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NOW ZAD, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Dogs have proved themselves to be a crucial asset in protecting the Marines fighting against terrorism. Canine units are being used to locate improvised explosive devices before they can detonate and harm or kill the Marines they serve.
“I use them to clear areas in front of foot patrols and detect IED threats,” said Cpl. Daniel Clark from Round Hill, Va., an IED detection dog handler and anti-tank missileman with Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment.
The dogs have been trained by civilian professionals to be able to smell the explosive components used in making IEDs, providing another layer of defense against the largest threat in Afghanistan.
There are specific Marines whose job is to care for the dogs during the deployment; handling them and training them. The infantry Marines are selected and trained to work with dogs but will return to their previous responsibilities at the end of their deployment, or if their dog dies in combat.
The animals go unleashed on foot patrols with the Marines and are trained to detect buried or hidden bombs in areas where they could cause harm to civilians, Afghan National Security Forces and coalition members. Being unleashed allows the dogs to identify threats from a distance, providing a gap between the Marines and possible threats. In a normal seven-month deployment to Afghanistan, the dogs generally find anywhere from 18 to 40 bombs intended to kill Marines.
“It adds another layer of protection in trying to find the IEDs before they go off,” Clark said. “The dog could mean the difference between a successful mission and a catastrophe.”
Aside from offering a layer of defense from hidden dangers the Marines face, the dogs offer companionship and a feeling of home for the Marines and sailors in the unit.
“It’s cool because you have your own little buddy that gets to follow you around,” Clark said. “They basically become your little friend for the entire deployment.”
Though it is difficult to avoid developing compassion toward the canines, Marines are instructed to refrain from getting overly attached to the dogs because they are also being subjected to the dangers of a hostile environment.
“They tell you not to, but it is hard not to get attached to them,” Clark said. “They are with you day and night. I would be upset if anything were to happen to [my dog] Cassie.”
The relationships between man and dog have evolved drastically over the course of many years, but their loyalties to each other have remained yet unchanged. Even on the battlefield and in the face of danger, they still remain man’s best friend.
EDITORS NOTE: 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment is assigned to Regimental Combat Team 8, Task Force Leatherneck, in Southwest Afghanistan. The task force, headed by 2nd Marine Division (Forward), is the ground combat element for Regional Command Southwest and is working in partnership with the Afghan National Security Force and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations. The unit is dedicated to securing the Afghan people, defeating insurgent forces, and enabling ANSF assumption of security responsibilities within its area of operations in order to support the expansion of stability, development and legitimate governance.
| Date Taken: | 04.17.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 05.15.2011 08:21 |
| Story ID: | 70408 |
| Location: | NOW ZAD, HELMAND PROVINCE, ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF, AF |
| Web Views: | 66 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Man’s best friend serves in Afghanistan, by Cpl Clayton Vonderahe, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
