CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - It was a "dog day afternoon" for members of the Aviation Classification Repair Activity Depot as they got the opportunity to take part in a joint training exercise with K-9s at Camp Arifjan, Dec. 30
Members of the AVCRAD joined up with Air Force and Navy dog handlers from Area Support Group - Kuwait to become familiar with what military working dogs do to support service members in protecting U.S. interests in Kuwait.
"The dogs not only provide force protection, but also do perimeter patrols, vehicle searches, and can even detect drugs," said Chief Ronnie Holland, kennel supervisor, ASG-Kuwait K-9 unit. "They definitely play a role as a psychological deterrent as they are intimidating to potential threats."
The afternoon's events began with a safety brief by Holland to those members of AVCRAD who were willing to put on a protective suit and be chased by the dogs. After the brief, the handlers took their respective dogs out into a fenced in lot and demonstrated the animal's strength as the dogs ran down their participants as part of a training exercise.
"I liked taking part in today's exercise because it was a change of pace from our everyday duties at the airfield," said Sgt. Francisco Martinez, mechanic, AVCRAD. "I have a newfound respect for working dogs and got a chance to see first-hand how they can benefit protecting vital military sites."
The dogs typically remain in service from two to five years, and the Army tries to keep their handlers with the K-9s for the entire tour.
"Once a dog gets comfortable with their handler, it is beneficial to keep them together," said Holland. "It tends to form a bond and reinforces the fact dogs are "man's best friend."
These K-9s play an integral part in supporting Third Army's sustainment operations.
| Date Taken: | 12.30.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 12.31.2009 05:52 |
| Story ID: | 43323 |
| Location: | CAMP ARIFJAN, KW |
| Web Views: | 335 |
| Downloads: | 318 |
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