Page 52 - AGC-Journal-2016

AGC JOURNAL 2016

1st Military Working Dog Regiment

Exercise Shamal Storm 2016

By Lance Corporal Matthew Broughan

105 Squadron, 1st Military 2 cleared to leave, it was then time to hit
Working Dog Regiment the ground running. Just as quickly as the
dogs were loaded, they were unloaded. The
deployed to Jordan on Exercise heat hit us as soon as we left the aircraft
Shamal Storm 2016 to and we hurried into the terminal to collect
conduct counter Improvised baggage and load the vehicles with the
kennels and a mountain of dog food that
Explosive Device and enabler weighed more than a car. After a long
support training on behalf of chain of passing the bags, we were set to
leave for the training area. On the way
the Field Army. I deployed in the landscape became more apparent and
support. looked very biblical. As we came close to
our camp I noticed a few mountains that
1 would give me great pleasure getting to
the top of.
elements to ensure the Squadron deployed
with all their assets and equipment. At Exercise Shamal Storm
Hannover the dogs needed a quick leg
stretch and a toilet break before being
loaded onto the aircraft; the handlers The early stages of the exercise were
needed a good coffee and a McMuffin. essential in ensuring the Squadron could
Once the kennels were strapped down in operate successfully. First the dogs would
the aircraft it was time for the dogs to be need to acclimatise to the conditions of
walked onto the aircraft. The dogs were Jordan, along with their handlers. Serials
divided depending on their role, and one and training were conducted on a daily
basis. Once the Squadron Headquarters
The Build-Up at a time escorted by their handler into was established, it began offering
their kennel. Safety was a priority and
the process was executed as previously support to other units and taking part in
On 7th February 2016 I departed St planned. demonstrations to show their capability
George’s Barracks, North Luffenham, and in the battlefield. Each classification was
arrived in Sennelager, Germany. I had Arriving in Jordan given a demonstration to test their skills
been tasked to conduct pre-deployment and to highlight the advantages of having
checks for 105 Squadron, who are based Once the aircraft landed beside the Red dogs over modern technical equipment.
in Normandy Barracks. I had a two Sea just outside of Aqaba, and we were However, not every serial went according
week window to ensure all necessary to plan; like us, dogs have their good
documentation was 100% complete, and 3
to conduct any training before I deployed
to Jordan with them. I had recently left
Germany a couple of months before, so I
knew my surroundings and where to go. 1: Headquarters
Most importantly I knew where to find the 2: Matthew Broughan
steakhouses so I could sink my teeth into a
good German steak. 3: Military Working Dog with handler
4: Military Working Dog in training
Departing Germany 5: Military Working Dog undergoing treatment

6: Matthew Broughan is third from the left
On 20th February 2016 the main body of
105 Squadron left Sennelager with a party
of 43 personnel and 35 Military Working
Dogs. Preparation and timings were key

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*2016 J Layout.indd 52 10/01/2017 15:33