National K9 Veterans Day is an annual celebration in memory of the service and sacrifices of the American military and working dogs in history. Every year on March 13th, dog owners remember the contributions of Military Working Dogs—the same day that the US Army began training war dogs in 1942. But beyond best friends, how far does the history between Military Working Dogs and war veterans go? Here is a brief history of the annual event.
The History of Training Military Working Dogs (MWD)
Much of the history of Military Working Dogs begins with discovering their many skills on the battlefield. The US Army found that canines were not only capable of detecting smells but also capable of reading the body language of soldiers in the field.
In addition, dogs could detect landmines and carry messages through dangerous battlegrounds. After World War I, the US War Department began to see the importance of having a canine force dedicated to US Military Defense.
In 1941, the US War Department decided to create an official program to train dogs dedicated to the US Military. The training would be divided into four different training phases before the dogs were deemed fit for battle. The four phases are:
Phase 1 – Preparation
The service dogs in this phase were to be used to deliver messages and help with the recovery of the wounded soldiers.
Phase 2 – Judgment
The service dogs in this phase were trained to detect mines, parachutes, and other enemy equipment.
Phase 3 – Adaptation
The service dogs in this phase were trained to guard the US Military barracks and attack the enemy on sight.
Phase 4 – Employment
The service dogs in this phase were trained to detect and attack enemy personnel and guard US Military installations and personnel.
In addition to the different phases, the dogs had to detect scents of explosives and other chemicals. This training put a lot of strain on the dogs, and many dogs could not complete the training. When the dogs completed the training, it was determined that they lived four years shorter than the average dog. Still, there was a solid determination to succeed in the military dogs' program.
The Status of MWD Today
Today, hundreds of Military Working Dogs are in service around the world. These dogs are trained to complete various tasks, including weapons detection, explosives detection, and other operations.
While many dogs can complete the tasks, not all of them can complete the training. However, the US Military has a strong dedication to its canine force, committing to caring for each dog passing through their training program.
While Military Working Dogs are no longer used in front-line battles, they are invaluable in many other settings. Their unique skill set allows them to detect explosives and drugs, as well as the presence of the enemy in dangerous terrain.
Even though Military Working Dogs are not in the front line, the US Military still considers the training of the dogs to be critical. Currently, the US Military hires dog trainers to give dogs the chance to show their true potential on the battlefield.
Conclusion
The incredible bond between humans and their Military Working Dogs is not new. Many veterans have memories of their Military Working Dogs. National K9 Veterans Day is a day to honor the service, devotion, and loyalty of the dogs that have served in the military over the years. It’s a day where we celebrate the dogs' skills and dedication to service to their owners.
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