The subject of Military Working Dogs (MWD) has always been a favorite with me and — judging from feedback — it appears to be a much-liked topic with readers everywhere.
While such intelligent, brave and loyal animals are usually associated with combat roles such as the live-saving work of protecting our troops during patrol and detecting the deadly Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), they are also used in detecting all kinds of explosives, bombs, ordnance and drugs. Also for homeland security functions at airports and for specialized mission functions by DoD and other government agencies.
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Quinton McCloud, right, and Zamp, a military working dog trained to detect improvised explosive devices, search inside an Afghan compound for any evidence of insurgency and weapons during Operation Grizzly IV near Patrol Base Boldak in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 29, 2013. McCloud is assigned to Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. Photo DOD
I just came across what one of those “specialized missions” might be.
Airman 1st Class Brittany A. Chase at the 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho writes about “Onix,” a military working dog that was selected for a very special role and mission: Protecting the first lady of the United States.
Onix, led by dog handler Staff Sgt. Tyson Naylor conducted sweeps throughout the interior of the Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, N.Y., before first lady Michelle Obama kicked off the 2013 Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day at the U.S. Open Aug. 24.
Chase writes:
Taskings for dignitary missions like this one are usually short notice, requiring the military working dog teams to always be on their toes and paws.
“Air Combat Command was allocated two slots and Mountain Home was one of them,” Naylor said. “When I was asked to go on this FLOTUS mission, I jumped at the opportunity since we don’t see these kinds of missions often.”
Normally, MWD teams support presidential missions, working with the secret service and other military branches.
“Getting the opportunity to train with outside agencies — especially for K-9s — is very vital,” Naylor said. “It expands our knowledge and can help us all downrange in the long run.”
After reporting for duty, Naylor and Onix had to adjust quickly to prepare for the task ahead. One major modification was the change from working day shift to night shift.
During their eight-hour shift of night sweeps at the stadium, the teams took 10- to 15-minute breaks. Which helped them stay alert and focused.
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“The detection capabilities Onix brings to the fight are essential with on and off-base missions,” said Tech. Sgt. Justin Devaney, 366th SFS non-commissioned officer in charge of the MWD section. “Both Naylor and Onix played a vital role in assisting with the mission, making it easy for me to trust them with protecting the first lady.”
Read more about these four-legged warriors here, here and here
Lead image: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tyson Naylor, 366th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler and Military Working Dog Onix patrol an abandoned street Aug. 30, 2013, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. The team was performing a mock detection, trying to find a suspect who was hiding. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brittany A. Chase)
The author is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and a writer.