Page 11 - Chiron Calling Autum 2021/Spring 2022

the training team to highlight any potential training issues for the problem-solving workshop in week three.
In week 2, Detection Section moved onto an indication workshop, run by Cpl Berresford, Cpl Wood and LCpl Pritchard. An allocated time was spent showing handlers how
to fix generic problems within their dogs, such as migrating or becoming proactive on hides. This was highlighted to be one of the most valuable lessons for the handlers as the main source of problems in their MWDs were the indications. Scent recognition lessons were taught making sure that each MWD was able to locate the presence of a small piece of Kong during a search as Kong is used as a pairing scent for the MWDs.
confidence. Utilising St George’s Barracks Airfield, Protection teams then progressed onto pick up and indication, arguably the most valuable skill a Protection team holds but often the least focused upon.
The final week was spent consolidating all that had been
Sqn in turn, ensuring training was understood and implemented where required and disseminated to new members of the Sqns.
Apart from embedding in each sqn for foundation periods, the MWD training team also aids with the ISAC of MWDs from the DATR to 1 MWD Regt. This allows the trainer the opportunity to see the MWD and allow them to plan a team period before the dog joins its new Sqn. The training team also provides assistance should any
sqn require a Class 1 handler. The training wing can provide relevant cover to support, whether that’s with an individual Sqn or to help cover on a course run by the military side of the training wing.
Overall, the training team has had an immediate effect on MWD teams within the Regiment and the future is looking very promising.
During the same period, Protection focused on the decoy’s overall skill set, using the canine communication knowledge gained in week 1. Decoys were taught dry drill mechanics (muscle memory) in the suit, the
importance
of movement
of both MWD
and decoy. The
implementation
of tie backs,
how to set
up and how
to use them
to test or develop the MWD was
an equally valuable lesson for all handlers involved. All-round bite development for the dogs, handlers and the importance of using drives to form the balanced drive triangle (Fight Drive) was also covered.
Week three consisted of a problem-solving workshop for all sections. VS Section concentrated on pattern training on the trailer park at St George’s Barracks, starting off with the initial stages
of searching a vehicle, whereas
AES Section moved to Rogue Sail Training Area within RAF Wittering to work on duration and adaptability of search.
Protection section used this time to consolidate work on the various drives in canines and their uses for training to develop
learnt by
all sections. Control of the sessions was handed back over to the handlers for the training team to assess how they had progressed
over the last month and a discussion was conducted on ways to improve the foundation training for future periods. After a consolidated period, the Training team revisited each
Decoys were taught dry drill mechanics (muscle memory) in the suit, the importance of movement of both MWD and decoy
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