Rebecca’s War Dog of the Week: from training to combat, it’s all in a day’s work

By Rebecca Frankel
Best Defense Chief Canine Correspondent

The U.S. Air Force’s website has an extensive collection of war-dog photos — from training excerices at U.S. bases to combat zones around the world. Where our soldiers go, these dogs go, too. The photos range in landscape as well as emotion, reflecting the reality of a war dog’s life. Some, like last week’s photo, are heart-warming, even sweet, others convey the ferocity necessary for these dogs to protect their handlers and still others reveal the dangerous nature of their war-dog duties.

Here is just a small collection …

The photo above is of Tech. Sgt. Harvey Holt and his military working dog as they accompany U.S. and Iraqi soldiers during a patrol in Kahn Bani Sahd, Iraq.

Tech. Sgt. Michael Jones and Blacky hide during an observation-post assignment during a training excercise at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. 

Samo, a military working dog, lunges for a decoy’s arm wrap as Tech. Sgt. David Adcox restrains him during a training demonstration at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

Senior Airman Daren Marshall comforts his K-9, Zack, during an X-ray session at an air base in Southwest Asia. Zack, who had pneumonia, is getting a follow-up visit to see if his infection had cleared.

An explosive protection military working dog named Whiskey relaxes with his handler Tech. Sgt. Chris Beavers at Royal Air Force Feltwell, England. After six years of service Whiskey is retiring because of medical reasons.

Staff Sgt. Rafael Melendez and Hoston patrol the Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras, assisting U.S. customs to prevent illegal transport of narcotics through Central America. 

Don’t forget: If you have war-dog stories or photos, send them our way!