Dog handlers train canines, save Marine lives in Afghanistan

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Michele Hunt | Cpl. John Moutos, a dog handler with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, gives a visual signal to instruct his black Labrador retriever at Forward Operating Base Geronimo, March 23. The dog handlers are part of the Improvised Detection Dog Program.  

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, AFGHANISTAN –, AFGHANISTAN

03.24.2012

Courtesy Story

1st Marine Division

Sgt. Michele Watson
1st Marine Logistics Group

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Afghanistan – The Improvised Detection Dog Program has spent years training Labrador retrievers to detect IEDs.

Dog handlers with 2nd Marine Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, conducted training with yellow and black retrievers at Forward Operating Base Geronimo, March 24.
"Dogs are trained on a variety of explosive training aides to increase proficiency during combat patrols," said George Barrow, field service representative, 2nd Bn., 6th Marines, RCT-5.

Barrow has spent the last three decades working with canines and now works with the handlers of 2nd Bn., 6th Marines to train their dogs. Each handler went through a five-week course with their dog prior to deploying. The pair also spent six weeks working together during Enhanced Mojave Viper at Marine Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. Once arriving in Afghanistan, the handlers trained another two weeks with their dogs before going out on patrols.

When not out on missions, Marines conduct frequent physical training along with other types of obedience instruction, to prepare the dogs for missions.

"Acclimatization is an important part of the training," said Barrow. "The dogs are patrolling almost every day now and for long hours."
Dog handlers receive training on emergency veterinary care during pre-deployment workups to ensure that they can take care of their dogs without any outside support.

"We conduct constant maintenance training throughout the deployment," said Cpl. Aaron Snively, a dog handler with 2nd Bn., 6th Marines. "Training, health care and maintenance are a daily task."

The retrievers are trained on an awards system and have been patrolling with their unit since its arrival.

"Since arriving in December, the labs of [2nd. Bn., 6th Marines] have prevented multiple Marine casualties through the detection of IEDs," said Barrow. "Their effectiveness helps save lives."

While the program has only been around for a few years, the use of Labradors is an increasing means of deterring IED threats.
"For as new as the program is, we are very proficient, but we do have a lot of learning to do," said Barrow. "I think the Marines are doing well considering the extra work they have to do.”

The dog handlers originally work in the infantry but become dog handlers as a secondary billet. Despite a steep learning curve, the dogs continue to prove their worth time and again.

"[The program] definitely puts faith in the dogs with the higher chain of command," said Snively. "They show the need of this program by having more successful convoys."

While the assistance of the retrievers mitigates IED dangers and help save lives, their effect on the group is beyond a combat role.
"Although they are here for a specific job, having the dogs around definitely boosts the morale of the unit," said Barrow.

• Date Taken: 03.24.2012
• Date Posted: 04.05.2012 07:54
• Story ID: 86275
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, AFGHANISTAN –, AF