Page 436 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
area searches for militia elements and their weapon caches. Large numbers of militia elements fled Basra or ended-up being detained along with their munitions. Despite the incidents of IDF attacks on the COB, the reporting of IEDs had reduced. The militia continued to demonstrate their capability and intent to mount primarily defensive operations, but on occasions to also mount offensive operations towards the ISF – more so than MND (SE) – as a ceasefire was now in place.
Following Op CHARGE OF THE KNIGHTS, the demand for MWD teams increased in the AO. They deployed with the UK and US MiTTs teams in support of the IA and ISF and with the Strike BG and Regimental Field Squadron (RFS) on Strike Ops. MWDs remained a key component in the counter IED and IDF battle. Importantly for the RAVC, the increased awareness of the IA and ISF regarding the uses of MWDs was very positive, which represented great progress in a country where there were known cultural sensi- tivities towards using dogs.
The demand for AES capability remained high and the response to an additional AES team was eagerly awaited.
March 2008 saw the delivery of six Transportable Container Dog Accommodation (TCDA) creating twenty four kennels in total. An important advancement followed the April 2008 DAVRS Study Period when all handlers were subsequently issued with two Morphine Auto Injectors for use on their MWDs if they were injured or incapac- itated in any way. This was seen as a significant step forward for the handlers and the Corps.
During May 2008, the Unit had twelve Protection dog teams: four AES, four VS and one Tracker dog team.
The AES dogs were used very effectively during Op HART the re-supply convoy run by the UK Logistic Group to and from Kuwait. The dogs also assisted in Op DALTON search procedures while Battle Groups also used AES teams in support of Strike Ops and teams routinely searched civilian contractors’ accommodation. The four AES teams completed thirty-four tasks during April 2008, with 978 hours on Ops and 44 hours in harness. The two VS teams were used in support of the three separate PVCPs at the COB. And, similar to Op EAM, the VS handlers and dogs supported Ops on the Iraq/Iran border. Records show that the four VS teams completed one hundred and thirty-seven tasks with a total of 322 hours on Ops and 119 hours harness time. The Tracker dog was
always on call and tasked as required.
Patrol dogs were used for defence patrols at
the COB. High-profile patrols were deployed as a deterrent where there were many locally employed civilians and sometimes for crowd control. Protection teams also supported Op HART in specific towns where tensions were running high and civilians were attempting to create distur- bances and instigate theft from convoys. Within the COB, the change of stance from being static on point with a Patrol dog, to that of patrolling areas, saw perimeter breaches reduce from 30 per month to just three. The twelve Protection dog teams completed two hundred and sixty-three tasks and nearly 3,200 hours Op time, with 2,290 hours on patrol.
Reports from theatre in July 2008 outlined Op CHARGE OF THE KNIGHTS in support of MND (SE), and US Forces to the Iraqi Army (IA) and ISF continued. The TMWDSU tempo of Ops remained high. There had been an increase in demand for AES and Patrol dog teams from the UK and US Military Transition Teams working in Basra and it was recorded that IA and ISF had started to request the use of dog teams via the Multi National Force (MNF) chain of command. Demand had increased in June and July 2008 reflecting a change in the Iraqis’ use of MWDs. There had also been an increase in the use of AES teams in support of Strike Ops against the insurgents. All in all, MWD tasking between May and June 2008 remained pretty constant both in terms of tasking type and hours on tasks.
It was a time of great appreciation for, and trust in, the MWD capability and trust in the dog and handler partnership.
During the period March – October 2008, LCpl Ed Davis was employed as an AES handler based at the COB in Basra as part of 104 MWD Sp Unit. Since deploying he had completed numerous and varied tasks in support of offensive strike operations, force protection operations and worked in support of UK and US Military Transition Teams (MiTTs) – the UK and US mentors for the Iraqi Security Forces. For his outstanding contribution to this work LCpl Davis was awarded the Commander’s Commendation.
TELIC 12/13 and the Withdrawal from Iraq
As TELIC 12/13 commenced, no one could be sure how long the tour would last for the newly formed 103 MWDSU from Sennelager. However, the answer was delivered when the Dog Unit was closed at the end of March 2009, and the UK handed over control of Basra airport to US Armed Forces.
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