thedrifter
05-14-09, 06:32 AM
‘Man’s best friend’ helps sniff out IEDs
5/13/2009 By Cpl. Meghan J. Canlas , II MEF
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — If a man’s best friend is a dog, then an infantryman’s best friend is an improvised explosive device detection dog.
Marines from 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, practiced detection skills with 13 IEDD dogs, here, May 14.
The Labrador Retrievers went through different scenarios detecting six different types of mock explosives to prepare for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan, and to allow their owners to be reacquainted with their dogs.
“We haven’t seen our dogs since January and it’s refreshing for the dogs and handlers to see each other again,” said Cpl. Chad D. Peters, a dog handler with the battalion’s Personnel Security Detachment. “There’s a whole change of behavior when they smell something. Each dog is different and each handler knows their dog’s behavior.”
On top of the handler knowing their dog’s reactions to different smells, each dog must become accustomed to their handler’s body language.
The handlers use whistles blasts, verbal commands, as well as hand and arm signals to direct their dog while on patrol. The dogs can be sent 400-500 meters away from their handler using these skills.
“The dog goes off of your movement,” said Pfc. Nate W. Dodge, an instructor at the Division Training Center, Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. “It’s almost like playing poker; you pick up on each other’s personality. Once you understand your dog, you can read his mind and he can read yours.”
Although deploying with the dogs can prove vital to a unit’s mission, it can also prove essential to morale.
“It boosts the morale of Marines,” said Dodge. “Working with the dogs gives the patrol an advantage no one else has. They’re a great tool.”
Peters agreed working with dogs increases morale.
“It’s great for morale,” said Peters. “The dogs are just like Marines, they need camaraderie and to socialize, but it is up to the handler to determine the time and place.”
Along with the moral boost comes a different set of responsibilities for Marines deploying as handlers.
“It’s not only your partner, but it’s like deploying with a child,” said Dodge, who deployed twice to Iraq, once as a handler. “You have to brush their teeth, maintain their diet and health to a tee. When you’re with your dog, he goes with you everywhere.”
Being close to the dogs gives handlers faith in their dog’s abilities.
“I would be confident in saying they’ll find the average IED,” Peters said. “It’s a comfort to walk out with a dog in front of you. The most powerful [satellite] couldn’t see what their noses can smell.”
Ellie
5/13/2009 By Cpl. Meghan J. Canlas , II MEF
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — If a man’s best friend is a dog, then an infantryman’s best friend is an improvised explosive device detection dog.
Marines from 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, practiced detection skills with 13 IEDD dogs, here, May 14.
The Labrador Retrievers went through different scenarios detecting six different types of mock explosives to prepare for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan, and to allow their owners to be reacquainted with their dogs.
“We haven’t seen our dogs since January and it’s refreshing for the dogs and handlers to see each other again,” said Cpl. Chad D. Peters, a dog handler with the battalion’s Personnel Security Detachment. “There’s a whole change of behavior when they smell something. Each dog is different and each handler knows their dog’s behavior.”
On top of the handler knowing their dog’s reactions to different smells, each dog must become accustomed to their handler’s body language.
The handlers use whistles blasts, verbal commands, as well as hand and arm signals to direct their dog while on patrol. The dogs can be sent 400-500 meters away from their handler using these skills.
“The dog goes off of your movement,” said Pfc. Nate W. Dodge, an instructor at the Division Training Center, Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. “It’s almost like playing poker; you pick up on each other’s personality. Once you understand your dog, you can read his mind and he can read yours.”
Although deploying with the dogs can prove vital to a unit’s mission, it can also prove essential to morale.
“It boosts the morale of Marines,” said Dodge. “Working with the dogs gives the patrol an advantage no one else has. They’re a great tool.”
Peters agreed working with dogs increases morale.
“It’s great for morale,” said Peters. “The dogs are just like Marines, they need camaraderie and to socialize, but it is up to the handler to determine the time and place.”
Along with the moral boost comes a different set of responsibilities for Marines deploying as handlers.
“It’s not only your partner, but it’s like deploying with a child,” said Dodge, who deployed twice to Iraq, once as a handler. “You have to brush their teeth, maintain their diet and health to a tee. When you’re with your dog, he goes with you everywhere.”
Being close to the dogs gives handlers faith in their dog’s abilities.
“I would be confident in saying they’ll find the average IED,” Peters said. “It’s a comfort to walk out with a dog in front of you. The most powerful [satellite] couldn’t see what their noses can smell.”
Ellie