K-9 teams keep Kirkuk safe

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Mieke Askey
  • 506th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
KIRKUK AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) --  Being on the frontlines in a combat zone is never an easy task, which is why the military relies heavily on teamwork.

The Airmen of the 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron military working dog flight work long days, face continual training and execute a crucial mission that never ends. They accomplish this through a sturdy union between dog and handler.

Their job is “to keep explosives off of Kirkuk,” a mission critical to the safety and security here, said Tech. Sgt. Shaft Jacobs, a 506th ESFS military working dog kennel master. Additionally, they have an off-base mission that includes random traffic control points, raids and identifying insurgents in transit.

The dogs that accomplish this mission sport names such as Rex, Dutchy and Rico and have personalities as varied as their handlers. This variation can work to their advantage.

Rico, touted as the roughest and toughest dog of the bunch, is paired with Staff Sgt. Joseph Crow, who said that it is his soft side and personal attention that make Rico a little more loving.

The continual training the teams perform, in and out of the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, is another reason they make such good teams.

“Stateside our mission is to train just for this combat situation,” Sergeant Jacobs said.

However, when they hit the deployed environment, the training continues to ensure each team maintains a 95-percent accuracy rate. Working and training that closely together for such an extended period of time, the handlers learn about their dogs, including what motivates them.

“You figure out the thing that gets them to work and you use it,” Sergeant Crow said.

In Rico’s case it’s a multicolored ball he is allowed to play with upon successful completion of a task. Evidently this is what works for him, as he has one of the most impressive records of the animals currently here. With the capture of 26 “bad guys,” he has proven himself capable time and time again. But it is not just a victory for the dog. The handlers must learn the subtle cues and changes the dog exhibits to make them effective.

This was never more apparent than when Sergeant Crow was searching for explosives in a nearby residence.

“Suddenly, Rico’s behavior changed from search to patrol,” Sergeant Crow said. “I didn’t know where the guy was, but I knew he was there.”

Because Sergeant Crow was able to recognize the subtle behavior change in Rico, they were able to capture an insurgent hiding in the wall.

The Airmen and dogs of the 506th ESFS have proven their ability to work together effectively time and time again as the necessary link between maintaining security and a strong forward presence here.