Dogs have long taken a particular place in our hearts as k9 friends and confidantes, however some do not recognize that these popular pets have performed an essential part in battles all over the world. From a pet that accompanies soldiers into battle to a valuable contributor that not only safeguards soldiers from harm but also attacks an enemy force, dogs have been present over the battle field in some capacity for hundreds of years. Undoubtedly their use implies that in many ways dogs are a valuable asset to soldiers in both a professional and personal sense. Let's review the history of war dogs and some of the stories that imply why they might be so valuable to the militaries in which they serve.
The Fabled Story of Dogs at War
Dogs have held an important role in the armies of the world for centuries. As early as 2100 BC, dogs have followed men onto the battlefield, and numerous well-respected leaders have put their trust in these devoted animals to help their troops. Attila the Hun, Queen Elizabeth I, Frederick the Great and Napoleon all set up their armies with war dogs that helped in a variety of ways. Possibly the most practical application of dogs is as lookouts, where they are taught to alert a handler to oncoming strangers. Scout dogs are an extension of sentries, because they use a related set of skills to uncover enemy soldiers. War dogs have also been extremely useful as messengers, where they can travel between two handlers stealthily. Finally, dogs are incredibly helpful in uncovering mines and booby traps that humans simply cannot detect. War dogs have an exceptional skill set that adds to those of their handlers as well, so it's no real shock that they have an age-old history on the battlefield.
Vietnam: K9 Sapper
Vietnam was a conflict that saw the application of dogs in modern combat increase substantially. One account was that of Buck, a German Shepherd mixed- breed trained by the the US Army. Buck was well suited to the type of situations that normally occurred during the Vietnam war and created a feeling of home for troops far away from home. Good at sensing adversaries from as much as 350 yards away, Buck could also locate explosives and booby traps which were easily overlooked by soldiers through the heat of battle. A much-loved comrade to all of the troops in his platoon, Buck never lost a man to an ambush, trip wire or pungy pit. Although this heroic dog passed away during the conflict, his memory remains with every soldier that he protected.
World War II: Prisoner of War
Although there were many extraordinary stories from the battlefields of World War II, few were as remarkable as that of the US Marine Corps mascot Sgt. Soochow. Soochow began as the pet of a company posted in Shanghai, China, in 1937. As turmoil grew, the unit eventually shipped out to the Philippines in 1941 and saw intense combat through the siege of Corregidor. Through everything, the sad-eyed mutt kept his comrades' spirits up even as the island fell to the Japanese and all remaining troops were locked up for more than two and a half years. After being liberated in 1945, Soochow was transferred to San Diego, California, where he received a parade in his honor and lived out the remainder of his days in luxury.
Tracking Dog Saves Squad in Iraq
Today the contemporary k9 soldier is forced to adjust to many different scenarios, like that of Toby, a Belgian Malawa that has served in multiple theaters of operation in both a security and tracking position. As a US Marine War Dog, Toby was trained with the understanding that the demands on the battlefield may change quickly, requiring this attentive and caring animal to continually be on the lookout. In one instance, Toby's vigilance saved the lives of a platoon of Marines. Getting a much-needed rest break near the central Iraqi city of Fallujah, the platoon was came into contact with man who was swiftly arrested when Toby sensed explosives. Following a thorough search of the man, it was discovered that he was holding explosive devices that could have wiped out the entire group. There is certainly no doubt that without Toby there would have been lots of men killed or injured.
Dogs are smart, intelligent and loyal animals, which not only puts them among our most popular domestic pets, but also as important soldiers. Whether it's saving lives, lifting spirits or any other number of missions, it should be no surprise why these canine partners are considered so valuable.
The Fabled Story of Dogs at War
Dogs have held an important role in the armies of the world for centuries. As early as 2100 BC, dogs have followed men onto the battlefield, and numerous well-respected leaders have put their trust in these devoted animals to help their troops. Attila the Hun, Queen Elizabeth I, Frederick the Great and Napoleon all set up their armies with war dogs that helped in a variety of ways. Possibly the most practical application of dogs is as lookouts, where they are taught to alert a handler to oncoming strangers. Scout dogs are an extension of sentries, because they use a related set of skills to uncover enemy soldiers. War dogs have also been extremely useful as messengers, where they can travel between two handlers stealthily. Finally, dogs are incredibly helpful in uncovering mines and booby traps that humans simply cannot detect. War dogs have an exceptional skill set that adds to those of their handlers as well, so it's no real shock that they have an age-old history on the battlefield.
Vietnam: K9 Sapper
Vietnam was a conflict that saw the application of dogs in modern combat increase substantially. One account was that of Buck, a German Shepherd mixed- breed trained by the the US Army. Buck was well suited to the type of situations that normally occurred during the Vietnam war and created a feeling of home for troops far away from home. Good at sensing adversaries from as much as 350 yards away, Buck could also locate explosives and booby traps which were easily overlooked by soldiers through the heat of battle. A much-loved comrade to all of the troops in his platoon, Buck never lost a man to an ambush, trip wire or pungy pit. Although this heroic dog passed away during the conflict, his memory remains with every soldier that he protected.
World War II: Prisoner of War
Although there were many extraordinary stories from the battlefields of World War II, few were as remarkable as that of the US Marine Corps mascot Sgt. Soochow. Soochow began as the pet of a company posted in Shanghai, China, in 1937. As turmoil grew, the unit eventually shipped out to the Philippines in 1941 and saw intense combat through the siege of Corregidor. Through everything, the sad-eyed mutt kept his comrades' spirits up even as the island fell to the Japanese and all remaining troops were locked up for more than two and a half years. After being liberated in 1945, Soochow was transferred to San Diego, California, where he received a parade in his honor and lived out the remainder of his days in luxury.
Tracking Dog Saves Squad in Iraq
Today the contemporary k9 soldier is forced to adjust to many different scenarios, like that of Toby, a Belgian Malawa that has served in multiple theaters of operation in both a security and tracking position. As a US Marine War Dog, Toby was trained with the understanding that the demands on the battlefield may change quickly, requiring this attentive and caring animal to continually be on the lookout. In one instance, Toby's vigilance saved the lives of a platoon of Marines. Getting a much-needed rest break near the central Iraqi city of Fallujah, the platoon was came into contact with man who was swiftly arrested when Toby sensed explosives. Following a thorough search of the man, it was discovered that he was holding explosive devices that could have wiped out the entire group. There is certainly no doubt that without Toby there would have been lots of men killed or injured.
Dogs are smart, intelligent and loyal animals, which not only puts them among our most popular domestic pets, but also as important soldiers. Whether it's saving lives, lifting spirits or any other number of missions, it should be no surprise why these canine partners are considered so valuable.
About the Author:
Theresa Baum is an avid dog owner who's dog insurance was crucial in treating her dogs. As a result she strongly espouses getting pet insurance for every pet.
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