Military Working Dogs defend 'The Rock'
(August 18, 2010) | 
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| The Military Working Dog Section of the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces
Squadron has the unique mission of safeguarding an undisclosed air base here
with highly motivated K-9 partners. The dogs' powerful sense of smell is useful
to airmen conducting foot patrols, vehicle inspections and other anti-terrorism
tasks, while their sense of loyalty provides protection to their human
counterparts.
To their handlers, they are more than daily companions. They are also working
partners and important force multipliers.
"I trust my dog, and I trust my life with him," Staff Sgt. Lino Estacion said of
Gabe, his 12 year-old Belgian Malinois, a sturdy breed that closely resembles
German Shepherds. "We have been together quite a bit, and we have completed a
lot of missions."
Military working dogs initially are trained at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas,
when they are between the ages of 12 and 36 months. After that, they are sent to
operational units throughout the Department of Defense to start work.
These highly driven dogs are used in patrol, drug- and explosive-detection, and
other specialized mission functions, according to the Air Force's military
working dog Web site.
Although this is Estacion's fourth overseas deployment, the tour marks his first
rotation at the 386th ESFS with Gabe. Because of a recent permanent change of
station to Travis Air Force Base, Calif., Estacion had just three months to work
with Gabe before his deployment.
"I had to build a rapport with him pretty quickly," he said. "We need to be a
team and trust each other because of the different types of people, encounters
and unfamiliar areas we come across out here."
Gabe has been through extensive training and years of work but still has
qualities that are all his own, Estacion said. He refers to Gabe as "Chief"
because of his personality and experience.
"He is the wise one and always the oldest dog out of every other dog we have ran
across," Estacion said. "When he is with the other dogs, he is in charge."
The weather here can be imposing for military working dogs, with temperatures
regularly exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so it's important that handlers
develop an understanding of what each dog can handle out in the field, said
Tech. Sgt. Nathan Nash, the squadron's kennel master.
"Constantly being in the sand and heat is a challenge," said Nash, who is
deployed here from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. "It takes a good couple
of weeks to get acclimatized, but that is where it is important to know your dog
and know what they can handle. You take care of them, and they will take care of
you."
German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd's are the most common
breeds for MWDs because of their intelligence and athleticism. And although
their handlers are constantly training them, whether on patrols or running the
obstacle course, the dogs make the job worthwhile, Nash explained.
"I think, like most people will tell you who do this, the best part is actually
working with the dog," he said. "For me, if you love dogs, that's what you
should be doing."
The fact that he gets to work with dogs while also serving as a security forces
troop makes it that much more enjoyable, he added.
"We are security forces," said Nash. "We are here to fight the fight. | |
By USAF SSgt. Stefanie Torres
386th Air Expeditionary Wing
Copyright 2010
Provided
through DVIDS
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