Page 8 - Chiron Spring 2020

8 CHIRON CALLING
Operation Hallex – Pakistan
SSgt Lino Woolfe
Op HALLEX was first generated for 1 Military Working Dog (1MWD) Regiment in the latter months of 2014 and has since produced 2 teams per year to deliver Defence Engagement Arms Explosive Search (AES) Dog Training and handling to the Remount Veterinary Farrier Corp (RV&FC) of the Pakistan Army. I was fortunate to deploy on HALLEX 18-2 as the SNCO at the start of 2019 and to be the continuity SNCO for the next deployment 19-1 at the end of August 2019, spending a total of 6 months deployed. The first team to deploy on 18-2 was myself, Cpl Simpson and LCpl Divers, all from separate Sqns. This was the first time all the Regular Sqns had an active evolvement in the Op HALLEX deployment.
When we landed, we were taken to the Diplomatic Enclave just outside of Islamabad. This is a secure area, where diplomats from all over the world, work and live within their embassy communities. We were taken to the British High Commission living compound which is separate from the British High Commission (BHC) entirely. From there we were shown our living accommodation and taken around the complex and familiarised with the amenities available. The first week consisted of security briefs, collection of required equipment, vehicle familiarisation and meeting with the Army Dog School Commander. The Army Dog School is situated in the twin city of Rawalpindi some 30-minute drive from BHC.
Cpl Wolstencroft with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during their Royal Tour
The following week, we were given 13 dogs and 10 students for the duration of the course and began to work on the dog’s independent prey, hunt and environmental drives, we also worked
We were given 13 dogs and 10 students for the duration of the course and began to work on the dog’s independent prey
on agility, obedience and fitness. The Pakistan Army have their own breeding programme which is situated in Murree, 42 miles northwest of Islamabad. When they are 8 weeks old, the MWDs are then transported from Murree to the Army Dog Training School, where they are looked after until they reach 9 – 10 months before they begin training. Most of these dogs have not undergone any hunt or prey drive tests, so the training team had to work hard and utilize the time they had within the first 2-3 weeks before we could conduct the search element of the course.
Team photo with Royal visitors