AL UDEID AIR BASE, QATAR -- The 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron military working dogs and their handlers ensure the security of more than 10,000 personnel at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.
Military working dogs and their handlers spend a lot of time training together to build a lasting bond.
“We build rapport and the best way to build a bond with military working dogs is taking them out for exercise; it takes lots of love to build trust,” said Tech. Sgt. Kevin Nelson, 379 ESFS noncommissioned officer in charge of MWD operations.
“Before teams deploy, they go through the Regional Training Center, a pre-deployment training class for kettle masters, dog handlers and military working dogs,” said Nelson.
At the RTC, MWDs train on how to detect explosives and narcotics and fine tune their patrolling skills, all while bonding with their handlers.
“We patrol and cover the whole base because we are the first line of detection,” said Nelson. “Military working dogs are able to detect explosives or drugs and alert their handlers of their presence.”
After successful completion at the RTC, MWDs are ready to go downrange; while deployed; however, MWD teams continue to train.
“Trainers ensure the dog team, dogs and the handlers, are meeting training requirements every month,” said Tech. Sgt. Max Soto, MWD trainer. “I’m passionate about this and it’s cool to see the younger handlers come to us for tips; it’s rewarding.”
Staff Sgt. Jahmal Hardy, 379 ESFS MWD handler, has been a dog handler for three years and enjoys his job.
“When I came into the military this is what I wanted to do,” said Hardy. “I came into the military to be a dog handler and now that I have the opportunity to work with dogs, there is nothing better.”
“The best part of the job is having a partner that will listen to anything you have to say,” said Hardy. “Nero is loyal and I know he is going to look after me as long as I look after him.”
As a kennel master, Nelson encourages his teams to cultivate the bond between handler and dog.
“I tell a handler to just take them out, brush them, read to them, basically spend every waking hour at work with them and even after work at the kennels,” Nelson said. “The bond and the relationship you build with your dog is really cool.”