Page 377 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
MWD detection capabilities of significant value to the civilian Police and other agencies. PROT dogs have traditionally been used to help protect static sites and more recently to help counter the ‘insider threat’. In addition, a range of MWD capabilities are available to support dismounted infantry operations. Infantry Patrol, Ambush and Tracker dogs have proven utility in rural and jungle operations, using their Pick-Up and Indication (P&I) ability to help identify and track threats. These capabilities offer the same utility in the high population density urban environment. This is an area for capability growth in the wider Field Army.
The intense focus required by the handler when operating his capability, means that whilst the MWD team is working it requires intimate protection from the supported unit.
Clinical Capability.
Clinical Capability provides fundamental enabling support to MWD, in 3 broad areas: Routine Healthcare; Canine Sports Science and Herd Health; and Trauma Management. Activity takes place under the policy direction of the Director of Army Veterinary and Remount Services (DAVRS) and under the code of practice of the Royal College of Veterinary Science (RCVS). Ultimately, though, all veterinary activity is undertaken under the individual professional authority of a RAVC veterinary officer, in their capacity as a member of the Royal College. Veterinary Officers are assisted where applicable by Veterinary Technicians.
Routine Healthcare ranges from the promotion of Animal Welfare (the Five Freedoms),51 to the provision of day-to-day veterinary preventative and curative treatment. Canine Sports Science and Herd Health is the routine promotion of health, exercise, nutrition and disease prevention activity. It is aimed at maximising the performance and endurance of MWD.
Trauma Management is provided by a combination of Role 1 and Role 2 clinical support when deployed:
Role 1 support would ideally always be provided by a qualified veterinary officer or veterinary technician. As this is not always practicable on deployed operations, some combat first aid can be undertaken by a trained handler or Combat Medical Technician, however this must still be governed by a designated veterinary officer. Such governance may take the form of a tele-medicine process over combat net radio or other forms of inter/intra-Theatre communication, or it might
simply be the execution of specifically pre-trained and authorised procedures.
Role 2 trauma management activity is always the preserve of the veterinary officer.
Role 3 veterinary support is provided by the Defence Animal Training Regiment or through civilian referral.
Where applicable, the potential for International co-operation when deployed should be exploited in order to improve the breadth and depth of clinical provision. All three types of Veterinary capability require specific clinical real-estate, equipment, pharmaceuticals and consumables. At home, these are provided through one of 1 MWD Regt’s veterinary clinics. Separate deployable veterinary provision is required. This needs to be appropriately matched to the scale and nature of the deployment undertaken, and to the anticipated veterinary demands. This must also include equipment maintenance and supply chain provision.
In addition to their primary role in support of MWD, the veterinary officers and veterinary technicians of 1 MWD Regt can also contribute to capacity building activity overseas. At home, they provide routine veterinary advice and care in respect of other military working animals, and they can make a significant contribution to environmental health activity. Veterinary officers also rotate through equine appointments with HCMR and KT RHA as well as undertaking E1, E1.5 and sometimes E2 staff employment.
“Lima Coy is holding CPs ZARAWAAR, SALANG and until recently CP TOKI. Lima Coy is centred within the highly contested area of AO GOLD. If there was ever an ‘average’ week then it would see a small arms engagement each day and an IED strike each week; historically the previous BG Coy incurred 18 casualties in one month. With the prolific use of dogs, Lima Coy has suffered 8 casualties in 2 months.
As the Commander I consider the use of dogs for patrols beyond my immediate 300m radius almost as a ‘go/no go’ criteria; my ideal is that every grouping has a dog. If I am told I have no ISTAR then this is less of a concern than if I am told I have no dogs. When considering the Scheme of Manoeuvre, the number of manoeuvre elements is generally determined by how many dogs I have. If the dogs are tired or ill, I will tailor my operation or reduce my ambition accordingly...... the dog, almost without exception has offered accuracy, speed and confidence to our patrolling. The dog is of course only as capable as the handler.”
51 The 5 Freedoms: Freedom from Hunger and Thirst; Freedom from Discomfort; Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease; Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour; Freedom from Fear and Distress.
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