thedrifter
05-09-04, 07:24 AM
Military police, K-9 partners work hand in hand
Submitted by: MCAS Miramar
Story Identification Number: 200456143357
Story by Lance Cpl. Skye Jones
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif.(May 6, 2004) -- The Belgian Malinois, which some may say sounds like a foreign body part, is a war-fighting tool that is highly capable of breaking human bones.
The Malinois is actually a working dog that will defend its master until the end. The characteristics of a Malinois include alertness, devotion, intensity, and vigilance - characteristics that can compare to those of a real "devil dog."
Sgt. Wilfred K. Porras and his partner in justice, Kwinto, work together to benefit the Marine Corps.
"We aid the Corps by being ready to go at any given time," said the North Bergen, N.J., native. "When the Corps needs us, Kwinto and I are set for that mission."
Kwinto and his K-9 handler have deployed to the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, twice in the past two years since they've been working with each other. In addition, they have successfully accomplished two Presidential secret service missions.
Porras said training is a must in order to prepare for all types of operations he and his partner may be called up for.
"When we're not patrolling, we're training," he added.
"We try to train as realistically as possible and in every environment so the handler and dog will feel confident enough for any mission," said Mabank, Texas, native Staff Sgt. Heath L. Kinder, K-9 kennel master.
Every military working dog and future partner in protecting crime must complete three parts of training, the first being the five phases of aggression training.
First, a Marine and his dog must conduct a field interview. A person will come within one arms distance from the two, and the dog must sit and refrain from attacking.
"If I come in close contact with a person, I need to ensure that Kwinto will not bite them. These dogs are very handler protective," explained Porras.
The second phase is called a "false run into a bite."
"If I'm on patrol and I ask someone for their identification and they do not comply, I will give them a warning. If they run, I will unleash Kwinto," described Porras.
The third phase of training, explained Porras, is a stand off. If a person runs but then shouts, "I give up!" a command to cease the attack will be ordered. Next is the search phase. The dog will go up to a person and the command to "stay" will be vocalized while the person is searched.
Lastly, the team will conduct escort training. If after the search the suspect is apprehended, the dog will have to heal and watch the person without biting.
"I know Kwinto has my back. If someone is behind me, he'll warn me," said Porras. "He protects me. He'll save my life and other people's lives."
After aggression training is complete, the dogs go through detection training which includes building and area searches.
First, explained Porras, he challenges the building and shouts, "Show yourself or I'll release my dog." If there is no response he tells Kwinto to "Find 'em!" Kwinto will then go in the structure and search for the suspect and clear the building.
This type of training, he added, comes in handy.
"Take this past month for example. We conducted an explosive detection at the commissary and exchange. Both buildings had to be cleared because we received a bomb threat," mentioned Porras.
Conducting an area search is just as important, he explained, and can be held anywhere from a field, park or an open lot.
The third and final category of training is obedience instruction. This includes going through the obstacle course, which is located at the K-9 building. Commands as basic as "sit" and "heal" are taught as well.
"In order for Kwinto and I to become a team, we have to prove ourselves worthy," said Porras. "Every new military working dog team must get certified."
The Provost Marshal will verify if the team is ready to work together. To demonstrate their capabilities, they will have to pass a test. A realistic scenario will be set up, and the two will have to tackle the task at hand. Explosive dogs will have to detect all of the bombs in the building and narcotic dogs will have to find all the drugs. Once certified, the Marine and his dog become a K-9 unit.
"They make a great team," mentioned Ellsworth, Mich., native Cpl. Michael J. Rubingh, military police and working dog handler. "They both rely on each other."
Porras said the age-old saying dogs are a "man's best friend" holds true in his case.
"He's my partner and buddy," concluded Porras.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200456161954/$file/040413-M-3762J-035WOOFlo.jpg
Sgt. Wilfred K. Porras, military police, K9 handler, and his military working dog, Kwinto share a bonding momment. Porras and Kwinto are preparing to deploy this year. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Skye Jones
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/5C44CBD2D74FEBF585256E8C0065FC51?opendocument
Ellie
Submitted by: MCAS Miramar
Story Identification Number: 200456143357
Story by Lance Cpl. Skye Jones
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif.(May 6, 2004) -- The Belgian Malinois, which some may say sounds like a foreign body part, is a war-fighting tool that is highly capable of breaking human bones.
The Malinois is actually a working dog that will defend its master until the end. The characteristics of a Malinois include alertness, devotion, intensity, and vigilance - characteristics that can compare to those of a real "devil dog."
Sgt. Wilfred K. Porras and his partner in justice, Kwinto, work together to benefit the Marine Corps.
"We aid the Corps by being ready to go at any given time," said the North Bergen, N.J., native. "When the Corps needs us, Kwinto and I are set for that mission."
Kwinto and his K-9 handler have deployed to the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, twice in the past two years since they've been working with each other. In addition, they have successfully accomplished two Presidential secret service missions.
Porras said training is a must in order to prepare for all types of operations he and his partner may be called up for.
"When we're not patrolling, we're training," he added.
"We try to train as realistically as possible and in every environment so the handler and dog will feel confident enough for any mission," said Mabank, Texas, native Staff Sgt. Heath L. Kinder, K-9 kennel master.
Every military working dog and future partner in protecting crime must complete three parts of training, the first being the five phases of aggression training.
First, a Marine and his dog must conduct a field interview. A person will come within one arms distance from the two, and the dog must sit and refrain from attacking.
"If I come in close contact with a person, I need to ensure that Kwinto will not bite them. These dogs are very handler protective," explained Porras.
The second phase is called a "false run into a bite."
"If I'm on patrol and I ask someone for their identification and they do not comply, I will give them a warning. If they run, I will unleash Kwinto," described Porras.
The third phase of training, explained Porras, is a stand off. If a person runs but then shouts, "I give up!" a command to cease the attack will be ordered. Next is the search phase. The dog will go up to a person and the command to "stay" will be vocalized while the person is searched.
Lastly, the team will conduct escort training. If after the search the suspect is apprehended, the dog will have to heal and watch the person without biting.
"I know Kwinto has my back. If someone is behind me, he'll warn me," said Porras. "He protects me. He'll save my life and other people's lives."
After aggression training is complete, the dogs go through detection training which includes building and area searches.
First, explained Porras, he challenges the building and shouts, "Show yourself or I'll release my dog." If there is no response he tells Kwinto to "Find 'em!" Kwinto will then go in the structure and search for the suspect and clear the building.
This type of training, he added, comes in handy.
"Take this past month for example. We conducted an explosive detection at the commissary and exchange. Both buildings had to be cleared because we received a bomb threat," mentioned Porras.
Conducting an area search is just as important, he explained, and can be held anywhere from a field, park or an open lot.
The third and final category of training is obedience instruction. This includes going through the obstacle course, which is located at the K-9 building. Commands as basic as "sit" and "heal" are taught as well.
"In order for Kwinto and I to become a team, we have to prove ourselves worthy," said Porras. "Every new military working dog team must get certified."
The Provost Marshal will verify if the team is ready to work together. To demonstrate their capabilities, they will have to pass a test. A realistic scenario will be set up, and the two will have to tackle the task at hand. Explosive dogs will have to detect all of the bombs in the building and narcotic dogs will have to find all the drugs. Once certified, the Marine and his dog become a K-9 unit.
"They make a great team," mentioned Ellsworth, Mich., native Cpl. Michael J. Rubingh, military police and working dog handler. "They both rely on each other."
Porras said the age-old saying dogs are a "man's best friend" holds true in his case.
"He's my partner and buddy," concluded Porras.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200456161954/$file/040413-M-3762J-035WOOFlo.jpg
Sgt. Wilfred K. Porras, military police, K9 handler, and his military working dog, Kwinto share a bonding momment. Porras and Kwinto are preparing to deploy this year. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Skye Jones
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/5C44CBD2D74FEBF585256E8C0065FC51?opendocument
Ellie