Page 367 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
FIDOS – or Field Inflatable Dog Kennel Shelter21 was designed to protect MWDs in LACON kennels from exposure to chemical, biological warfare agents in a contaminated environment. The ‘protection’ consists of a chemical resistant polyu- rethane-on-nylon cloth, in an olive drab fabric bag that entirely surrounds two kennels and holds in place under the slight positive pressure of filtered air. With an inner material of laminated polyamide cloth on anti-gas fabric, the kennel is accessed via a front facing slide fastener running down each base side and across the base. A central slide fastener allows access to deliver water and food and, as it was intended to be used in conjunction with a portable electric front blower, there is access at the top for a blower unit (and webbing straps to secure it). The FIDOS has clear windows front and rear, and a removable ground sheet.
The following article, by Captain Robert Hart RAVC, appeared in Chiron Calling in winter 2007/ spring 2008:
Drops Mountable Deployable Kennel
Following the Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) provision for Military Working Dog Deployable Infra- structure submission in April 2007, the Battlefield Infrastructures IPT awarded the contract on 5th July 2007 to G3 Systems Ltd, a subsidiary of IAP Worldwide Services Inc. G3 Systems design and supply a wide variety of deployable solutions to the UK MoD that includes kitchens, laundries, showers, medical facilities, workshops, and a whole host of other integrated systems.
The RAVC’s deployable infrastructure facility requirement consisted of two types of units, both a transportation container for the tactical movement of MWDs, and also rear-based kennelling using an ISO based system.
The first deployable kennel system came off the production line on 20th September 2007 and was shown to the Corps on the System Demonstration Day on 21st September 2007. Trials taking place over this period saw a number of modifications that have been developed and the system was subsequently accepted into the Service on 21st November 2007 when the Director came to see, what was probably the first bespoke Equipment Capability program the Corps has seen.
Thirteen systems will roll out between January – March 2008, distributed initially on Op HERRICK, followed by Op TELIC with one system being made available for Pre-deployment Training. Thirty- three Transportation Kennels have also commenced production and should be available by April 2008.22
21 UK/SC/5937 Issue dated July 2003 DLO FIDOS Technical Specification.
22 Chiron Calling dated Winter 2007 Spring 2008.
23 Soldier Magazine article dated February 2017.
24 Training of War Dogs 1962 WO Code No 9746 dated March 1962.
‘Canine Combat Kit’ MWD Protection – ‘PPE’: MWDs have a range of equipment to protect them from the elements and the rigours of the battlefield.
Paw protection is not new but modern fabrics and technology have greatly enhanced the protection afforded by the ‘footwear’ that is issued to all MWDs today; with Velcro fastening, rubberised soles and woven mesh that prevents dirt and debris getting through, but at the same time allows ventilation to keep the dogs’ paws cool.
Earmuffs are available for use in kinetic environ- ments or for use on the range. The guards are comfortable and lightweight, with adjustable straps for an optimum fit, and equipped with specially engineered sound-deadening foam ear seals designed to mould to the contours of a dog’s head.
Cooling Vests cover a dog’s torso, sides, back, chest and neck.
Dog goggles provide 100% ultraviolent protection and have shatterproof polycarbonate lenses with a flexible frame.23 The goggles keep dust and debris out of a dog’s eyes and are often worn when entering and exiting helicopters or in dusty environments, especially in high winds.
“Umbrellas” issued to MWD handlers during the Afghanistan conflict were specifically designed from lightweight materials that reflected direct sunlight, without causing glare or unwanted reflection. MWD teams used the military speci- fication umbrellas when they were unable to get shade in open areas while resting.
Military Working Dog leads, harness, bowls and training aids have all been upgraded over recent years – gone the ubiquitous rope lead with leather hand grips; “A five-foot long, half-inch girth rope lead with a strong, quick release, galvanised swivel ‘G’ clip spliced into one end of the rope with a seven-inch hand loop at the other. Both ‘splicings’ stitched and bound with leather.”24 Sadly, in my view, now replaced by other fangled leads which the modern day soldier seems to relish. The new version is, admittedly, more versatile and dries easily, unlike the rope lead of yester year. The harness is no longer constructed from canvas and leather; instead, more durable manmade fibres form something that is robust, has strong fasteners and a useful hand grip to grasp the harnessed dog as necessary, and covered with nylon webbing so that ‘lume sticks’ can be easily slotted in as required.
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