Working dogs support Soldiers behind scenes

FORT CAVAZOS, Texas - National Dog Day recognizes and celebrates the dedication of these military working dogs, the silent warriors who protect, serve, and uplift those around them with unwavering loyalty. These highly trained canines go far beyond the role of companions, performing essential tasks critical to military operations. Alongside their handlers, these loyal and skilled dogs contribute significantly to security and various mission objectives.

At The Great Place, the 226th Military Police Detachment, 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, has 22 dogs assigned to the unit. These dogs are specially trained to detect explosives and narcotics and ensure Soldiers' safety during overseas deployments, training exercises, and daily security operations.

All MWDs in the Department of Defense graduate from the Military Working Dog Training Program at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland at San Antonio before receiving their assignments across the DOD. These dogs fulfill four unique missions: three are managed by military police units, and Army engineers handle the fourth.

Military police working dogs are trained for:

• Explosive detection

• Narcotics detection

• Explosive detection - enhanced: A mission where MWDs work off-leash, further from their handler, to enhance effectiveness and safety while looking for improvised explosive devices.

For the fourth mission, Army engineers utilize mine detection dogs to support maneuver units by identifying dug-in anti-personnel or anti-tank mines, protecting Soldiers during combat operations.

Staff Sgt. Sadie Vollendorf, a squad leader at the 226th MP Det., is responsible for training the handlers and the dogs.

"The relationship between handler and dog is the most important thing," Vollendorf said. "Having that close relationship makes the job better, makes the team better, makes them more efficient and it gets us through the day, keeps us motivated to work and keeps our guys happy and ready to go."

Vollendorf discussed the many advancements in training, including integrating Global Positioning System, or GPS, tracking and virtual reality to prepare dogs and handlers for real-world scenarios.

"We're seeing GPS getting added into our dogs' capabilities where they're tracked," Vollendorf said. "We're also starting to get into the more technological side of virtual reality training and using that as an added tool before the handlers get assigned a dog."

Sgt. Samantha Wendt, a team leader and explosive dog handler with the 226th MP Det., shared similar sentiments. She spoke about the daily routine and the deep connection she's formed with her dog, MWD Softie.

"We talk a lot about rapport building - building that bond with our dogs starts the day you meet them," Wendt said. "You take them on walks, you train with them and when you're on missions or deployed, you're living with them. That bond grows over time."

Wendt also touched on the unique connection between handlers and their dogs beyond the typical pet-owner relationship.

"There's a different bond with these dogs," Wendt explained. "Even if you're not out there finding IEDs with them, they're your partner during shifts, and sometimes they're the only one you interact with all day. They're what gets you through the tough days."

Their contributions, often unseen, are invaluable to the safety and success of the Soldiers they serve alongside.

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