Photo By Sgt. Andrew Torrance | Sgt. Eric J. Ramos poses with military working dog Staff Sgt. Vegas at Caserma Miotto...... read more read more
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Since the founding of the United States Army, Soldiers have relied on military working dogs for support in a variety of roles. Today, these highly trained canines are utilized across all military branches at a significant rate.
Handlers undergo 21 weeks of advanced individual training to earn the military occupational specialty of 31K. At the 525th Military Working Dog Detachment in Vicenza, Italy, five handlers work alongside five dogs – three Belgian Malinois, one German Shepherd, and one German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix.
The detachment faces a consistently high operational tempo. “The day is never the same, the schedule is never rigid and is always changing,” said Cpl. Cody L. Knecht of the 525th.
The U.S. Army fields approximately 500 military working dogs. These teams routinely deploy to support combat arms units and, when not deployed, augment base Military Police, conducting searches at entry control points and participating in anti-terrorism measures. They also secure locations ahead of diplomatic visits, often working directly with the Secret Service.
The high demand and limited personnel – with only five handlers assigned to the Vicenza detachment – can strain mission capabilities. At least two handlers must be on standby at all times, ready to respond to urgent requests.
Military working dogs are granted a rank and grade one position higher than their handlers, recognizing them as servicemembers. Abuse of a military working dog is a crime punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, equivalent to assaulting a non-commissioned officer.
Dogs reside in a kennel managed by a “kennel master” and are fed twice daily, at 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., by their handlers. An Army animal care specialist (MOS 68T) weighs and inspects each dog weekly, adjusting their food rations based on weight and activity level. While dogs are allowed supervised playtime, they are not permitted to interact freely to prevent aggression.
The Department of Defense acquires dogs through contracted breeders in Europe and the United States, as well as the “Puppy Program” at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. This program breeds accomplished military working dogs, with pups beginning their training pipeline at age one.
Training at Lackland, lasting three to six months, focuses on three phases: obedience, aggression, and detection. Obedience training emphasizes responding to commands and body language, with a key test involving releasing a toy on command after a stressful situation. Dogs are rewarded with toys for successful obedience, maintaining strict dietary standards.
Aggression training evaluates bite work, requiring dogs to attack and release on command while a trainer wears a bite suit. Detection training assesses the ability to identify explosives or drugs in various environments, including vehicles and buildings.
Graduates are assigned to units across the military. Dogs that fail to complete training are often placed in adoption programs. Upon retirement, typically around age ten, dogs often live with their last handler.
Military working dog teams play a critical, in-demand role in safeguarding personnel. The 525th Military Working Dog Detachment consistently delivers effective and proficient support. Soldiers and civilians in Europe can be assured that these highly trained teams are actively working to protect them.
(U.S. Army photos courtesy Sgt. Andrew Torrance and Sgt. Jason Salazar)
| Date Taken: | 03.27.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.03.2025 08:25 |
| Story ID: | 494451 |
| Location: | VICENZA, IT |
| Web Views: | 197 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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