Page 368 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
Various muzzles are available for handlers to choose from, depending on their type and size of dog. Most leather box muzzles have gone now, butsomearestillretainedbyafewhandlers. Aluminium feed and water bowls of the old 10 inch diameter x 4 inch depth have gone too and been replaced with much more durable stainless steel versions which are in constant use and rarely chewed by the dogs.
The complete suite of training aids for all Search dogs has been completely reviewed, even since the later days of Service in NI and the introduction of the ‘Search training pack’. Now, the Search dog teams are readily able to train on a huge section of aids including explosives and component parts that are likely to be encountered in all the ‘hot spots’ of the world today.
MWD ‘baiting’ equipment has seen some remarkable improvements with the use of new man-made textiles. The old ‘suits’ – the set of jackets, leggings/trousers made of heavily-padded sacking, secured by leather straps and buckles – was sufficiently pliable to allow the baiter freedom of movement while still giving complete protection from neck to ankle. The later editions, from the late 1970s through to the late 80s, i.e., ‘Jacket Dog attack training cloth hopsack nylon, olive drab’ were very heavy and allowed very little mobility especially when trying to stand up from being on the ground!
Modern suits, although lighter weight-wise, provide more protection from bites and bruising and can incorporate neoprene sleeves to provide an extra barrier for the baiters and decoys. Tradi- tionally, older helmets were locally made ‘bird cage’ design made of steel wire and fastened to the baiter using a series of straps. Great care is needed to secure the ‘cage’ to protect the baiter from serious facial injuries, particularly to their nose and lips. Some would say: “It’s all in a day’s work!”
Battle Ready:
Transmission/Camera systems...camera systems were trialled in conjunction with RARDE25 at Fort Halstead in the early 1980’s however the technology was in its infancy and not of a suitable quality at that time to produce a practicable capability to transmit live footage from a MWD operating remotely. With later technological advances MWDs working with the RAVC, and other units, commonly use the dedicated canine transmission system, or cameras, to relay images
back to other locations or their handlers if working at a distance.
One favoured camera system is the COBHAM system which incorporates digital video modulation and encryption technology, with a high-sensitivity camera, microphone and modulated IR LEDs, antenna and battery technology, into a novel rugged enclosure with sprung-loaded arm. The first rate system, with digital video modulation, ensures excellent transmission characteristics, even in demanding urban and RF cluttered environments. Security is ensured through the use of encryption.
For ease of integration, the COBHAM system is designed to mount to existing user canine harnesses. It’s simple to use and is activated by the action of releasing the camera arm. Users can then select one of many channels for transmission. Built-in battery management technology signals the battery status to the receiver. The COBHAM system is future proofed by the provision of a data input; this allows the potential future carriage of data such as GPS or sensor data.26
Battle Inoculation for MWDs has taken a huge step forward, with gas operated firing systems that can be calibrated to ‘fire’ rounds from virtually any calibre of weapon – from .22 to .50 calibre – thus ensuring that today’s MWDs are accustomed, well in advance, to the type of kinetic activity they may encounter while on Exercise or Ops. Like the human member of the team at their side, they are unsurprised by anything the enemy has to throw or fire at them.
Equally, the ‘toys’ that today’s MWD can play with, such as the renowned ‘Kong’ are obtainable in many sizes to meet each dog’s breed and need.
The bond of the dog and handler partnership is driven hard and possibly to its limits in battle situations. It is where the quality of animal care and maintenance is exposed. Given the dangers in any operational environment a key part of delivering an efficient MWD capability is the sustainment of the dog itself. The fact that handlers are deployed alone in Forward Bases, as a matter of course, they must be able to conduct First Aid on their military dogs. Some of the training assisted with the ‘Critical Care Jerry’, K9 Diesel or other similar high-spec, veterinary training manikins, gives handlers the opportunity to gain knowledge of emergency veterinary First Aid for their MWD. Such manikins are well designed and have ‘working’ lungs as well as an artificial pulse;
25 The Royal Armament Research and Development Establishment at Fort Halstead was a government defence research facility.
26 Cobham Surveillance Camera System.
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