thedrifter
10-14-03, 06:00 AM
Submitted by: MCAS New River
Story Identification Number: 20031013162635
Story by Cpl. Wayne Campbell
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C.(October 8, 2003) -- Military Working Dog Teams can be seen throughout the Station performing a number of different tasks. There is even a sign posted near the front gate warning on comers they may be searched by MWDs. However, few may know the full impact the dogs have on the Station.
"The dogs are an essential part of force protection here," said Cpl. Michael P. Huntley, MWD handler from Fairfax County, Va. "They can be used in any situation."
They are used in many aspects of security, for example bomb threats and sweeps, barracks inspections, command authorized vehicle inspections and patrol. Huntley explained that if a bomb threat is called in, the dog is able to go in and find the explosives though smell, faster and safer than humans could.
When any major event happens on Station or when individuals who require high security, like the president, come aboard, the dogs do explosives sweeps.
Huntley said that MWDs are also used to help community relations between the Station and the surrounding cities by going to nearby schools to host demonstrations for the kids.
The dogs are trained in two different categories, patrol/narcotics dog and patrol/explosives dog, Huntley added.
"The reason we do it that way is because we don't want a dog to alert for something, and the handler doesn't know if its explosives or narcotics," said Huntley. "We also want the narcotics dogs to be aggressive and rip into things like mattresses if the dog smells narcotics inside. On the other hand, we want the explosives dogs to be calm so if they do find explosives it doesn't tear into it causing it to explode."
All dogs are trained for use during patrol, explained Huntley. The dogs are used as a tool to apprehend fleeing suspects, as well as searching for suspects in a variety of places such as buildings or in the woods.
"The majority of the calls the teams receive come from PMO [Provost Marshal?s Office] for search of rooms and vehicles," said Huntley.
When a dog alerts, it gives the handler probable cause to search the item the dog indicated, explained Cpl. Brian J. Byerson, MWD handler from LaCrosse, Wis.
"The dogs create a deterrent for most criminal activity," said Byerson. "Most people have some type of fear of dogs or an understanding of what the dogs are capable of doing. When they see the dogs around the Station they have second thoughts about doing something wrong."
Huntley explained that not any dog could become an MWD.
"Military Working Dogs are chosen for their physical and mental health, as well as their dominant personality and ability to comprehend commands," said Huntley.
According to Huntley, the dogs and handlers go through a vigorous training course at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.
"A Military Working Dog's average tour of duty is approximately 12 to 14 years, at which time the dog is either put to sleep or adopted out to previous dog handlers," he said. "A dog can be retired earlier if it encounters health problems. If the health problem is not too severe the dog can be sent down to the training center to help train new handlers."
Security is essential in these times of global unrest. Old and new tools alike are being used to ensure the safety of the Station. Since the use of MWDs began in World War I, they have become a valuable tool for the security military installations worldwide.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/66F21B253805765A85256DBE00704C55?opendocument
Sempers,
Roger
:marine:
Story Identification Number: 20031013162635
Story by Cpl. Wayne Campbell
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C.(October 8, 2003) -- Military Working Dog Teams can be seen throughout the Station performing a number of different tasks. There is even a sign posted near the front gate warning on comers they may be searched by MWDs. However, few may know the full impact the dogs have on the Station.
"The dogs are an essential part of force protection here," said Cpl. Michael P. Huntley, MWD handler from Fairfax County, Va. "They can be used in any situation."
They are used in many aspects of security, for example bomb threats and sweeps, barracks inspections, command authorized vehicle inspections and patrol. Huntley explained that if a bomb threat is called in, the dog is able to go in and find the explosives though smell, faster and safer than humans could.
When any major event happens on Station or when individuals who require high security, like the president, come aboard, the dogs do explosives sweeps.
Huntley said that MWDs are also used to help community relations between the Station and the surrounding cities by going to nearby schools to host demonstrations for the kids.
The dogs are trained in two different categories, patrol/narcotics dog and patrol/explosives dog, Huntley added.
"The reason we do it that way is because we don't want a dog to alert for something, and the handler doesn't know if its explosives or narcotics," said Huntley. "We also want the narcotics dogs to be aggressive and rip into things like mattresses if the dog smells narcotics inside. On the other hand, we want the explosives dogs to be calm so if they do find explosives it doesn't tear into it causing it to explode."
All dogs are trained for use during patrol, explained Huntley. The dogs are used as a tool to apprehend fleeing suspects, as well as searching for suspects in a variety of places such as buildings or in the woods.
"The majority of the calls the teams receive come from PMO [Provost Marshal?s Office] for search of rooms and vehicles," said Huntley.
When a dog alerts, it gives the handler probable cause to search the item the dog indicated, explained Cpl. Brian J. Byerson, MWD handler from LaCrosse, Wis.
"The dogs create a deterrent for most criminal activity," said Byerson. "Most people have some type of fear of dogs or an understanding of what the dogs are capable of doing. When they see the dogs around the Station they have second thoughts about doing something wrong."
Huntley explained that not any dog could become an MWD.
"Military Working Dogs are chosen for their physical and mental health, as well as their dominant personality and ability to comprehend commands," said Huntley.
According to Huntley, the dogs and handlers go through a vigorous training course at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.
"A Military Working Dog's average tour of duty is approximately 12 to 14 years, at which time the dog is either put to sleep or adopted out to previous dog handlers," he said. "A dog can be retired earlier if it encounters health problems. If the health problem is not too severe the dog can be sent down to the training center to help train new handlers."
Security is essential in these times of global unrest. Old and new tools alike are being used to ensure the safety of the Station. Since the use of MWDs began in World War I, they have become a valuable tool for the security military installations worldwide.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/66F21B253805765A85256DBE00704C55?opendocument
Sempers,
Roger
:marine: