Thursday, August 18, 2016

Information On Military Working Dogs

By Lisa Morris


Mostly referred to as MDWs, these are specific breeds that undergo rigorous training in preparation for battle. These military working dogs play a major role in ensuring that concealed drugs, weapons, and bombs are identified before causing any harm. Similarly, the task of ensuring a safe return of the troops is conferred upon these animal professionals. History tells it that they have been used in times of war from as early as 120BC. This due to their athletic nature, loyalty, fast learning capabilities and their strong sense of smell.

The most preferred breeds for such work would include the German shepherd, the retriever and the Belgian Malinois. Such breeds normally are acquired from countries as Germany and Netherlands. Prior to being termed as a full member of the military, they get to sharpen their biting skills and their smelling skills through special training schedules.

Such training normally is provided by specific military establishments as the lack land air force base. The dog gets to go through an up to 90 day training program which normally is overseen by the relevant dog handler. Each of the four legged personnel gets to specialize in one area out of these three main areas. These being, drug detection, explosives detection and troop protection. These dogs, which similarly have names to them, are treated as part of the military group and would not be left behind when injured.

With current technological advancements, these military employees get to sport state of the art gears that protects them from external attacks and similarly allow for specific activities as parachuting and communication between the dog and the handler. Most of them have become famous due to their heroic acts. Most notable of these heroics is Cairo, a dog that was involved in the take down Osama bin laden.

Having been through the rigors of battle, most of them thereafter suffer post-traumatic stress disorders. Lucky enough, there exists cures that can remedy such situations. Symptoms of these complications would include, withdrawal, frantic attempts to take off, an inability to perfectly conduct the tasks designated to and paranoia.

These dogs, after years of service, normally are put up for adoption where they get to retire in peace and comfort. To make sure of their comfort, reports on their current conditions usually are frequently collected, and this alongside time to time visits.

For those that do not survive the battle field, respectful memorial services are conducted for them. Additionally, special awards are awarded to those that perform heroic acts in their time of service. Such is the award known as the PDSA Dickin medal. Most recent awards were presented in the Capitol Hill ceremony on the 12th of July this year.

It would be true to therefore conclude that they are of great importance to the human life, especially during warfare. Additionally, the statement that they are mans best friend is clearly supported by the fact that, such friendship endures between these soldiers and their handlers even during stressful hours in the battlefield.




About the Author:



No comments :

Post a Comment