Four-legged sentinels key to force protection

  • Published
  • By Capt. Mae-Li Allison
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Dogs are rarely permitted anywhere these days. Whether it is the grocery store or a crowded rock concert, dogs are often turned away at the door.

However, at a forward-deployed location here, the dogs have free reign and an important job to do.

From detecting explosives to searching buildings and sniffing out suspects, the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron’s military working dogs and their handlers help keep the base secure 24 hours a day. This mission ensures their attendance at nearly every base event, and people said they gladly welcome their presence.

“Our military working dogs are a force multiplier and a compliment to the human and technological security elements we have here,” said Lt. Col. Keith Harris, 379th ESFS commander. “Because these dogs have more than a 90-percent detection rate regardless of the environmental conditions, we know our detection capability is really as good as it gets.”

Despite the harsh, hot and dusty environment, the military working dogs maintain their sharp skills because of regular training and their breed. Some breeds can withstand more extreme temperatures than others.

It is still challenging to keep dogs proficient at doing their jobs, said the unit’s dog trainer, Staff Sgt. Duane Stinson, who is deployed from Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. However, a consistent training regimen using the natural drive of the dogs and positive feedback keeps them at peak performance.

“We focus on behavior modification and conditioning to train them, and build upon their natural instincts to form packs, find prey and defend themselves,” he said. “In our training, the dogs are always successful at their tasks.”

Dog handlers in the squadron said the best type of working dog is one that is obedient and wants to please the handler.

The training Sergeant Stinson gives is for the dogs and their handlers.

“We actively work to pinpoint weaknesses in the handlers as well,” Sergeant Stinson said. “If we find one, we’ll work one-on-one with the handler to fix the problem.”

Sergeant Stinson said that he is confident of the skills of all the people in his unit, who are all experienced security forces Airmen and well-trained dog handlers. Each person had to be proficient and be recommended by the kennel master just to be eligible to attend the two-and-a-half month dog-handler program at Lackland AFB, Texas.

“It’s a very selective program, and we’ve got top-quality people,” he said.

Besides having previous security forces experience, the dog handlers have another obvious trait in common -- they all love dogs.

Staff Sgt. Andrea Kenney had two dogs of her own at home and said she feels lucky that her job required her to deploy with one as well.

“I enjoy the companionship with my dog,” said Sergeant Kenney, who is deployed from Dyess AFB, Texas. “I know he has my back 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

That is not far from the truth.

Besides the 12-hour shift she shares with her 3-year-old Belgian Malinois, Sam, Sergeant Kenney said she must care for and feed him, which results in their spending about 18 hours of each day together.

Another handler from Peterson AFB, Colo., said the match up with his Belgian Malinois was perfect.

“We get along really well,” said Staff Sgt. Jesse Frank, of his military working dog, Ggina. “Every time we’re assigned to a new base, the kennel master there tries to match the dog with the personality of the dog handler. I don’t have a very stern personality, and Ggina responds well to me.”

Besides the good working environment each handler and dog shares, the entire unit also works well together, said the kennel master, Tech. Sgt. Jason Keyser, who is also deployed from Peterson.

“We have a hard-working group of dog handlers who get along great,” he said. “Most of us would agree that this is one of the best deployments we’ve had because of the people we work with, the duties we perform and the base we’re here to protect.” (Courtesy of Air Force Space Command News Service)