Page 16 - Chiron 2024

specialist dogs for specialist tasks in addition to the more general Sweep, Tracker, and Guard dog.
The Corps deployed its first soldier, a female handler, to Afghanistan
in 2002, which as the conflict developed saw a huge surge and success in operational demand for MWDs, increasing in Theatre by
2012 to 120 personnel and MWD Teams. An increase from 2007 of 500%. The role of the Corps changed continually reflecting the changing nature and intensity of conflict. By 2010 six classifications of specialist MWDs were employed effectively
on operations. Patrol/Guard dogs deployed protecting military bases, Protection dogs operated with foot patrols as far forward as any troops in Theatre. Vehicle Search dogs were used at vehicle checkpoints and the more General-Purpose dog for crowd control and checkpoints. Arms and Explosive Search dogs provided safe routes for patrols by locating buried explosive devices which restricted operational freedom of movement. The Taliban’s
began in 2011 and completed in 2015. Following the Taliban offensive in 2021 the 1st MWD Regiment (RAVC) returned with eight MWD teams
(8 dogs) as part of the evacuation operation of British Nationals and former British staff eligible for relocation.
Adequately covered is the health and wellbeing of the MWD in peace and on active service, for example, advances in surgical and diagnostic facilities, diet, the development of canine combat protection equipment
The demand for RAVC MWDs on Operational deployments over the last two decades always far exceeded the number of dogs and handlers available. The requirement for trained and battle-ready manpower in peace and operationally is a crucial issue for the Corps especially when faced with reductions in Regular personnel and expansion on mobilisation.
The Mixed Service Organisation (1962-1994) a uniformed civilian
arm (British Army of the Rhine),
run on British Army lines, included hundreds of dog handlers under RAVC control. With the close of the Cold War, 1991, emphasis shifted from the monolithic threat to being prepared for wider challenges including peace keeping roles, a ‘Capability Based Army’. Various Territorial Army (renamed Army Reserve 2013) initiatives helped meet demands for personnel. By the early 1990s the TA provided 30% of the Army’s mobilised strength, providing a diverse skill set of RAVC Reserves.
The role of women with the Corps (Chapter 20) began with the first contingent of twelve WRAC’s in 1962 as kennel maids and grooms, before achieving full career and operational status within the Corps. The author states approximately 40% of all RAVC personnel are front-line women soldiers.
The Operational requirements
for dogs and handlers differ from those of peacetime. With increased likelihood of deployment outside the core regions of Europe and Middle East, maintaining numbers and constant training for battle readiness and transition to war crucially provides the flexibility for the Corps
escalating use of IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) accounted for 79% of UK soldiers killed in action.
“The demand for RAVC MWDs on Operational deployments over the last two decades always far exceeded the number of dogs and handlers available”
such as paw protection, cooling vests for extreme heat, goggles for ultraviolet protection, specially designed ear protection and muzzles. The development
In Helmand
Province, the
most volatile region of Afghanistan, 70% of the areas in which UK troops operated contained various VOIEDs (Victim Operated), Pressure Plate IEDs and Low Metal Content IEDs. The answer to this increasing threat was for the Corps to find and train specialist High Assurance Search Dogs [HASD] that could detect and indicate VOIEDs. After intensive research and operational trials, the first HASD Teams entered service
in 2009. Once again, the Corps displayed to all Service organisations its relevance, flexibility, adaptability, and quality of the MWD and handler; the specialist MWD becoming the unrivalled component in countering improvised explosive devices. Withdrawals from Afghanistan
of indoor/outdoor kennel accommodation, for example,
to meet the requirements of transportation and differing environment and climates is
of particular interest. Battle inoculation, preparing the MWD
for conflict situations and the
crucial bond of dog and handler, a partnership driven hard and possibly to its limits in battle situations. Canine emergency care is a crucial part of Veterinary Officer and Veterinary Technician deployment. Ensuring MWDs receive their entitlement to emergency medical care and evacuation through the same chain as soldiers to deliver life- saving treatment from point of injury to veterinary treatment facility.
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