Page 461 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
105 MWD Squadron deployed with thirty-five MWD teams of varying capabilities, supporting EOD and Search tasks, RP&C, and the Infantry (1 LANCS) who made effective use of Protection dogs. Of particular note was the deployment of brand new veterinary ultra-sonic, X-ray and anaesthetic equipment which was used in real time veterinary procedures in theatre.
The Sqn operated EOD and Search Task lines to suit various tasks incorporating EOD Search and MWDs, building up from low-level training to the Field Training Exercise (FTX). Full advantage was taken of opportunities to integrate with Falcon (CBRN) Sqn, RP&C, Infantry and Military Intel- ligence (MI). Co-ordinated by 29 Gp’s Wimbish- based Training Wing. The Exercise also included operator licensing and individual ‘patch’ training, with Directing Staff (DS) drawn from across the Gp including 11 EOD Regt.23
LCpl Ryan Hanson shared his personal account of the Exercise in the autumn 2016 issue of Chiron Calling:
Exercise SHAMAL STORM 16, 105 Military Working Dog Squadron
At the start of 2016 more than sixteen hundred troops making up the Vanguard Enabling Group (VE Gp) deployed on Exercise SHAMAL STORM 16 (ShS 16) to Jordan, to conduct an entry operation to assess the Army’s ability to support thirty thousand personnel in the field.
Ex ShS 16 was the largest exercise of its kind since Ex SAIF SEREEA in Oman 2001. It was designed to test the concept of theatre entry and establishment. It also included the very high readiness Field Hospital and use of the latest explosive ordnance disposal and search capabilities, and this is where 105 MWD Squadron fitted in. The Exercise became an annual event for the Regiment, but this year saw the total number of troops involved grow to forty-four personnel and thirty-five MWDs.
105 MWD Squadron deployed complete with their own small Light Aid Detachment, veterinary support and except for Drugs Detection, all of the Regiment’s current dog capabilities. For many of the junior handlers this was their first overseas Exercise and for some their first Exercise with their own MWD since completing their training at the Defence Animal Centre.
A small, advance party left from RAF Brize Norton on Valentine’s Day and flew to Jordan where they completed a mandatory Reception Staging and Onwards Integration package before moving further inland to the Exercise area. Here they spent the next few days turning a building site, complete with a large crater
23 Sapper Magazine dated June 2016 No 44.
24 Chiron Calling dated Autumn 2016.
for septic tanks, into a workable Squadron footprint with kennelling for around forty dogs, a Veterinary Treatment Facility, stores, and briefing areas.
The first couple of weeks for the main body and the MWDs was spent acclimatising, conducting road walks to toughen pads and low energy training to gradually build the dogs’ stamina and conditioning. Over the following weeks the training increased in intensity and became more arduous with the introduction of scenarios to test all the Squadron dogs’ capabilities, in preparation for the Final Training Exercise (FTX) phase.
In addition to training, licensing was conducted for many of the MWD teams in readiness for the Squadron taking over contingency operations in 2017. Several teams also conducted Real Life Support (RLS) tasks for the VE Gp, including camp security patrols and the searching of baggage and freight at the airport, as part of the effort to deter personnel from smuggling weapons, and other contraband in or out of theatre.
The Squadron hosted a number of guests during Ex ShS 16 all the way up to VVIPs. The Combat Camera Team came along which resulted in a variety of media stories, helping to further raise the profile of the RAVC in the public domain through traditional and social media. Other individuals were required to plan or take part in Capability Demonstrations, which helped to educate and inform our user units, with whom we would become integrated during the final FTX phase.
As well as training their MWDs, many handlers completed Team Medic Courses and increased their knowledge and understanding of maintaining a Motor Transport section on Exercise. In addition, a great benefit of the Exercise was the opportunity to work alongside other Force Troops Command Units that were also deployed.
The annual running ShS 16 has seen massive development of the base locations, turning them into more permanent facilities, complete with welfare areas, Wi-Fi, purpose-built dining halls, gyms, and a laundry service. Many of the handlers had never had it so good on Exercise! Everybody was also able to attend at least one cultural visit during their time in Jordan, some choosing to take in the amazing sights of Petra.
All capabilities gained valuable training experience on Ex SHAMAL STORM. The hours, areas and scenarios tested both the handler and dog alike. Morale remained high as the handlers got to spend the vast majority of the day with their MWD and proved why this trade remains a vocation that they are dedicated to and not just a job.24
Rewards and awards
The dedicated military Dog Handler does not go about their duties with the thought of medals and
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