre (DAC) in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Dog handlers are taught all aspects of animal husbandry, including dog first aid, as well as more specialist subjects. When asked about his job as military dog trainer, Lance Corporal Bates said:

"It's the best job in the world, I'm getting paid to work with dogs. It's a very rewarding job especially if it leads to something that could save lives."


Lance Corporal Charlie Bates and Jamie search a truck upon entering the base at Lashkar Gah
[Picture: Cpl Mike Fletcher RLC]
As for his current tour in Afghanistan, he said:
"Afghanistan is very similar to Iraq, especially the heat, but my training prior to deployment has more than prepared me and my dog for the task ahead. It has been very enjoyable and the feed back from the locals has been very positive."

Jamie's initial training as a VS dog takes approximately 16 weeks before he posted to his first operational unit. Search dog Jamie has been in Afghanistan for six months now and will return to Sennelager towards the end of 2006. Jamie has also deployed to Northern Ireland and Kosovo carrying out vital search duties. As with most of the search dogs, Jamie came from a rescue centre.

Normally based at 102 Military Working Dog Support Unit, in Sennelager, Germany, Lance Corporal Bates is one of approximately 30 dog handlers at the unit. The unit has a wide variety of military working dogs which include protection, arms and explosive search and vehicle search dogs.

The Secretary of State for Defence, John Reid, announced in January a UK Task Force of 3,300 British troops would be deploying to Helmand Province in Southern Afghanistan as part of the NATO International Security Assistance Force, (ISAF).

 

[3rd Herd]

Whereas they are able to detect a Explosive Substance (thus; a concealed bomb or device) they would be useless in the detection of Pressure Plates and Trip Wires and other Detonating Devices. Therefore making them useless in mine clearing and for Patrol Units, other than being used to trip those devices, that IMO would certainly be cruel and inhumane.

Cheers.

There has been over the last fifteen years or so considerable use in the use of dogs for mine and IED particularly in the field of humanitarian mine clearing. As a matter of fact dogs were used prior to Princess Dianh's well publicized walk through minded areas in I believe Angola/Namibia. Demining dogs are certified by the United Nations as being able to achieve the 96% clearance standard(I may be a little off but this is pretty close). Up until 2002 there has not been one death of a dog during actual work. The only instance I can find of dog(s) deaths was in Mozambique in 2001 in which the vehicle carrying the dogs and handlers was deliberately targetted. The cost of training a demining dog was approximately 15,500 Can. in 2002 and was done by an outfit here just outside Calgary. It took about 18 months to train each dog and handler. I have several photos of dogs in action in Africa, Asia and Afghanistan in the late 90's. We also kicked around the idea of having students/ schools/ school districts fund raise to pay for the training of a dog(s) and then be given naming rights. Unfortunately, there was not too much interest from NDHQ.
cheers

 

[3rd Herd]

Source:http://www.landminedogs.com/

 

[Poppa]

Something on this crossed my desk a while back on the Proof of Concept. Seems it's not dead...it just moves as fast as I run  ;D
I'll see if I can dig it up.