Page 463 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
“Clean Sweep”
Dog handlers from 102 MWD Sqn searched Princess Royal Barracks in Gütersloh, formerly RAF Gütersloh, to ensure no ammunition or weapons had been acciden- tally left behind prior to the camp's official handover to German authorities. Together with their canine comrades, five soldiers spent four days combing accom- modation, storage facilities and the base perimeter. The OC described their work as a real-life execution of their skills and abilities.25
“Dog Soldiers in Action”
A field of forty-two soldiers from 102 and 105 MWD Sqn assembled for a canine biathlon in Sennelager. The event was designed to highlight the endurance and working abilities of the Army’s dog teams while building a good relationship between the handlers. “It was a cross country course over open and wooded terrain that covered about five miles,” explained WO2 Paul Jobling. “The different tasks tested the dogs’ control by the handlers.”
Hound specialists from the Regulars and Reserves also joined forces during training on Exercise CHIRON ALLIANCE. The Troops from 102 and 101 MWD Sqn worked their four-legged comrades on the Sennelager training area to hone skills on section attacks and searching vehicle checkpoints and areas under threat from IEDS.26
Stepping-up the integration
Awards and the publicity that accompanies the reward and achievement brings with it an appre- ciation of the role and the sacrifice of the Military Working Dogs. This is an appreciation from the public as well as the Army family. There is also a boost that comes from within the Regiment – to lead on and stride ahead, each handler knowing their worth.
This spirit carried through into Exercise WESSEX STORM, as shown in this article from the spring 2017 issue of Chiron Calling:
Exercise WESSEX STORM – 105 MWD Sqn (2016)
During November 2016, 105 Military Working Dog Squadron (105 MWD Sqn) deployed ten MWD Teams to support Ex WESSEX STORM on Salisbury Plain.
They were tasked with supporting The Highlanders, 4th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland (4 SCOTS). Each Company had attached to them a Protection Dog and an Arms Explosive Search Dog (AES), while A1 Echelon held the remaining four Protection Teams.
25 Soldier Magazine dated December 2016. 26 Ibid.
27 Chiron Calling dated Spring 2017.
Once the handlers and their dogs had introduced themselves, they explained each of the capabilities. For a handful of the teams this was their first Exercise since completing Phase 2 training and many participants’ first experience with a Mechanised Unit. This was their chance to put into practice what they had learned in Phase 2 training and adapt to their new surrounding and facilities.
Being a Mechanised Unit, handlers learned to live in and around Mastiff Armoured Vehicles. The teams did on occasions spend demanding hours moving location. Each company was very accommodating with the requirements of the dogs’ needs. Many of the objectives required movement at night and patrolling across various terrains to the objective. Predominately, the Protection Handlers were used as a visual deterrent to any Civilian Population or to guard Captured Personnel. Depending on the threat, the AES teams were deployed when and where necessary. This involved the teams being used to search routes and locations for the threat of IEDs or other enemy weapons.27
On the third night I, alongside MWD “Pista”, a Protection dog, were tasked to assist in the securing of a food bank where enemy forces were expected to be. In the late hours of the night the Mastiffs moved into position under the cover of darkness. Each then flooded the area with all the lights available. The Soldiers began to occupy the area and discovered enemy forces had taken the food and had begun to set fire to the location using civilians as human shields. During the chaos and melee, I was used to separate the enemy from the civilians. My role was to maintain order, while 4 SCOTS won the battle.
The chaos and confusion that reigned throughout the battle was challenging, however Pista handled it extremely well. She naturally raised her focus, in keeping with the situation around her. At no point was she fazed or intimidated by the situation and was an excellent ambassador for the MWD capability. Now this phase was over, 4 SCOTS regrouped for a well-earned rest. Commanders discussed with the handlers what went well, how things could be improved and how else they could be used. Everyone was very keen to use the dogs again, now they had seen them work to their advantage. Many of the soldiers enjoyed taking time out to pet the dogs to boost morale and talk of home.
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