K-9 teams train for mission readiness

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ramon A. Adelan
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  For military working dog handlers preparation for deployment is an everyday mission.

Since September 2013 Staff Sgt. Nicholas Frustaci, 9th Security Forces military working dog handler, and his partner Dingo have been training and growing as a team on a daily basis.

"We train to deploy," Frustaci said. "Our main goal in a training environment is to prepare for any situation we may come across."

Frustaci and Dingo train everyday in preparation for their first deployment.

"The biggest part of training is building an initial bond," Frustaci said. "It can be as easy as taking Dingo out to the obedience yard and playing with him."

In addition to basic obedience, Frustaci and Dingo also conduct scenario training, which includes detection and controlled aggression simulations. The canine teams conduct detection training by hiding explosives or narcotics in a training area to allow the dogs to gain experience. Controlled aggression training allows the handler to command the dog to attack or guard an acting suspect.

"We train how we fight," said Tech. Sgt. Derrick Bowen, 9th SFS kennel master. "We have detection of narcotics and explosives drills, as well as various patrol scenarios to keep the dogs mission ready."

For Frustaci and Dingo to become a more efficient team it requires them to train longer than the normal duty hours.

"I work longer hours and come in during the weekend," Frustaci said. "Honestly, I love my job; coming to work with Dingo is something I look forward to everyday."