Inspiring Pictures of U.S. Combat Dogs in Action
- Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:08am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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They rarely get glory. Their funerals aren’t broadcast on TV. And they’ll never ask for praise. But there are 2,700 of these “soldiers” serving in the U.S. military. Who are they? They’re furry, have long noses, and walk on four legs. They are the military’s canines.
In fact, the New York Times reports that one such dog was involved in the raid on Osama bin Laden, sparking a wave of interest in what is becoming an essential tool in the war on terror.
“In 2007, the Marines began a pilot program in Afghanistan with nine bomb-sniffing dogs, a number that has grown to 350 and is expected to reach nearly 650 by the end of the year,” the Times says. “Over all, there are some 2,700 dogs on active duty in the American military. A decade ago, before the Sept. 11 attacks, there were 1,800.”
The dogs are used for everything from tracking, to search-and-rescue, to bomb-sniffing. While the breeds have traditionally been Shepherds, increasingly the military is turning to Labradors:
Within the military, the breeds of choice are generally the German shepherd and a Belgian shepherd, or Malinois, but Marines in Afghanistan rely on pure-bred Labrador retrievers because of the dogs’ good noses and nonaggressive, eager-to-please temperaments. Labs now accompany many Marine foot patrols in Helmand Province in southern Afghanistan, wandering off-leash 100 yards or more in front as bomb detectors. It is the vital work of an expensively trained canine (the cost to the American military can be as high as $40,000 per dog), but at the end of a sweltering day, sometimes a Lab is still a Lab.
Business Insider has put together a slideshow of inspiring pictures showing the canines at work:
See the rest here.
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Comments (103)
redbone007
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 12:49pmRemember our president did not want a dog and was forced to get a dog for his girls.
Report Post »lkaywagner
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 12:29pmThe dogs are so brave and they help our military do their jobs and save so many lives they deserve lots of credit for the work they do.
Report Post »chump
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 12:15pm“A dog does not live as long as a man and this natural law is the font of many tears. If a boy and a puppy might grow to manhood and doghood together, and together grow old, and so in due course die, full many a heartache might be avoided. But the world is not so ordered, and dogs will die and men will weep for them as long as there are dogs and men.”
Report Post »Ben Ames William 1920
douglassoileau
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 11:59amThese Dogs are more patriotic and braver than all the elected who are sitting on their brains in the congress and senate…….surely they are more understanding of the dangers facing our Soilders……….Thank God for them…
Report Post »swimmer1940
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 11:55amI don’t know if I believe in heaven. BUT, just in case, then I want to go to dog heaven with all the great pooches I have known. I can’t think of a single person I would care to spend eternity with, but there are many dogs of whom I would never tire. Dogs give unconditional love, never nag, never put you down with nasty zingers, and truly love to cuddle and go for nice, long walks in the woods. Dogs don’t care how you look, comfort you when you’re sad, and share in your joy, for dogs are innately joyful creatures.
Report Post »Guess what? I truly love dogs! I have saved the ashes of all my past best friends, and when my time comes, my ashes will be mixed with theirs and we will all be scattered to the four winds.
Marine Recon Dad
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 11:37amI have German Shepherds and Jack Russells. Both breeds are highly intellectual, fearless and willing to do anything asked. I know of many SpecOps that would unquestionable follow their dog into a battle – more than the REMFS that give the orders.
Report Post »ZAP
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 11:28amThink they will be allowed to vote?
Report Post »UpstateNYConservative
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 11:16amRussian Spetznaz–hardcore SEAL-type guys who will put a cobra snake in a friend‘s boot for a ’joke’–were terrified of American war dogs. They actually went through training to learn how to defeat them.
Go, USA!
Report Post »Fernyyy
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 11:10amWhether it’s at war with the military or at home with law enforcement, these partners are essential and sought for because of their astounding capabilities.
The bond that forms between the dog and it’s handler is a fabulous thing to see. God bless them all.
Report Post »Fernyyy
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 11:28amHere’s a link to another story about war dogs:
Report Post »http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/05/04/war_dog?page=0,0
piper60
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 11:07amI, too, am a dog lover. I live in an apartment complex that doesn’t allow them, so I admire them from a distance. Great story on the military dogs, by the by. They deserve all the glory they can get.
Report Post »Warphead
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:56amWhen all others would abandon you, your dog will stay by your side. I have 8 rescue dogs and have no doubt that each and everyone would fight to the death to protect me. You’ve never really had a friend until a dog has made you his.
Report Post »Just an observation with no definative proof, but I seem to have noticed that most Conservatives are Dog lovers. I wonder if anyone else has noticed this.
Dougbeach
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 11:04amBut but Obama has a dog! And so did Clinton… you are right though most libs love cats! There is a clear connection here: lounging around the house, sleeping in the sun and getting fat. Like I always say — DOGS are the true patriots and would vote for Tea Party candidates if we’d give them the chance!!
Report Post »nfbailey
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 11:13amI couldn’t agree more. We have a rescued white German Shepherd who is the love of our life and the center of the household. There is nothing she wouldn’t do for us, and no one could lay a hand on either of us if we didn’t allow it. She brightens each and every day with her very presence and happy attitude. I’ve maintained for years that those who dislike dogs have no souls…..that must be why Muslims are such losers.
Report Post »razeus1
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:24pmClinton had a cat called socks.
Report Post »Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:54amI have a serious questions for those in the know about military decorum.
Would it be a serious breach of the chain of command to scritch a superior officer behind the ear until his leg starts thumping on the ground?
It was a crime what the American military did with its war dogs after Vietnam.
Report Post »WillyGoode
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:45amI have a 110lb. White German Shepherd & 4 other dogs…if you want to see pics go to 5Dogsandababy.com they are the best.
Report Post »showmerancher
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:43amTo learn more about these dogs and their handlers, check out http://www.uswardogs.org/
(Good War Dog song, too!)
Learn about the War Dog Memorial and how you can help…
ALSO, about 3/4 of the way down that page, learn how you can adopt one of these heroes after they’ve retired. (It takes a special person/family).
Report Post »kerf
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:43amIMO, one of those dogs is worth more than all 535 members of Congress. On second thought, any dog is worth more!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »Warphead
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 11:06amI cannot ascertain as to the worth correlation, but one dog is certainly more intelligent.
Report Post »vennoye
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 11:52amIf only the politicans had the loyality of a dog…….what a different world we would have!!
Report Post »D. Wayne (Vietnam 69)
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:53pmI would wager that a few dogs in Congress could get more useful tasks accomplished in a week that the 535 humans there can do in a year. At least we would understand the why for the crap the dogs would leave !
Dogs would know who the dog friendly humans are. Awww, human profiling would cause the Moooslims to be chewed on. Oh we could sell that DVD !. HA!
DOG RULE ! ! !
Report Post »chump
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:36amPlease publish the diet for the army dogs
Report Post »islandlady
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:36amGerman Shepards Are sweet!!!
Report Post »TRILO
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:31amI saw another slideshow the other day and was amazed at what some of these dogs can do. They showed a picture of a dog in a harness with his handler jumping out of a plane. I’ve jumped out of a plane before but I could not imagine doing it with a dog. The story I read the other day said that they used to leave the dogs behind as they were expendable. Glad to see that the military has changed that practice since the Vietnam war. Many times dogs are more loyal than people. I have 4 rescue dogs myself.
Report Post »sbeejustsaying
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 12:13pmLeaving them behind?!?!? How awful. That just breaks my heart. I’m glad they have changed thier mind too.
Report Post »jmbogstad
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:28amWho is the actual handler here? Is there a reason why dogs are man’s best friend?
Report Post »BenInNY
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:17amI love the goggles on the pup in the 2nd picture. Reminds me of a certain friend on twitter that many of us emulated for a while.
Report Post »chandel
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 9:53pmFor those wondering they are called doggles http://doggles.com/
Report Post »IMPEACHBHO
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:15amUnsung heroes
Report Post »ItsMeAgain
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:13amFrom the look on Kandy’s face, she is very committed to her mission. Thank you Kandy.
Report Post »bkhoe77
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:12amI wish I had a dog.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:16amGet one, you won’t regret it!
Report Post »BIGJAYINPA
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:35amHad one for 15 years, I cried so hard when we had to have her put down I haven’t been able to think about getting another…Stacy I miss ya….just sayin’
Report Post »D. Wayne (Vietnam 69)
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 8:44pm@BKHOE77 & all: Adopt a German Shepherd. I am on my third. No one wants an older dog but since I am an old dog too, I take the elder dogs. My last German Shepherd was 9yrs 5mos when I took her home. She lived with us until she reached 13yrs & 9 mos. Had to put her to sleep last August and I cried for days. Keep Gretel’s collar nearby to smell when I think of her. Yes, I will ALWAYS miss her.
Report Post »The present German Shepherd , 7 years, needed a forever home too. I adopted him a week after Gretel’s ashes were returned. I could not live without a shepherd again at my side. At 140lbs he is a formidable protector. Cannot stuff him in my Cessna but, he is with me everywhere I can take him. Equally as smart. Usually five attempts at doing what is requested and he has the task in memory.
Google “German Shepherd Rescue”. A chapter will be in your area. Check out online files & pics. With an older dog, you see what you got, they all understand “No”, will not pee in yours shoes..(chuckle).
Rather spend time with a German Shepherd than 90% of the humans I meet. You will think that too once the bond/connection is made.
ItsMeAgain
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:12amFrom the look on Kandy’s face, she’s very committed to her mission. Thank you Kandy.
Report Post »ozchambers
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:40amShe looks like she could carry a conversation…….or a mission.
Report Post »psadie
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 11:52amIf I saw Kandy, I would run like hell.
Report Post »stoptheliesbho
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:12amRIDICULOUS story, but I can’t help myself. THEY’RE SOOO CUUUTE!! And patriotic and tough and all that other stuff…BUT THEY’RE SOO CUUUTE!!!
Report Post »Ballgame
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:17amFYI.. It is common practice for the dog to be one rank above the handler.
Report Post »TexasTBone
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:18amThe sunglasses are awesome! where can i get a pair for my dog?
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:19amWhy is it ridiculous? Dogs have been a part of war for centuries and aided and saved many soldiers.
Report Post »Obama Snake Oil Co
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:19amHey, these are four legged soldiers and if you had one with you in battle, you know why our soldiers almost always fight to get them back here….god bless them and keep them safe too, we are mere caretakers……
Report Post »BIGJAYINPA
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:26amWhen you take into account the Muslim attitude towards dogs it get even better. The only thing a Muslim hates more than a women is a dog. I wish the Marines still had their throat-ripping Dobermans on duty, but they really aren’t PC are they??…Just sayin’
Report Post »biohazard23
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:33amAnother reason why I like my dogs more than most people…..
Report Post »suzpenn
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:39amNOT RIDICULOUS – Stoptheliesbho. Most have NO idea just how wonderful these dogs are, nor the valuable skills and service they provide our men and women and many have died in the line of service. Many Military Working Dogs are available for adoption when they are retired – at no cost – and deserve to spend their remaining years in a loving home.
Report Post »biohazard23
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:40amThis is another look at some of these awesome dogs.Titanium canine teeth? Really?? Works for me…..
http://www.thedaily.com/page/2011/05/05/050511-news-seal-dog-1-5/
Report Post »Gold Coin & Economic News
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:44amGotta love them puppies. It would have been nice to see a pack of patriotic flesh ripping puppies at the LSU flag burning fail the other day, just for fun.
Report Post »Dougbeach
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 10:48amYES suzpenn! Go dogs! The true unsung heros of our military. They are so much better than the cows, chickens and pigs that I eat. If only more animals were as patriotic as dogs, maybe I’d be a vegetarian!!
Report Post »Warphead
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 11:02amI don’t get the ridiculous part. The dogs train, they fight, they get hurt, they suffer and die for your freedom. I don’s see anything ridiculous about a story highlighting the Dogs service to our country. Hope you just chose the wrong word in haste.
Report Post »Mustangdave
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 11:02amTEXASTBONE….the “sunglasses” are called “DOGGLES”…if you google it you’ll find where to purchase em…BOO-YAH Military working dogs
Report Post »CatB
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 11:15amCanines ROCK .. btw .. my chihuahua has doggles too! She just won’t keep them on .. I think she needs some military training.
Report Post »the_zazzy
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 11:30amAmazing animals that deserve full military honors for their unwavering dedication and service! They have absolutely no fear…only loyalty.
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 11:32amThe English Mastiff put more fear in the Roman army than the English soldiers.
Report Post »pavnvet
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 11:46amThis is the official site for MWDs (Military Working Dogs).
http://www.lackland.af.mil/units/341stmwd/index.asp
They, like all military, deserve our praise and thanks.
Report Post »psadie
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 11:51am“The Gladitor” had a great German Shepherd as part of his armament.
Report Post »waggie
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 12:32pmDogs will follow their master anywhere, even into battle and other dangerous situations, even if it leads to their death…
Report Post »Tulsatime
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 3:55pmThere is a combat dog hospital in Texas named after Daniel Holland. Dan was a highschool friend who was killed in combat. He was a vet and was taking care of the combat dogs when he was killed.
I remember my friend and his sacrifice.
Report Post »4blackhorses
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 5:21pmRidiculous? Perhaps we should try collaring you, attaching a leash to it and watch as you crawl around on all fours with your nose on the ground trying to detect the minute difference in odor between dirt and explosives. I‘m willing to bet you’d blow yourself to hell before you detected a land mine.
Report Post »boomer46
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 6:06pmOh, Yeah? What about the CATS?
Report Post »http://www.slate.com/id/2293232/
JUSTANOTHEROPINION
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 6:23pmRediculous?, Rediculous really? These brave, heroic animals put their lives on the the line along side their brave, heroic human counter parts. Your comment is the only thing rediculous here pal!
Report Post »Canuck GB Fan
Posted on May 14, 2011 at 12:10amNOT a ridiculous story. This is a great story! Dogs are awesome. So loyal, loving and trusting.
We have 2 border collies who we love dearly
Report Post »vaconservative
Posted on May 15, 2011 at 8:10pmwhy is it ridiculous?
Report Post »thequeenbee
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:07amWhat is so ridiculous about this story? These dogs save human lives. Your comment was riduculous
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