Buzz
A U.S. service member partners with a military working dog during a joint medical evacuation drill involving airmen, sailors, and soldiers at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. Air Force Staff Sgt. Mozer Da Cunha/Dept. of DefenseDogs have been enlisted in military operations as far back as 600 B.C.E. Loyal and devoted to their handlers, these dogs were trained to ruthlessly attack the enemy, creating chaos and fear. Dogs have also served as scouts, explosive detectors, guards, and messengers. The U.S. military shares a long and furry relationship with military working dogs (MWDs), and remarkably, the dogs frequently outrank their human handlers.
"This is rooted in both tradition and military practice. Most dog handlers begin at the E-3 (Private First Class) to E-5 (Sergeant) levels, depending on the branch," writes Air Force Maj. Matthew Kowalski, Commander of the 341st Training Squadron in San Antonio, which specializes in training military working dogs. "As non-commissioned officers, or NCOs, these dogs typically outrank or hold equal rank with their handlers."
In the United States, military officials view MWDs as invaluable assets, deserving extensive time, effort (and funds) to be properly trained and deployed for missions. When they demonstrate bravery, they are honored with award ceremonies and medals. Upon their passing, they are given a proper burial with full honors. (The passage of the Robby Law in 2000 allowed retired military dogs to be adopted, a change from prior practices where they were euthanized.)
These traditions reinforce the belief in their human counterparts that the dogs are essential to successful missions, such as the October 2019 operation that led to the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Reports reveal that a highly trained Belgian Malinois played a key role in cornering the terrorist, who then detonated a suicide bomb, killing himself and two children. The MWD, Conan, was injured during the operation but quickly resumed active duty.
In 2011, another MWD was outfitted with body armor and flown by helicopter to a covert compound in Pakistan. There, the dog assisted Navy SEAL Team 6 in bringing one of the most significant manhunts in history to a close by helping take down Osama bin Laden.
Dogs and soldiers share an extraordinary bond. Here, Pvt. Terry Gizinski and his military working dog Cheyenne relax after demonstrating their skills as the British Army presents its future specialist capabilities under the banner of 'Force Troops Command' at Upavon Airfield, England, 2014.
Oli Scarff/Getty Images"Treating an NCO with respect and showing deference as a lower-ranking service member fosters mutual respect within the team and, in theory, would prevent the mistreatment of the dog," Kowalski states.
"Military working dogs have proven their combat effectiveness throughout history. These dogs have been integral in combat since the beginning of written records. Whether it’s protecting troops, locating enemies in tunnels during the Korean and Vietnam wars, or detecting roadside bombs in Afghanistan and Iraq, no technology can match a dog’s capability in detection and protection," he explains.
During World War I, an American infantry unit adopted a stray dog, who was smuggled to Europe, surviving several battles. The dog alerted sleeping soldiers to gas attacks, saved wounded troops, and returned home as a national hero. You can see Sergeant Stubby's preserved remains, adorned with his many medals, at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
