Posted on Sep 19, 2014
Military dogs are termed as mere “equipment” in laws and policies
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Not only do men and women go through great lengths to serve and protect our country, but dogs do too. However, military dogs are termed as mere “equipment” in laws and policies. Military dogs must be treated as soldiers, especially since their lives are put on the line to save others.
Military Working Dogs (MWD) are specifically trained to sniff bombs, protect their own bases and identify the locations of the enemy. This kind of work is dangerous and traumatic for a living, breathing being. During active service, a dog’s rank is considered higher than its handler’s. However, all of this is put aside once the dog becomes too old or irrelevant. The same dog is then declared unnecessary equipment, which can be left behind--often at foreign bases.
This is wrong. The bond between a dog and its handler is very strong. They are practically comrades. The dog protects its handler and other soldiers during crossfire. You can leave behind equipment, but you can never leave behind a comrade! Military dogs should be reclassified as manpower or K-9 service members. That way, they will return their country with the armed forces. In the Vietnam War, the U.S. military included 4900 dogs, and only 1600 made it back after the war ended.
Military dogs are not left behind in war zones anymore. Bill Clinton passed a law in 2000 that allows civilians, former handlers and law enforcement agencies to adopt retired MWDs. However, this bill didn’t reclassify war dogs. Representative Walter Jones (R-NC) submitted a bill back in 2012 that would reclassify MWDs as K-9 members of the military, called Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act. Unfortunately, in the process of incorporating the bill in the larger National Defense Authorization Act for 2013, a key part of reclassifying military dogs was left out.
The armed forces do respect all MWDs. Service members who are handlers cannot imagine their dogs as equipment and would never intentionally leave them behind. But the moment an MWD retires, it is considered equipment and is not transported back to headquarters. The dogs left behind at a foreign base can be adopted by a U.S. civilian, but the civilian would then have to pay for the monumental shipping costs. This discourages people from adopting war dogs.
The Air Force is making a policy change that would no longer classify MWDs as gear, but changes still need to be made across the services. We are making progress, but it's taking quite some time. MWDs do nothing less than serve our nation and military. They have every right to be reclassified as service members. If the military can transport MWDs overseas, then MWDs should be brought back as well.
What is your experience with dogs in the military? How should they be reflected in laws and military policies?
Military Working Dogs (MWD) are specifically trained to sniff bombs, protect their own bases and identify the locations of the enemy. This kind of work is dangerous and traumatic for a living, breathing being. During active service, a dog’s rank is considered higher than its handler’s. However, all of this is put aside once the dog becomes too old or irrelevant. The same dog is then declared unnecessary equipment, which can be left behind--often at foreign bases.
This is wrong. The bond between a dog and its handler is very strong. They are practically comrades. The dog protects its handler and other soldiers during crossfire. You can leave behind equipment, but you can never leave behind a comrade! Military dogs should be reclassified as manpower or K-9 service members. That way, they will return their country with the armed forces. In the Vietnam War, the U.S. military included 4900 dogs, and only 1600 made it back after the war ended.
Military dogs are not left behind in war zones anymore. Bill Clinton passed a law in 2000 that allows civilians, former handlers and law enforcement agencies to adopt retired MWDs. However, this bill didn’t reclassify war dogs. Representative Walter Jones (R-NC) submitted a bill back in 2012 that would reclassify MWDs as K-9 members of the military, called Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act. Unfortunately, in the process of incorporating the bill in the larger National Defense Authorization Act for 2013, a key part of reclassifying military dogs was left out.
The armed forces do respect all MWDs. Service members who are handlers cannot imagine their dogs as equipment and would never intentionally leave them behind. But the moment an MWD retires, it is considered equipment and is not transported back to headquarters. The dogs left behind at a foreign base can be adopted by a U.S. civilian, but the civilian would then have to pay for the monumental shipping costs. This discourages people from adopting war dogs.
The Air Force is making a policy change that would no longer classify MWDs as gear, but changes still need to be made across the services. We are making progress, but it's taking quite some time. MWDs do nothing less than serve our nation and military. They have every right to be reclassified as service members. If the military can transport MWDs overseas, then MWDs should be brought back as well.
What is your experience with dogs in the military? How should they be reflected in laws and military policies?
MWD: Military Working Dog
Dogs
Command Post
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 63
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I think they should be sent back stateside, and put into a pool to be given to vets for use as service dogs. I would take one in a heartbeat. My wife was just talking to me about this the other night, while we were watching Dogs of War. Maybe I should look into getting one. I know it would probably make me a lot more at ease if I wasn't geared up all the time, wargaming in my head every time I go to the store or a mall or something...
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SGT Steve Vincent
Lol SGT (Join to see), HK USP.45. Never leaves my side, except for those exceedingly rare occasions I find myself having to enter a "gun free" zone that also has a metal detector... And I have a custom case in my truck for an SBR. Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum.
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Absolutely. Anyone--any life form--who puts their life on the line, or who otherwise fights beside us should be recognized and accepted as a comrade veteran.
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CSM Michael Lynch
I agree SGM Coberly wholeheartedly. I have given some of our allies the same treatment with our company that our veterans receive (provided that can prove it was honorably).
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LTC Dr Richard Wasserman
Yes, They serve and put their lives on the line same as service people.
While I was in Iraq, we (12 officers) were kicked off a flight as the plane was diverted for a dog and it's handler.
While I was in Iraq, we (12 officers) were kicked off a flight as the plane was diverted for a dog and it's handler.
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SFC Istvan Nagy
I agree with SGM Coberly 100%. In the past years I saw Military Dogs serve us on the battle field, where loyally followed and/or lead us into any situation to save many-many lives. They continue that selfless and loyal service off the Battle Field as Service Dogs and healer friends/companions. They should be recognized for their dedicated service.
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A Working Dog Poem
GOD SUMMONED A BEAST FROM THE FIELD
And He said, Behold man, created in My image. Therefore, adore him.
You shall protect him in the wilderness, shepherd his flocks,
watch over his children, accompany him wherever he may go;
even unto civilization.
You shall be his companion, his ally, his slave. To do these things,
God said, I endow you with these instincts uncommon
to other beasts: faithfulness, devotion, and understanding,
surpassing those of man himself.
Lest it impair your courage, you shall never foresee your death.
Lest it impair your loyalty, you shall be blind to faults of man.
Lest it impair your understanding, you are denied the power of words.
Let no fault of language cleave an accord beyond that of man with
any other beast; or even man with man. Speak to your master only
with your mind and through your honest eyes.
Walk by his side; sleep in his doorway.
Forage for him; ward off his enemies; carry his burdens; share his afflictions;
love him and comfort him.
And in return for this, man will fulfill your needs and wants --
which shall be only food, shelter and affection.
So be silent, and be a friend to man. Guide him through the perils
along the way to the land that I have promised him.
This shall be your destiny and your immortality.
So spoke the Lord. And the dog heard and was content.
(Anonymous)
GOD SUMMONED A BEAST FROM THE FIELD
And He said, Behold man, created in My image. Therefore, adore him.
You shall protect him in the wilderness, shepherd his flocks,
watch over his children, accompany him wherever he may go;
even unto civilization.
You shall be his companion, his ally, his slave. To do these things,
God said, I endow you with these instincts uncommon
to other beasts: faithfulness, devotion, and understanding,
surpassing those of man himself.
Lest it impair your courage, you shall never foresee your death.
Lest it impair your loyalty, you shall be blind to faults of man.
Lest it impair your understanding, you are denied the power of words.
Let no fault of language cleave an accord beyond that of man with
any other beast; or even man with man. Speak to your master only
with your mind and through your honest eyes.
Walk by his side; sleep in his doorway.
Forage for him; ward off his enemies; carry his burdens; share his afflictions;
love him and comfort him.
And in return for this, man will fulfill your needs and wants --
which shall be only food, shelter and affection.
So be silent, and be a friend to man. Guide him through the perils
along the way to the land that I have promised him.
This shall be your destiny and your immortality.
So spoke the Lord. And the dog heard and was content.
(Anonymous)
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Well, I was a Dog handler from the time I left MP OSUT in 1981 (via Lackland AFB) until I went to OCS in 1985. I would have loved to have kept my MWD (Dallas #P058), but someone else took him. He was very aggressive, very and I am not sure he would have worked well as a pet.
At that time, they were considered property book items, and stayed at the installation.
That said, I always was sad that when an MWD was no longer able to be certified, or no longer capable, they were put down.
There have been times when MWDs PCSd with the handler... It seems to change every few years.
I know the rules have changed through the years, but my Colonel - Commander side tells me that making these dogs (especially the ones like Dallas that were trained by the DOD to attack) pets in retirement creates liability issues for the DOD.
At the same time, I do think it is worth considering a process where these great MWDs can retire and live out their days with their handler.
At that time, they were considered property book items, and stayed at the installation.
That said, I always was sad that when an MWD was no longer able to be certified, or no longer capable, they were put down.
There have been times when MWDs PCSd with the handler... It seems to change every few years.
I know the rules have changed through the years, but my Colonel - Commander side tells me that making these dogs (especially the ones like Dallas that were trained by the DOD to attack) pets in retirement creates liability issues for the DOD.
At the same time, I do think it is worth considering a process where these great MWDs can retire and live out their days with their handler.
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if it breaths and bleeds it's not equipment, we pay the presidents the rest of there damn lives , at least the dogs earn theirs . ( if they get it )
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Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen
I totally agree but unfortunately the law doesn't see dogs as anything more than property. Watch some tv court shows, it disgusts me, but that is the law.
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I worked with my share of MWDs and firmly believe that they are fellow soldiers. They put our lives before their own and I've been known to say on more than one occasion that I'd rather have a dog as a partner over a human any day of the week. The only difference between human service members and K-9 ones is the fact that we chose to enlist, they were involuntarily enlisted. Yet they do their jobs fearlessly and without prejudice. They protect us and guide us and all they ask for in return is food, shelter, and a kind word from their human counterparts. Is it too much to ask for us to treat them with all the same reverence and respect we would a human retiree? I think not..
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Perhaps the next step is to get the large Veteran's organizations (Legion, VFW, etc...) to adopt resolutions recognizing MWD and also push to have Congress recognize MWD as veterans.
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I am blessed to be able to work with these particular service members. They are fantastic and once I am out of the military, I am planning to adopt a MWD.
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RallyPoint Team Absolutely, without a doubt. They are as much a team member as any other.
I have worked with military canine teams and civilian law enforcement canine teams too. Consequently, my view is, while working they obtain the same status as the handler. When retired they obtain the same status as another retired service member.
I have worked with military canine teams and civilian law enforcement canine teams too. Consequently, my view is, while working they obtain the same status as the handler. When retired they obtain the same status as another retired service member.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS Abs-a-freakin-lutely...these devil dogs deserve medals as well IMO. They sacrifice themselves the same way we do and actually are probably a hell of lot more braver than most of us are.
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Well, first and foremost, I absolutely agree that MWDs should not be considered "property." However, I think this post is not clear on what the policy is regarding MWDs and what happens when they are retired. One thing....we never leave a dog behind.
When a disposition is conducted on an MWD, a board process is conducted to determine their eligibility for adoption. We, as handlers, do everything we possibly can to ensure the dog is able to be adopted out. Once they are declared excess and suitable for adoption, their last handler generally has first choice on whether to adopt them or not. This includes dogs that are stationed overseas. Next comes previous handlers and other handlers, then military members, then the general public.
You have to understand with the adoption process that most of these animals are trained in controlled aggression. Some cannot be adopted out due to their aggressive nature and that determination has to be made.
Overall, I wholeheartedly agree on the premise. I believe that the dogs should receive full veterinarian benefits from the military after retirement. Currently, they receive a small supply of any meds they are on and that's it.
We always look for the best home for these dogs. We give them retirement awards and do the best that we can as handlers. These dogs are our brothers and sisters, not our property.
When a disposition is conducted on an MWD, a board process is conducted to determine their eligibility for adoption. We, as handlers, do everything we possibly can to ensure the dog is able to be adopted out. Once they are declared excess and suitable for adoption, their last handler generally has first choice on whether to adopt them or not. This includes dogs that are stationed overseas. Next comes previous handlers and other handlers, then military members, then the general public.
You have to understand with the adoption process that most of these animals are trained in controlled aggression. Some cannot be adopted out due to their aggressive nature and that determination has to be made.
Overall, I wholeheartedly agree on the premise. I believe that the dogs should receive full veterinarian benefits from the military after retirement. Currently, they receive a small supply of any meds they are on and that's it.
We always look for the best home for these dogs. We give them retirement awards and do the best that we can as handlers. These dogs are our brothers and sisters, not our property.
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SGT (Join to see)
I so agree with this clarification SFC T.J.Caron has made. Thanks sarge and thank you for loving those dogs as much as most people do.
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