Prevention
is best option
I REFER to the story “Safe base: Action to reduce injuries
to dog handlers” (Air Force News, October 21).
I have been working with dogs for the past 25 years and I feel
I have a little knowledge on the subject to offer a different
perspective of the cause of injuries.
I mean no disrespect to Sergeant Doug Stewart and Flight Lieutenant
Phillip Dee when I say that any recommendation they make would
have minimal effect in reducing the injury problems in regards
to bad backs, knees and shoulders for dog handlers as it seems
they are mainly talking about treating the injuries, not fixing
the problem.
It is my opinion the major causes for these injuries are out-dated
and incorrect training methods and out-dated personal protective
equipment (PPE).
RAAF training methods for arm work with Military Working Dogs/police
dogs have not changed since 1964. All attack work is conducted
with only protective arms.
Handlers are taught to feed this arm for the dog to bite; this
puts the handler in a position where he or she is bending their
back and using it like a crane with the dog pulling and shaking
on the arm and shoulder.
Now, every physiotherapist will tell you that if you are going
to put pressure on your back, try to keep it straight.
With an aggressive dog biting on the end of your arm, the last
thing you really want to do is pull up straight, as this will
bring the dog into a position right between your legs, where you
really don’t want the dog to bite.
Dog equipment (PPE) has steadily become quite advanced over the
last 40 years in the form of lightweight attack suits, scratch
pants etc. The advantage of using this equipment is a common sense
approach.
More padding offers greater protection for the body and the other
advantage is not having to stay bent over when feeding and working
the attack arm.
This allows the handler to bring the dog closer, which in turn
straightens the back, reducing the amount of pressure and stress
put on the back, shoulder, legs and arms.
To date, these items are presently not recognised or used by Air
Force and Army MWD handlers.
CPL
M. Gregory
382ECSS
Military Working Dogs
Official
response from Air Force Headquarters
THANK
you for your views on Military Working Dog Handlers’ (MWDH)
training and injuries incurred through arm work.
Specialist staff from the RAAF Security and Fire School (RAAFSFS)
Military Working Dog Training Flight (MWDTF) advise that training
methods for arm work with Military Working Dogs (MWD) have evolved
significantly since 1964.
Students at RAAFSFS are provided comprehensive theory and safety
instructions prior to conducting any aggression work with MWD.
The techniques employed in aggression work have also been developed
to accord with the changing role of MWD, compared to the old police
dog, and involve targeting different drives within the dog.
The use of lightweight attack suits within Air Force has been
occurring on an ad hoc basis for some time until Combat Support
Squadron issued a cessation notice earlier this year, as no formal
training, techniques or procedures had been developed to support
the use of this equipment.
Further, a suit that meets Air Force requirements has not been
identified and made supportable through the logistic system.
RAAFSFS MWDTF is investigating the requirement for this equipment
and, subsequent to a positive outcome, will identify a suitable
suit for introduction into service.
RAAFSFS is cognisant of the issues raised in your letter and,
as stated in the article, is reviewing the conduct of arm work
to address injury concerns. The product of this review will flow
out to MWDH in the field to ensure that best-practice training
techniques are being employed.
An
ECSSellent place to be
WHEN
I was an ACW, I significantly remember a time out on the range
as part of my unit’s annual squadron training exercise, Ex
Magpie Dawn. I was unable to wipe the smile off my face or hide
my excitement to be partaking in the exercise, and being part
of 381ECSS in general.
“You’re such a war-ie,” the other LACWs said.
“After two years of doing this, you won’t be smiling
so much,” they said.
“I don’t know about that,” was my response.
I live for being in a unit that repeatedly deploys on exercises
and operations.
Meanwhile, I’m still a pretty bad shot. But with the helpful
ADGs at 381 and the use of the WTTS facility, I hope to achieve
that magical 36 out of 36 in the near future.
I’ve been at 381ECSS close to two years now, and I can’t
think of a day that I haven’t enjoyed myself.
I was moved from CSI to the HQ element six weeks after marching
in on December 9, 2002, and since then have worked in the midst
of all the action, where all the planning, practice, and preparation
takes place.
I was even given the opportunity to deploy to the Middle East
in August 2003 after only six months’ experience. My time
overseas was the most amazing experience of my life and I yearn
to do it all again.
But as far as day-to-day life as part of an ECSS, there’s
never a dull moment.
I shake my head in frustration at those members who constantly
whinge and complain and don’t enjoy it. I’m sure there
are plenty of members out there who would love to be in this unit;
I just happen to be one of them!
LACW
Fiona O’Shea
S33A - Ops Clerk
381ECSS HQ
