Middle East War Dogs
Care Packages for US Military Working Dogs and Handlers
Military canines and handlers in Iraq and Afghanistan brave heat, dust, and danger to warn soldiers of potential ambushes, snipers, and bombs. They also enjoy down time.
More than 250 military dogs in Iraq and Afghanistan play a major role in the present Middle East war effort. They save lives every day by sniffing out weapons caches, bombs, traps, hidden enemies and injured soldiers and civilians.
Duties of the War Dog
Since WWI, working canines have been employed by the US military. These dogs go into dangerous situations ahead of human units and alert to potential ambushes, sniper locations, land mines and other hazards. Their talents are particularly effective in sniffing out plastic-encased explosives that metal detectors cannot sense. When a war dog thwarts an ambush or alerts to a bomb, it’s hard to estimate how many lives are saved, but former Vietnam dog handlers claim there would be at least 10,000 more names on The Wall, had it not been for the talented noses and ears of the war dogs.
The most popular breeds are German Shepherds, Belgian Malinoises, Dobermans, Labradors, and some mixed breeds. They are bred and trained by the 341st Training Squadron at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas for peace keeping and for war. Obedience, aggression tactics, tracking skills, and obstacle course maneuvers are included in their preparation before they are shipped worldwide to support military missions.
The Bond Between Dog and Soldier
Handlers learn to trust their highly-trained dogs to work accurately even amidst the chaotic distractions of war. And the dogs trust their handlers for daily care. Depending heavily on each other for life and for moral support 24 hours a day, the team bonds so strongly that soldiers have been known to volunteer for a second tour of duty just to remain with their dog.
Tragically, the Vietnam war dogs were considered mere equipment by authorities and only a few hundred of the thousands who served made it back home. At the end of the conflict, they were either euthanized or turned over to the Vietnamese. To this day, many Vietnam veterans do not know the fate of their loyal working companion.
Due in part to public awareness following the late 90's airing of a war dogs documentary, a retirement and adoption program for military canines was authorized by Congress and President Clinton in 2000. Later, President Bush also signed a Defense Appropriations Bill that enables military dogs to retire early to be adopted by their handlers following an injury.
Care Packages for War Dogs and Handlers
Military working dogs and their handlers in the Middle East put their lives on the line every day in the name of freedom. Far from family and the comforts of home, they tolerate extreme heat, desert dust, and danger every day.
Supporters on the home front, including the US War Dogs Association, show their appreciation by sending care packages to the teams. USWDA president and former Vietnam war dog handler, Ron Aiello, says the dogs enjoy such items as dog biscuits, heavy-duty chew toys, rope pulls, tennis balls, cooling vests, dog booties, doggles, bedding, nail clippers, ear and eye cleaners, and sunblock without para-aminobenzoic acids. The handlers appreciate special food items, grooming and health items, and supportive letters.
Individuals and organizations interested in sending care packages to military canine teams should visit the US War Dogs Association or contact Ron Aiello at ronaiello@uswardogs.org
Related Reading:
My Best Friend (a war dog handler's own story)
