The US Military deploys K-9 corps to fill different roles, such as explosive detection, tracking and apprehension, and direct-action raids. Many units deploy K-9s, such as the Navy SEALs, the Army Rangers, the Delta Force, and the US Army Special Forces. The US K-9 Corps was officially born only in 1942, although the use of animals dates back to before. Since then, the US Army has perfected the recruitment, training, and operationalisation of the animals. Their unmatched natural capabilities have proven that dogs are a fundamental resource for the US Military.
Images Sourced From: Cpl. Tyler Dietrich, Sgt. Tabitha Markovich, Cpl. Tyler Dietrich, Cpl. Tyler Dietrich
1 History of K-9 Corps
Before the formation of the US Special Forces K-9 Corps in 1942, dogs were not officially part of the US military corp. However, they were always present as companions, to perform duties and lift the spirit of the soldiers. The idea of using animals for military purposes came into the US after seeing how other countries had employed them in World War I. In the 1900s, the first testimonies of the use of dogs by the US military recount the deployment of sled dogs to travel through Alaska. Later on, sled dogs served in the Alps during World War I. Still today sled dogs are used in other countries.
Simultaneously, Germany and the UK were using dogs to patrol, thanks to their developed smell, and to send messages and distribute ammunition and rations. They were also a way to naturally control the spreading of rodents and other pests. Finally, dogs joined medical teams to help locate the injured soldiers and to transport medical supplies. The US K-9 Corps was created in March 1942 thanks to the Dogs for Defense organisation and the governmental War Dog Program. The official day of birth is 13 March 1942, which is today the celebration of National K9 Veterans Day. It initially counted 11,000 dogs in training, bearing great results.
2 K-9 Corps
2.1 Recruitment
The dogs of the US Special Forces K-9 Corps have to go through thorough examinations and training, similarly to human operatives.The four legged soldiers undergo a hard selection process that includes X-rays, physical evaluations and behavioral screenings. This is because the dogs need to be in top condition to perform and thrive even under the pressure of special operations. Furthermore, health issues are of great concern, potentially endangering the animals. Also behavioural aptitude is necessary: the dogs have to be obedient and respect orders, without succumbing to violence. Once they pass the selection process, the animals become officially part of the team. The training teaches the dogs to handle stress factors, such as helicopter sounds, explosions, and firearms discharges. Teams of veterinarians take care of the animals, often performing surgeries and providing medication.
From birth, the caretakers of the puppies observe them, looking for signs that the dogs are suited for the service. When the puppies turn six-eight weeks old, they go to socialise in foster families, while still training with the caretaking team. Following this period, the intensive training begins. This includes obedience, smelling exercises, and situational drills. Finally, at one-year old, the canines undergo a final evaluation to enter the Military Working Dog Training Program. The dogs must pass the Military Working Dog Training Program to start their service, and after the 120 days they train for explosives detection or narcotics identification.
2.2 Breeds
The US Department of Defense (DOD) chooses the recruits for the US Special Forces K-9 Corps from elite breeders around the globe. However, 13% of the chosen dogs come from the DOD Military Working Dog Breeding Program, also known as the Puppy Program. Hosted in the 341st Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio, the program witnesses the birth of 50 to 90 dogs per year. The only breed in the program is Belgian Malinois, as they are the best in energy, smelling capabilities, dexterities, loyalty, obediency and intelligence.
2.3 Human Handlers
Despite the primary importance of the dogs in US Special Forces K-9 Corps operation, it is equally fundamental that the handlers train and develop syntony with the animals. The human companions have to go through classes and certification to become handlers, and they need to be ready to work every day of their career with a dog due to the “one dog, one handler” principle. The bond that develops between the dogs and the handlers is very strong, mimicking the kinship amongst soldiers. In fact, the dogs fully become a part of the team.
2.4 Retirement of K-9 Corps
Once again paralleling the work life of humans, the dogs’ service ends with retirement. Similarly to their human counterparts, the animals can face traumas that lead them to leave the service, moving onto a more tranquil life. Even from a physical standpoint they suffer from similar injuries, such as broken teeth, ripped nails and neck bruises. At times, canines that are not adequate anymore for operating in the special forces are moved to easier jobs, such as patrolling or law enforcement. Those that are not capable of working anymore completely retire. It is usual for the human that handled them in operations to adopt them. [source]
3 Equipment of K-9 Corps
3.1 Field Bag
- Muzzle: used to make sure that the dog is safely handled travelling from and to different locations.
- Primary reward: an object, usually a kong or a kong with rope (a dog’s toy) used to reinforce good behaviours.
- PVC Pipe: another reward object.
- Dog Bite Tug: tug reward object. They are different from other reward objects because it is easier for the handler to shape the dogs’ behaviour with a tug item.
- Leashes: the handlers have different sized leashes depending on the operation goal, with the 6-foot one as the main. In the equipment there is also a retractable leash and a bungee leash.
- Dog Boots: necessary where weather conditions are either excessively hot or very cold.
- Collar: there are two different types, depending on necessity.
- Choke Chain: used to reinforce good behaviours.
- Harnesses: used for tactical maneuverability, there are different styles.
- Dog Goggles: they are used to protect the face, specifically the eyes, of the dog; for example, on helicopters.
- Water: the handlers always carry a water bottle, a travel bowl, and a collapsible bowl.
- Food bag: to keep the dog well-fed at any time.
- Collapsible Kennel: used as a safe place to transport the dog in vehicles or aircrafts.
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3.2 Medical Equipment
- Dog Thermometer: to monitor the wellbeing of the dog.
- Safety Gloves: used to handle open wounds.
- Gauze: used with tape wounds.
- Breathing Kit: the handlers carry the necessary instruments to eventually perform an emergency tracheotomy on the dog.
- Grooming Kit: used to care for nails and coat.
- Medical Scissors: used in case of injury to remove harnesses or cut bandages.
- SAM Splint II: to secure the dog’s leg in case of injury.
- Doggy bags: a toiletry item to clean up after the dogs.
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4 Tactical-Operational Information
4.1 K-9 Operations
Many successful US Military operations have involved canines. However some actions are more known than others.
- Chips: Chips, a German shepherd-collie-husky, was one of the members of the newly formed K-9 Corps that was deployed in World War II. In Sicily, 1943, he saved his team by attacking a hostile machine gun.
- Cairo: Cairo was a Belgian Malinois that helped the team that conducted a raid on Osama bin Laden in 2011.
- Lucca: Lucca, half German Shepard and half Belgian Malinois, served in Iraq and Afghanistan for 6 years, demonstrating exemplary performance in her roles of patrol and explosive detection. After suffering an injury in 2012, she retired.
- Conan: Conan, also a Belgian Malinois, covered a critical role in the 2019 pursuit of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the then ISIS leader.
4.2 Core Purpose of K-9 Corps
Dogs’ capabilities make them a critical resource for the Army’s special operations. The dogs that are chosen for the Special Operations Forces (SOF) have many roles, such as detecting explosives, exploration, and patrolling and are often involved in their handlers’ parachuting and rappelling activities.
4.4 Capabilities
Special Operations K-9s present capabilities that make them of great value for the US Military.
- Bite force: the average bite force of the dogs is 238-328 pounds per square inch. This becomes useful to catch, stop, and arrest suspects, and it allows the dog to protect their human counterparts.
- Detection skills: the animals are taught how to identify explosives, drugs, and suspects, even through natural barriers like water.
- Dexterity: dogs can more easily move in hostile environments than man, guaranteeing efficient operativeness.
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4.5 Roles
The canines employed by the Special Operations Forces (SOF) are known as Multi-Purpose Canines (MPCs) and Combat Assault Dogs (CADs). They cover different roles.
- Sentry/ Border Patrol: the animals guard military facilities day and night, warning with barks and growls in case of threats.
- Scout: quieter dogs get trained to identify hidden threats, and they have to do so in complete silence, working in harmony with their handlers.
- Explosive Detection: the animals’ advanced smelling sense allows them to identify chemicals, leading them to detect explosives.
- Narcotic detection: similar to the Explosive Detection dogs, they use their sense of smell to locate drugs.
- Search and Rescue: these canines are deployed to look for injured or dead individuals.
4.6 Personnel size
As of today, there are about 1,600 dogs in service, working land, air, and sea.
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5 The Future of K-9 Corps
Canines have always been deployed and used not only as companions but also as fighters in military action, but after the officialisation in 1942 their role has expanded notably. Their innate senses and capabilities represent a resource that no military force, including the US Army, is ready to renounce to. Furthermore, dogs’ known loyalty allows them to develop irreplaceable bonds with their human companions. Therefore, K-9 will surely keep being part of the US Special Forces. With more deployment and continued training, it is highly likely that the dogs will receive new roles and take on more responsibilities.
6 Conclusion
In summary, the US Special Forces K-9 Corps is a critical part of the US Army, conducting different types of operations, such as patrolling, explosives and narcotic detection, and search and rescue. The Corps, since their officialisation in 1942, have greatly evolved, especially in terms of equipment, training and relevance. With the evidence of the critical participation of K-9 operatives in important operations in the last decades, it is impossible to deny their efficiency. Therefore, there are no doubts surrounding the future of the K-9 Corps.