Page 7 - Chiron Calling Autumn 2019

Military Reserve Exchange Programme 2019
By Cpl Tamara King 101 MWD Sqn
The Military Reserve Exchange Programme (MREP) is a Tri-Service annual reciprocal exchange of individual personnel between all components of the UK Reserves (including a small number of Regular Army Aircrew) and the US Reserves.
Having been fortunate to be selected from 101 Military Working Dog Squadron to participate in the exchange, I was matched with the Canine Unit of the 11th Security Forces Support Squadron based at Joint Base Andrews, (JBA) near Washington DC. 11th Security Forces Support Squadron are made up of Military Police and the Canine unit is the largest in the US Airforce. The role of the Squadron is to equip, train and deploy JBA defenders to deter their enemies, detect malicious activity and provide defence to JBA, the National Capital Region and also around the world. The Military Working Dog unit actively support and maintain this role by providing both Protection and Detection Dog capabilities to operationally search and secure Andrews Air Force Base and airfield, Air Force One, and support Presidential and High Dignitary Visits around the world.
Having been a Military Working Dog Handler and Trainer for the past 13 years I was extremely eager and excited to observe our US Counterparts and integrate in their training. Upon arrival I was very much welcomed by 11th Security Squadron and was given a tour around the MWD Kennels and introduced to the 23 MWDs they currently have.
During my 2 weeks with the Squadron every effort was made to include me in all their Military Working Dog Training which they carry out daily, the MWDs they use are ‘dual purpose’ dogs which means that an individual dog is trained for both protection and detection purposes. I found this especially interesting as the MWDs at our Squadron in the UK are a single classification, either Protection or Detection so the contrast was very different.
I also got to observe their validation and certification process, this is where the MWD and handler are tested during searches to ensure they meet a set criterion and standard before they can be operationally deployed. It was extremely interesting to watch and see the differences between our equivalent ‘Licencing’ process. All the handlers and trainers were very keen to learn about the capabilities and standards of efficiency of our MWDs, although many of the principles of their training mirrors our own, some of the training and handling techniques differed slightly. A great deal of knowledge was exchanged on both sides which was of great value for me to bring back to 101 MWD Squadron.
An exciting part of my visit was accompanying one of the handlers on a security detail for President Trump. Prior to the departure of the President on Air Force One the airfield and surrounding areas were searched by the MWD Team;
Cpl Tamara King RAVC with US Air Force MWD
the President was very appreciative and even gave us a wave as he boarded Air Force One! The home City of the President of the United States is very historical and culturally. During my stay I was given the opportunity to visit some of the landmarks and monuments such as the White House,
'A great deal of knowledge was exchanged on both sides which was of great value for me to bring back to 101 MWD Squadron'
The Lincoln Memorial and the National World War 2 Memorial which honours the 400,000 Americans and 16 Million US soldiers who served.
The MREP was a fantastic experience and gave me a great practical insight into training and active operations of the Canine Unit of 11th Security Forces Support Sqn. It has also broadened my overall military experience and professional knowledge and it was great fun. I would highly recommend the MREP to all RAVC Reserves.
Cpl Tamara King USAF EOD PPE
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