Page 43 - Chiron 2024

Brunei Experience
by LCpl Howe
This February I was given the opportunity to deploy to Brunei to assist the Jungle Warfare Division (JWD) Military working dog (MWD) team for the Operational Tracking Instructors Course (OTIC).
The OTIC trains service personnel to become instructors in human tracking and ground sign awareness. Added to the challenge, students have to master their skills in both navigation and survival within the jungle environment.
The attachment started with training on handling and caring for our tracker and infantry patrol dogs. I also was trained in jungle survival and field craft by instructors from JWD as well guest instructors from the SERE school, Dutch Marines and Singapore Police.
This training enabled me to deploy into the jungle with the students as an independent tracker handler. It was rewarding to see the benefit our tracking dogs added to the infantry tracking team. Supporting the patrols, tracker dog Ciklon proved
to be an invaluable asset. Despite the heat and humidity, Ciklon would cover significant distance and ground on patrols tracking through challenging terrain. Our dogs also proved to be a great morale boost
to exercising troops and instructors alike!
The final exercise phase began with a helicopter abseil insert
into the jungle, a highlight to my trip. This phase was joined by guest instructor Ray Mears. Mears provided expert advice on tracking
and survival on the course, having famously tracked down gunman Raoul Moat, one of the biggest manhunts on British soil to this day.
Overall, my trip to Brunei was a fantastic experience and I hope to return to the jungle again soon!
Chiron Calling / 41