Train like you fight: Recce MWDs receive new training area

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tristan D. Viglianco
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs

The 9th Security Forces Squadron military working dog unit recently completed a new training area designed to enhance the companionship between handlers and their dogs

 

The area provides a safer training environment and it features a shaded overhangs to keep it cool, a turf field, and a variety of training obstacles, which mimic real-world obstacles.

 

”The new complex is a great place to train and the dogs seem to enjoy the area,” said Senior Airman Jarred Uzeta, 9th SFS MWD handler. “It gives them shade and more room to move around.”

 

Uzeta also said the area is an improvement on their old training area because it features concrete obstacles instead of plastic and has less insects which bother the dogs.

 

Having the area located right by their work center allows the dogs to become familiar with the area and is more convenient for the handlers.

 

“Working out here in the shade instead of going out and working in an area they are not familiar with allows us to work them off-leash” said Uzeta. “We take the dogs out and start doing basic obedience with them, run the obstacle course, and just let them be dogs out here.”

 

According to Staff Sgt. Christopher Fitchett, 9th SFS MWD handler, the area took roughly a year to complete and cost approximately $250,000 and he believes it will help the dogs overcome different scenarios they may face while apprehending a suspect.

 

“The course helps us do our job by allowing us to put the dogs through different uncomfortable scenarios,” said Fitchett. “This helps them accomplish tasks outside the area in day-to-day operations.”