Marine, Canine Partner Detect Explosives
(January 31, 2010) |
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Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Paul N. Krist enjoys a moment with his bomb-sniffing dog, Max, before beginning a search for homemade explosives in Afghanistan's Helmand province, Jan. 19, 2010. |
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HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan, Jan. 25, 2010
Their truck sways from side to side and bumps up
and down along a path in Afghanistan. But what
would be an intolerable ride for most is just
something Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Paul N. Krist,
a dog handler for 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion,
and his dog, Max, have accepted as part of the
job.
While Max, a 3-year-old Labrador retriever, sat
calmly on the floor next to Krist, who was
reading a book, they waited for their next
opportunity to work. Suddenly, the back of the
truck opened.
"Get out, we need you and the dog," said Marine
Corps Cpl. Adam S. Rogers, a combat engineer.
Max immediately started sniffing the area for
explosive material. As they continued down the |
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road, they discovered why they were called. |
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Marines had halted and surrounded a white van and were
discussing whether the bags found in its trunk contained
homemade explosives. They threw one of the bags to the
ground, where Max could sniff it. After a few moments, it
became evident to Krist that the bags did not contain
bomb-making materials.
"Max lies down if it's [explosives]," he said.
For Krist, getting to this point took training and a passion
for helping others. Originally a tank mechanic, Krist became
a dog handler after learning the billet likely would lead to
a deployment in Afghanistan.
"I wanted to deploy," he said.
After arriving to the improvised explosive device detectors
dog course, Krist was paired with Max, who quickly became
his new best friend.
"When we got there, they gave us a sheet of paper that asked
us what our hobbies were and what we did on our free time,”
Krist said.
“It was supposed to help us pair up with the dogs. But, our
tallest guy got the biggest dog, our meanest guy got the
meanest dog, and I got Max," he added with a laugh.
Since then, the two constantly have been perfecting their
explosive-detection skills. Their first find came early in
their deployment when they were still learning their area of
operations here.
"I didn't expect to find anything,” Krist recalled. "Then
Max laid down, and I was like, 'Oh dang, I'm kind of close
to this.' So I backed up and gave him his toy -- that's what
he gets for finding an IED -- then he ran away, and
explosive ordinance disposal Marines dug it out."
Later, Krist learned they had uncovered two bombs carrying
50 and 60 pounds of explosives, respectively. Although their
discovery more than likely saved lives, Krist said, he is
not out for the recognition.
"When I came over here as a dog handler, I wanted to find
IEDs,” he said. “Not to say that I did, but to use my dog
for what we were trained for,” the 19-year-old Marine said.
"I really enjoy what I do, and the guys I work with,” he
continued. “They really care about their job and the safety
of others. My drive comes from knowing that we're keeping
people safe, and it's not long before I go home. I hope I
have a chance to do something this relevant in winning the
war on my next deployment, and I hope Max can come, too." | |
Article and photo by
USMC LCpl. Walter Marino
1st Marine Division's Regimental Combat Team 7 public
affairs office
Special to American Forces Press Service
Copyright 2010
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