Page 12 - Chiron Calling Spring 2017

10 CHIRON CALLING
During November 2016, 105 Military Working Dog Squadron (105 MWD Sqn) deployed 10 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. Once the handlers and their dogs had introduced themselves, they explained each of the capabilities. For a handful of the teams this was their rst exercise since completing Phase 2 training and many participant’s rst experience with a Mechanized 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 Mechanized 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 dog’s 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 IED’s or other enemy weapons.
On the third night MWD Pista, a Protection dog, and I 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 ooded 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 re to the area using civilians as human shields. During the chaos and melée I was used to separate the enemy from the civilians. My role was to ensure order was maintained 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 some well-earned rest. Commanders discussed with the handlers what went well, how things could be
MWD Pista taking rest
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.
A few days later we participated in an attack on an enemy position. Everyone was inserted by Chinook; a great opportunity for familiarisation training both for handlers and their dogs.
As the exercise progressed, the Protection Section was used to support the QRF. It wasn’t long before a loud metal bang and crash was heard towards the main gate. A large crowd had arrived outside trying to break in. They demanded to see someone in charge and were threatening the camp. A Company Sergeant Major entered the area to impose order and asked for support from the Protection Section. First out to assist was MWD Pista and I. Upon approaching the gate, three soldiers had been struggling to hold back people from entering the Compound. When the Dog was deployed however, the crowd quickly fell back. She instantly was pushing back 20-30 protesters to a safe distance. Pista’s aggression and constant barking made a quick impression. Pista and I kept them at bay until support arrived from other Protection teams led by Pte Howarth and Pte Moon. Both the crowd and 4
Bite Suit training
Exercise Wessex Storm
By Pte Andy Fortune, 105 MWD Sqn.