Conny the bomb-sniffer

Photo By Sgt. Cassandra Groce | US Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Hendrix from MacDill Fla., carries his bomb sniffing dog, Conny, over some constantina wire while searching an orchard for explosives.  

BAYJI, IRAQ

12.18.2005

Courtesy Story

133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

PFC Cassandra Groce
133rd MPAD

BAYJI, Iraq (15 December 2005) - Elections in Iraq were a success due to the cooperation of numerous people of many cultures, nationalities andâ?¦ species?

Conny, a German Shepherd serving in the military and partner to US Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Hendricks, found 105mm, 125mm and numerous 37 mm rounds near an Iraqi polling site.

The rounds were found while on patrol with the Civil Affairs Team Alpha 21 assigned to the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment supporting the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.

The team was out on the day of elections on roads on the outskirts of Bayji.

The day before elections, Conny went on foot patrols along with "Rakkasan" Soldiers of Charlie Company, 187th Infantry Regiment.

Hendricks", a military work-dog handler in the 6th Security Force Squadron from MacDill AFB, Fla., and Conny spent the day searching polling sites for explosives to help ensure the security of voters.

The duo was taken to six different polling stations guarded by Iraqi police. Conny was brought through as a last "once over" of the areas.

Even though Hendricks and Conny have been in Iraq for only a few weeks, Conny proved her worth even before the find on Election Day.

"Our first mission out she found two 130 shells and P-4 dynamite," said Hendricks.

After the polling stations were checked, Conny had to go back to rest before her next mission.

"They get bored," said Hendricks. "I know when she's tired. I can tell when she's just smelling to smell - after a while you just know."

When Conny and Hendricks first met, Conny was at a basic level, much like a Soldier just out of Basic training. Conny and Hendricks train constantly to increase her basic detection skills and endurance.

A patrol working dog is trained at basic detection - which means they can find scents on a surface level. Conny has been trained to find smells that are deeper and farther away from where she is actually seeking.

Conny also becomes an asset as a guard dog. Many Iraqis won't go near her.

"They think she will bite them," said Hendricks. "The dogs here [Iraq] aren't that friendly."

Conny is trained to attack, but only on command. Hendricks will often just take a knee with Conny and guard patrols" backs.

Conny and Hendricks will be in Iraq for six months helping keep the streets of Iraq safe from hidden explosives.

"She's an amazing dog with a nice attitude," said Hendricks. "But she can be all business, too."

• Date Taken: 12.18.2005
• Date Posted: 12.18.2005 15:19
• Story ID: 4126
• Location: BAYJI, IQ