Military working dogs take bite out of opposition

Photo By Senior Master Sgt. Corenthia Fennell | Staff Sgt. Travis Dulworth, 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron K9 handler, takes his dog, Andor, for a walk May 12. Dulworth is a native of Frederick, Md., and is deployed from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan.  

JOINT BASE BALAD, IRAQ

05.20.2011

Story by Senior Airman Tong Duong 

332d Air Expeditionary Wing

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- Some dogs' barks are louder than their bites, but in the case of military working dogs, you would have to be on the wrong side of the law to find out.

Canine (K9) handlers in each branch of service are deployed to help protect fellow members. With 42 sharp incisors and teeth, MWDs can exert 400 to 700 pounds of force, helping to take a 'bite' out of any opposition.

"Our mission here is to provide JBB with military working dogs capable of explosive and narcotics detection, as well as explosive detection for off-base quick reaction forces and dismounted outside-the-wire patrols," said Tech. Sgt. Kaluza, 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Group kennel master.

Military working dogs also provide support to the Office of Special Investigation and sister services, for apprehension of fleeing suspects, Kaluza, who is deployed from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., said.

The first MWDs entered the Army's K-9 Corps in 1942. While many types of dogs were used in the initial program, the breeds today are only of a select few. German Sheppard and Belgian Malinois dogs are commonly used as they are considered aggressive, smart and loyal, Kaluza, a native of Loomis, Calif., said.

Staff Sgt. Travis Dulworth, 332nd ESFG K9 handler, said working with Andor, a 5-year-old German Sheppard explosive detector dog on its first deployment, is a constant challenge. This means Dulworth, who is deployed from McConnell AFB, Kan., and Andor must always be on their "A" game.

"If I'm having a bad day and miss something, someone could die," Dulworth, a native of Fredrick, Md., said. "In the past four months, three fellow K9 handlers have either been hit by an improvised explosive device, were shot while clearing a path for his teammates or have stepped on a pressure plate that luckily malfunctioned."

The sergeant said, despite the challenges, he loves protecting and saving lives and providing a sense of security for those he works with.

"People feel a lot safer having us up front as point during dismounted patrols," Dulworth said. "Most local nationals seem very hesitant to approach us. This helps keep possible threats to a minimum."

• Date Taken: 05.20.2011
• Date Posted: 05.24.2011 06:43
• Story ID: 70946
• Location: JOINT BASE BALAD, IQ