Grand Forks AFB handlers & MWDs dominate state K9 competition

Handlers and K9s from the 319th Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog Section pose for a group photo Nov. 12, 2013, at the Grand Forks Air Force Base Honor Guard Building on Grand Forks AFB, N.D. The 319th SFS handlers and MWDs dominated two of the three portions of a K9 Challenge that included K9 teams from around the northern state and took place Aug. 12, 2014 in the city of Grand Forks, N.D. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration/Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez)

Piece of the Fight: Defenders let the K9s do the Talking

Published Sept. 16, 2014
By Senior Airman Xavier Navarro
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE,N.D. -- It's "ruff" defending the main gate; weather conditions aren't always great, shift hours are long and guards are up at all times.

However, the main gate is the first line of defense, and if you're an intruder trying to infiltrate the installation, you're barking up the wrong tree.

The unofficial motto of the 319th Security Forces Squadron K9 section is "K9 leads the way." It's their job to detect personnel, drugs or explosives before people or vehicles enter the base. The 341st Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, is in charge of the entire Department of Defense military working dog program. The "puppy program" looks for a specific breed of dog with qualities such as high drive, prey drive, confidence and dogs that are not sensitive to loud noises.

"Every dog is different just like every human is different," said Silmon. "There is more than one way to do things when it comes to fixing a problem or correcting a dog's behavior."

Silmon said it's more than just going to work. "We build relationships with these dogs, we feed them, groom them and clean them."

Dog handlers work night and day training canines. Some of the exercises that canines go through to be ready to deploy at any time are sight and scent scouting, building searches and other realistic scenarios.

"As a dog handler I have been deployed once," said Silmon. "We perform detection exercises here on base that would happen in a real world situation downrange."

The MWD experience different environmental settings from detecting searches on roof tops to exposure different chemicals that can be used as an ingredient in an explosive. These scenarios build confidence in both the canine and the handler.

"I work with some of the best dog trainers and handlers that the DoD has to offer," said Silmon. "It's not just me putting time into the dogs, it's the whole [section]. People stay hours after and before shifts so that we and the dogs are able to complete a mission."

Another mission of the K9 section is to defend valuable assets on base. While in a deployed area, their mission is to lead the front of a team by detecting any improvised explosive devices or other traps.

"We defend all assets on base like the Global Hawks, High Frequency Global Communications Systems and support key personnel at their offices and residences," said Silmon. "We also have a great capability at defeating IEDs and booby traps downrange."

The dogs may look cute and cuddly, but MWDs are not pets. They are a detection screen and a psychological deterrent that makes intruders think twice about putting their paws on the base.

"No machine can outperform military working dogs' detection capabilities," said Staff Sgt. Brett Silmon, 319th SFS military working dog handler. "They'll work harder, faster and longer and that's what we need and desire in the field."