Four-legged sentinels key to force protection

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Military working dog handler Staff Sgt. Edward Canell watches on as his partner, Rico, sniffs an engine block for explosives. Both are deployed from Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Mae-Li Allison)

by Capt. Mae-Li Allison

379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

11/26/2004 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Dogs are rarely permitted anywhere these days. Whether it is the grocery store or a crowded rock concert, dogs are often turned away at the door.

However, at a forward-deployed location here, the dogs have free reign and an important job to do.

From detecting explosives to searching buildings and sniffing out suspects, the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron’s military working dogs and their handlers help keep the base secure 24 hours a day. This mission ensures their attendance at nearly every base event, and people said they gladly welcome their presence.

“Our military working dogs are a force multiplier and a compliment to the human and technological security elements we have here,†said Lt. Col. Keith Harris, 379th ESFS commander. “Because these dogs have more than a 90-percent detection rate regardless of the environmental conditions, we know our detection capability is really as good as it gets.â€

We salute the great dogs of war! Have you seen this?

US War Dogs