Photo By james summers | Tamez and Andor take in the “sights of Chicago,” as they search the premises for...... read more read more
DOHA, Qatar – Soldiers from Area Support Group-Qatar were afforded the opportunity to forge stronger bonds with their host nation, Feb. 27, 2017, when the the military working dog kennel and explosive ordinance demolition unit visited downtown Doha to assist with security services at an event.
The event was in honor of U.S. National day -- a day that honors the bond between America and Qatar.
“We are honored to be working alongside our Qatari friends,” said Maj. Terrance Staples, Camp As Sayliyah provost marshal. “These events allow us to learn from each other in a spirit of friendship and cooperation.”
ASG-QA worked closely with the host nation officials on explosive ordinance detection, Military working dogs, and traffic control.
The tasks carried out played a vital role in the U.S. Army Central Shape mission. Through security cooperation activities with partner nations, through assigned, allocated, and Service-Retained, Combatant Command Aligned forces, has established, revitalized, or strengthened partnerships throughout the area of operation that contribute to the improvement of U.S. relationships, access, basing, and permissions while increasing our partner nations' land force capability to fight alongside U.S. and Coalition forces, independently, or as part of a combined Gulf Cooperation Council force.
This particular night was special because it was the first time Qatari working dogs would be working alongside American working dogs.
“ This is a unique situation. We typically run these missions by ourselves and to have Qatari working dogs searching vehicles alongside side us speaks volumes about the bonds we are forming,“ said Staples. “Of course, we have to be careful because every dog is different, and so is the training. We will share ideas from our own perspectives, and hopefully walk away more enlightened about one another’s training techniques.”
“I never thought I’d be a part of something like this while deployed. Petty Officer 2nd Class Christian Tamez, military working dog handler, ASG-QA. “I’ve done missions like this for Presidential events, Fleet Week, and other high profile events but nothing of this magnitude overseas.”
Tamez also has a relatively new partner in Military working dog, Andor.
“It’s always different when you get a new dog. Andor and I have been together for about nine months and we are just now getting the feel for one another,“ said Tamez. “A lot of people think this job is about taking your pet to work with you everyday but it’s not even remotely like that. You, essentially, are taking care of another human being and if you fail them then you fail your mission and essentially those you are trying to protect.”
The partnership between handler and K-9 plays a vital role in the security forces mission. Each dog is trained in an area of expertise such as sniffing out explosives, drugs, or contraband – others may wear dual collars and provide law and order operations, patrol, and force protection support, explained Tamez.
Soldiers also provided onsite support for traffic control.
“This is an important mission for us,” said Sgt. Jamie Thomas, ASG-QA Provost Marshal Office. “The screens we assisted with conducting helped to ensure the safety of those attending the event. Working next to our host nation partners is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
| Date Taken: | 03.20.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 03.22.2017 04:00 |
| Story ID: | 227651 |
| Location: | QA |
| Web Views: | 157 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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