K9 Veterans Day: Celebrating Military Working Dogs

Military War Dogs, also known as Military Working Dogs (MWDs), are canines trained to protect humans in difficult situations. March 13th has been declared an unofficial day to celebrate these special military soldiers.

On March 13th, 2022, K9 Veterans Day will be honored. Learn more about this celebration in this post. 

Military Working Dogs: A Brief History

For millennia, dogs have been used in military engagements. Their employment during combat has been documented from the mid-seventh century BCE.

During WWI, the US military started using dogs to convey messages between troops. Military dogs were in such short supply that American families began donating their pets to the war effort. 

During the conflict, dogs were believed to have displayed bravery and valor in battle. Sergeant Stubby was one of these dogs.

Sergeant Stubby was the most decorated fighting dog of WWI and the only canine to be nominated for and promoted to sergeant via combat. Corporal Robert Conroy sneaked Stubby out of the country. He spent 18 months with Corporal Conroy and the 102nd Infantry Regiment.

Dogs were officially adopted into US military ranks during WWII, with the United States K9 Corps formation on March 13th, 1942. 10,000 canines were trained by the Army's Dogs for Defense program and contributed to the war effort by American families.

MWDs were deployed to a variety of locations both at home and overseas after completing their training:

• The USMC utilized MWDs in the Pacific theater to retake islands that Japanese forces had seized.
• The Coast Guard deployed MWDs to patrol the shoreline at home.
• The Navy used MWDs to protect shipyards.

Approximately 5,000 MWDs served in the country during the Vietnam War, with approximately 10,000 personnel serving as dog handlers. Scout dogs were said to have saved 10,000 lives, and MWDs were so effective at their jobs that they were rewarded with up to $20,000 in rewards. 

Today's Military Working Dog Training and Specialties

Approximately 3,000 MWDs are currently deployed worldwide, serving in law enforcement roles such as the military, US Customs and Border Patrol, police K9 units, and federal law enforcement.

K9 units are now utilized to smell out improvised explosive devices, locate weapons caches down-range, and protect military sites from the introduction of illegal narcotics or chemicals. K9s can also be deployed as "scouts" to track out offenders in an open area using their better sense of scent, saving law enforcement personnel time and energy during operations.

Dogs are training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, with the 341st Training Squadron in the Military War Dog program. To serve, candidates must go through a thorough screening and training process.

They are subjected to a range of simulated war scenarios, including explosions, flames, machine guns, and rifle fire, among other things. Candidate canines must climb ladders, scale walls, and penetrate subterranean passages without hesitation or distress. 

Each MWD is assigned a specialization following their selection and screening based on their abilities and strengths. The 341st then sends MWDs to military installations worldwide after being allocated a specialty.
 
MWDs are trained in a wide range of vital, and often risky, specialties, including:

• Sledge dogs track down downed pilots in the snow and remote areas.
• Pack dogs can carry up to 40 pounds. Loads of supplies, including guns, ammo, and food, are transported between field units.
• Tracking and locating dogs
• Mine and bomb detector dogs are trained to sniff out explosives.
• Dogs trained to sniff out tunnels, booby traps, and mines
• Sentry dogs aid in security duty and trespasser detection.
• Suspects are apprehended using attack dogs.
• Tactical canines are prepared to fight in a battle situation.
• During recon, silent scout dogs advise handlers of the presence of hostile soldiers without barking or growling.
• During combat, messenger dogs convey messages.
• Casualty dogs discover wounded persons on the battlefield or among the wreckage.

Observation of K9 Veterans Day 

Joe White of Jacksonville, Florida, came up with the idea for K9 Veterans Day. Mr. White served in the Vietnam War and was a Vietnam War veteran. He was also a dog trainer and handler. Mr. White chose March 13th to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions MWDs have made to the military because the US K9 Corps was founded on that date.
Sally, his widow, maintained the fight after his death on October 24th, 2009, to make this an official national holiday. Advocates anticipate that the day will be commemorated at military war dog memorials across the United States to honor these exceptional veterans. 

So, if you'd like to commemorate K9 Veterans Day, you can show some love to your pets. Get them gifts and treats from a local pet store to award your very own pooch heroes. 

Conclusion 

Military dogs are now regarded as valuable members of their units, with retirement ceremonies, decorations, medals, and memorial rituals. In line with that, dog owners should better care for their pets as they have the potential to bring. For instance, get your dogs some treats or local pet supplies by buying from a local pet shop! 

Our objective at EarthWise Pet Fremont is to provide high-quality local pet supplies in Fremont that are both ecologically responsible and focused on your pet's health. Our store is developed specifically for pets and their owners, and we provide dog grooming services and a fully supplied self-wash station! Get in touch with us right away!