By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Amaani Lyle
Special to American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2009 – Military working dogs have come a long way since the days of ancient Persia and Assyria, where they donned armor, spiked collars and warned of impending attack or charged on the enemy\’s cavalry. But they are as important as ever, and U.S. military leaders are making sure they are rewarded with a happy retirement.
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Air Force Staff Sgt. Christa Quam holds her puppy, which will enter the military working dog program in a year at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The dogs are enrolled in a 60- to 90-day training program, where they are trained in explosive and drug detection, deterrence and handler protection. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Griffin Defense Department officials have created a standard operating procedure used by all kennels to ensure excess military working dogs have a chance to go to deserving adoptive homes.
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