Thursday, August 18, 2016

Vital Facts On Military Working Dogs

By Lisa Morris


Mostly referred to as MDWs, these are specific breeds that undergo rigorous training in preparation for battle. These military working dogs play a major role in ensuring that concealed drugs, weapons, and bombs are identified before causing any harm. Similarly, the task of ensuring a safe return of the troops is conferred upon these animal professionals. History tells it that they have been used in times of war from as early as 120BC. This due to their athletic nature, loyalty, fast learning capabilities and their strong sense of smell.

German shepherds, Belgian Malinois and Retrievers are among the breeds that are mostly utilized in the battlefield. In most cases, such specifically breed normally are acquired from Germany and Netherlands. It is required of them to undergo combat training; this so as to heighten its ability to pick up scents and to toughen up its bite grip.

There exists specific institutions that offer such training programs for them. In most cases the training schedule would run for a period between 60-90 days. An additional specialization in areas as drug detection, troop protection and explosive detection is also required of them before embarking on serious field missions. Furthermore, they have names for easy identification. Battle protocols identify these animals as of high priority, and are never left behind under any circumstances.

Better still, these animal workers get to have greatly modified gears that would allow them to use parachutes and also ensure that the handler easily communicates to them even over great distances. Such gear usually has a primary goal of ensuring they are well covered against detrimental body injuries. All thanks to technology. Most of them have participated in great historic acts of battle, most notable the taking out of Osama bin laden where Cairo the dog participated.

Nonetheless, these members of the military in most cases after repeated battlefield experiences, get to suffer post-traumatic stress. Most dogs suffering such mental disorders depict symptoms as, withdrawal, frantic attempts to run or wander away, increased vigilance even when in safe environments, drastic changes in the pre-existing relationship with the handler and an inability to conduct the activities for which the dog were trained to perform.

These dogs, after years of service, normally are put up for adoption where they get to retire in peace and comfort. To make sure of their comfort, reports on their current conditions usually are frequently collected, and this alongside time to time visits.

Due respects are paid to them that get killed in action. This through special memorial services held for them. Furthermore, all heroic acts from these four legged military personnel, are honored through an awarding of the much acclaimed PDSA Dickin medal. A most resent awarding ceremony was held in the Capitol Hill area this year.

It would be true to therefore conclude that they are of great importance to the human life, especially during warfare. Additionally, the statement that they are mans best friend is clearly supported by the fact that, such friendship endures between these soldiers and their handlers even during stressful hours in the battlefield.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment