Special Forces Dogs?

This came across my radar recently.  

- Chester

Special Forces Canine Sniffs Out Trouble

November 22, 2008

CBNNews.com - AFGHANISTAN 

U.S. Special Forces have the most highly specialized soldiers in the world.  Each soldier trains for years and also learns the jobs of all the others. They become experts in weapons, communications, engineering and even diplomacy. 

Years of combat experience hone their senses to a razor's edge.For some, those senses seem super human. One member of the 7th Special Forces can sniff out hidden explosives and has other unique qualities - like four feet and a tail.  Meet Argus, one of only a handful of Special Forces canines. His training is incredibly diverse and thorough.

Entire article:

http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/484245.aspx

Chester:

Military, or war dogs, have been used extensively in the U.S. military since WW2.  But, Special Forces dogs, or dogs dedicated to any Special Operations unit, is new.  It entails SF troops being trained as dog handlers.  Dogs and their handlers were attached to SF teams, from other units, until 2006.  It was then that SF began training its people to handle dogs, and got some dogs of its own, dedicated and assigned to U.S. Army Special Forces.  

This was a significant move by SF Command.  It takes many months to get a man trained to be a military dog handler, and at a time when Special Forces is stretched thin meeting the demands of this current very unconventional war.  

Nonetheless, someone high up the chain of SF Command sees value in military dogs, and on the teams also, as there is a push to expand the use of dogs and get more SF dogs and men trained. 

Disclaimer:  I have served in SF, several times.  Of all the units I have served in, I harbor the most affection for U.S. Army Special Forces.

So, Special Forces has seen the need for dogs. That's good. On a sadder, but also significant note, the first SF K9 KIA (casualty) happened just a few weeks ago.  

To be honest, reports are mixed about dogs.  SF teams have high expectation of their dogs.  They expect super dogs.  Even though they are highly trained dogs, they still tire, fail, falter, need food and water, sometimes more than the men.  Dogs bring additional strengths to SF teams, but also additional burdens.  

I served in Vietnam, 3 times, once as a dog, twice as man.  Same guy.  Different identities. Long story. I had a good friend in '69 who was a black lab.  He could hear a trip wire, the wind flowing over the wire, and sense the tension on the wire.  Small numbers of labs were used in RVN.  They did well with the wet environment.  Mostly the U.S. used german shepherds in RVN.  

I once met a mean-assed shepherd, named Trooper, who had 4 confirmed kills to his name.  All tooth.  He was not a weredog. I did not want to mess with him, even in weredog form.  Eventually, he got so mean that it was ordered to put him down.  I heard, but cannot confirm, that his handler requested reversion back to his old MOS, 11B, infantry.  

Word is there is even a hospital now for military dogs. Someone figured out that it is cheaper and easier to rehab a shot-up dog than to start from scratch with a new dog.  The DoD also takes that approach these days with men and women, who are willing. But, this military dog hospital is important.  It shows a shift from the Nam Era attitudes that dogs are military property that can be discarded whenever it seems convenient.  

In World War 2 several dogs were given medals for heroism.  When higher commands found out the medals were rescinded.  The logic was that only men can be heroic, and thus receive medals.  

Yes, dogs legally are property, have to be licensed and vouched for by owners, the Army, the Smiths, someone.  But, property does not lay down its life for you.  Property does not show love and loyalty.  Property does not howl in pain, or bark with delight. No one ever felt the need to give a medal to a tank or a gun.  Property does not die.  

We never complain, nor make demands.  We only ask that we are fed and given water, and a rubber ball, if one is handy, and the occasional tummy rub, or a pat on the head. But, it would be good if we could get just a little respect.  We have been fighting man's foes and watching his flocks a very long time not to have at least that.  Maybe it is time to rethink regulations against giving medals to dogs. After all, we now have our own hospital. 

Chesterchester.weredog@gmail.com