Page 380 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
Legacy MWD Capabilities not currently held by the Army
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MWD Capability
Description of Capability
1.
Mine Detection Dog (MDD)
These MWDs were used with great success in the Balkans. MDDs have proved extremely useful over difficult terrain, where the deployment of sensitive detector equipment is not feasible. MDD teams are normally an integral part of specific Search and EOD teams in operational theatres where there is a mine detection requirement. MDD require time to adjust to new theatres and will need to conduct in theatre training and validation before becoming operational. MDD search for Anti-armour mines and Anti-per- sonnel mines. The dogs work ON leash and can operate in areas where anti-armour and anti-personnel mines and sub-munitions are a major threat. They can be used to search safe lanes to disable vehicles or personnel in an acknowledged minefield.
2.
3.
Currency/Tobacco Detection Dog
Utilised to detect concealed currency and tobacco and in the past used in counter-smuggling operations.
4.
Ivory Detection Dog
Used to detect ivory caches in combating elephant poaching. Have been trained to support anti-poaching teams in Kenya.
5.
Body Detection Dog
Previously used in Border and Immigration control in Hong Kong. The dogs can indicate the presence of stowaways and illegal immigrants concealed or stowed in vehicles transiting border posts. Versions of this are used by civil authorities to great effect all over the world.
6.
Casualty Detection Dog
Can search for and locate the presence of injured personnel within the battle space. Casualty Detection Dogs saw extensive employment throughout World War Two but have not been used by the UK in recent conflicts. Wounded soldiers can be buried by masonry, earth falls or injured in parachute drops; the Casualty Detection Dog greatly enhances the chance of locating hidden or unconscious casualties. They are similar to Search and Rescue dogs.
7.
Sweep Dog
Trained to ‘sweep’ an open area on or off lead and to give a silent indication to the handler of anyone hiding in the area being searched. They have the capability of apprehending persons fleeing by ‘holding’ and have a limited ‘hot pursuit’ tracking capability of up to half a mile at least 30 minutes ‘cold’. The Sweep MWD can be used in the static ambush role or OP giving a silent indication to the handler of anyone moving in the area. Used extensively on the Hong Kong/Sino border and were very successful in stemming the flow of illegal immigrants.
8.
Messenger Liaison Dog
Used during World War One and the early stages of World War Two, trained to carry written messages from forward positions to central locations behind the lines. They could cover difficult and broken terrain that would have
been impossible for a human runner. Evidence from the period showed the reliability and speed of these animals and countless saved lives are credited to them; when all other means of communication had been lost they got vital messages through.
9.
Pack Dog
Used during World War One, and trained to carry any number of items from ammunition to rations and even cigarettes.
Cadaver Dog (Cad) Utilised to detect dead bodies hidden or buried in varying types of terrain.
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