From puppy to patrol: the life of a military working dog

AVIANO AIR BASE, ITALY

10.17.2022

Story by Airman 1st Class Thomas Calopedis 

31st Fighter Wing

Just like any other trainee, military working dogs (MWDs) must be trained as pups into a member of the U.S. Air Force.

Kay, a Belgian Sheppard and one of the MWDs assigned to Aviano AB, began his military career at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, the home of U.S. Air Force basic training.

Before he could be selected for training, Kay first had to go through a series of screenings and tests to make sure he was fit for military duty. After being approved, his training could begin in earnest.

“Upon being selected and arriving at Lackland AFB, he was trained on basic obedience skills,” said Staff Sgt. Andrew Kraft, 31st Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler. “Then they do detection training for explosives and narcotics, and patrol training.”

Once Kay received all his initial training, he was assigned to Aviano AB. Whenever MWDs are sent to a new base or their old handler leaves, the dog must begin the process of learning to trust their new owner.

“When a dog gets a new handler, they do what’s called rapport training,” said Kraft. “I would take him on walks, play fetch and different things that he enjoyed. This would let him know that I’m his new dad.”

Once that trust is built, the MWD and their handler act as a single unit. This level of closeness with their dogs means that handlers are present for every duty and appointment that involves their dogs.

“We are the only ones that take care of them,” said Kraft. “We feed them, we bathe them, and we clean their kennels too. If they get hurt, we take them to the vet. You grow very attached to your dog. It’s like having a kid.”

Handlers also make sure the MWDs enjoy their duties by making training and operations stimulating. They use treats and toys to keep them happy and engaged.

“It’s all like a big, fun game to them,” said Senior Airman Ian Moran, 31st Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler. “When they’re searching for bombs, the dogs don’t actually know what they’re doing. But the dogs know if they’re obedient, they’ll get their toy.”

MWDs and their handlers are not restricted to just military work. While stationed at Aviano AB, Kay has worked alongside the Carabinieri. It is also common for them to work and do joint training alongside the Army and other services such as the Department of State (DoS) as well.

Kay’s first DoS mission was in support of a NATO summit in Warsaw, Poland. Key representatives of NATO member countries gather at these summits, and MWDs like Kay help ensure their safety.

“Part of our responsibility on these missions is sweeping and clearing areas or rooms to make sure they are safe to enter,” said Moran.

Explosive detection is the most mission critical responsibility Kay and MWDs have due to the impact on safety of people it has, according to Kraft. In Brussels, Belgium, Kay received advanced explosive detection training.

Part of the DoS relationship also involves missions for the Secret Service. Whether they are with the President or with high-level government officials. Kay went to Paris, France for a Secretary of State mission in 2020. The following year he was a part of a POTUS mission in Geneva, Switzerland.

MWDs also grow old and eventually must retire like any other Airman. As Kay has gotten older, he has started having hip complications, so he no longer patrols and is only used for detection work. However, Kay does not let this affect his mood.

“Even though he’s nine, after work he still acts like a puppy when he runs around and plays,” said Moran. “He’s an absolute joy to be around and work with.”

• Date Taken: 10.17.2022
• Date Posted: 10.20.2022 03:29
• Story ID: 431433
• Location: AVIANO AIR BASE, IT