Military Working Dogs

They are our companions. They are our partners. They are our best friends. They are there when we need them. They are our protectors and will put their lives on the line for us. They only want for a little recognition, a scratch behing the ear or a pat on the head and an occasional treat.

They are our dogs. But some of our dogs are called to a higher calling and serve as Military Working Dogs.

Military Working dogs have served side by side with soldiers since March, 1942. They served in the Army’s K-9 Corps. Today, the dogs have an actual military service record book assigned to them and still play an active role in searching for explosives and seizing the enemy.

In World War II, they walked combat patrols overseas. Their keen senses often detected the enemy at a 1,000 yards, long before men became aware of them. They served in Korea, primarily for guard duty. They served in Vietnam where out of the nearly 4,000 dogs employed, approximately 280 were killed in action. They served in the Gulf during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. They continue to serve, with their handlers, in today’s Global War on Terrorism.

These dogs perform Search and Rescue, security patrol, guard duty, and explosives detection. They are Soldiers and Partners. They are as valuable as any other resource we have in the Military today.

A bond is built forever,
Forever and a day,
Built on love,
Built on trust,
That is the canine way.

The Department of Defense has a Special Section dedicated to the Military Working Dog. It has some great links and music. Click on the image and check it out. I am interested in what you think.

2 Comments

1. I love to read about the WMDs. My daughter is a 91 tango and gets to look after them from time to time at the clinic. They are awesome and unsung heroes. I’m so glad that there is going to be a memorial for them come June in New Jersey.

   Comment by yankeemom — May 1, 2006 @ 1:13 pm | Edit This

2. Yankee Mom, Thank you for visiting and leaving a note .

   I had a look at your site. I like it. Will try to get a link up in the next few days.

   Also saw that your daughter was at Ft Leonard Wood. Ahh, how well I remember the January and Fedruary I spent there many years ago.

   Good lick to your daughter. I hope Greg gets well and I will keep him and your daughter in my thoughts.

   Hooah!!

   Comment by Echo9er — May 1, 2006 @ 2:56 pm | Edit This

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