New blood for MWDs

By Pte Simone Heyer

Sgt Alan Grossman, Bak and WOFF Paul Andersen with Eden. By LAC Greg Pierce 82 Wing Photo Section

THE RAAF is responsible for the addition of three new top-notch dogs to the ADF breeding program for military working dogs.

Bak, Eden and Freedom were obtained from Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

Sgt Alan Grossman travelled to the US to choose the dogs, which he says are vital to the future of the ADF’s military working dogs.

“We plan to supply the ADF with our own bloodlines,” he said.

“Dogs are needed for the specific purpose of being MWDs.
“We want them so they’ve got a good nose, they’ve got endurance, longevity, good health, and the ability to bite, they have the drive that we want, so they go out in the field and they’re exceptionally good dogs.”

The three were rejected from the US working dog role but more than adequetly meet the ADF’s high standards.

Sgt Grossman explained that US dogs are expected to meet dual roles.

“Over there they must be explosive or narcotics as well as patrol dogs.
“If they fail narcotics or explosives they’re no good for the program.”

This is no problem for the ADF’s dogs who only need one role – that of patrolling – including tracking and attack work.

He said that as part of the program the RAAF was looking at similar co-operation with the British and US militaries and the German Polizei.

The three dogs are elite with their capabilities and blood lines, essential to the growth of the ADF kennels.
The three will continue their training and be matched to handlers in the next year.

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