Holloman K-9s best of the best

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachel Kocin
  • 49 FW/PA
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Ever wonder how our four legged protectors in the 49th Security Forces Squadron, military working dog flight, get selected to serve?

They are selected through the Pup Program run by the 341st Training Squadron at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. It is an extensive training process through which they check out the dog's bite; they're willingness to bite, their aggression, demeanor and mental stability.

Through this selection process Holloman receives highly trained military working dogs. When they arrive at Holloman, the dogs receive duty station specific training. They are used for protection and to detect narcotics and explosive odors.

"The dogs come here from Lackland with an elementary school level of training and it's the trainer's job to incorporate training with the military working dog until hopefully a college level of training is reached," said Tech Sgt. Derek Nelson, 49th Security Forces Squadron, Kennel Master.

One of the jobs of a military working dog is physiological deterrence.

Physiological deterrence is the process of discouraging actions or preventing occurrences by instilling fear or doubt.

"If a person is planning on doing something illegal and then they see a dog standing there, they think twice," according to Staff Sgt. Watson.

Another aspect of their military working dog duties includes deploying.

K-9s deploy with their assigned handler. "We keep the dog with its handler because they have to have that cohesion of the team to work together, said Sergeant Watson. "The dog is basically a military member, they come in and serve their time and go home just like we do."

Military working dogs serve approximately nine or ten years before they retire. At the end of a K-9s military service they are adopted out. The dogs go through a test to ensure the dog isn't overly aggressive and can be adopted to find a new home.

"I feel I have the best job in the Air Force," said Staff Sgt. Garry F. Cheney, military working dog trainer. "Who wouldn't want to get paid to work with dogs all day?"