LAGHMAN PROVINCE -- To date, the Army hasn’t any piece of technology as effective at discovering ordinance, IED components or IED builders, than the noses of military working dogs.
In Laghman prov., Military working dogs help find militants that build, place and detonate IEDs. Staff Sgt. William Burger, said the dogs are very quick and efficient when performing their duties, which includes searching houses. “Having a dog go in a house is a lot safer than sending in Soldiers, because the dogs don’t stumble onto anything. If they smell something, they will sit and then we’ll get (EOD) to come check it out,” said Burger.
Spc. Brandon Steffey, a combat tracking dog handler for Fenty canine, agrees with Burger and notes other advantages of using military working dogs. “They move quickly. The dogs are able to search an area more thoroughly with much more speed and safety than humans,” said Steffey.
Though finding IEDs and those who build them can be dangerous, to the military working dogs, their job is fun. “It’s a game,” Burger said. “To them, finding bombs is fun. It's like hide and seek.”
Regardless what mission they're doing, the dog handlers appreciate the risks they and their dogs are taking each day. “They're like Soldiers,” Steffey said. “They risk their lives just like us. Their lives are in our hands and that's why we look out for them.”
“Dealing with a dog, teaching a dog and watching him execute his job is very rewarding,” Steffey said. “I spend a lot of time with my dog, and he's my best friend. We're a team.”
Burger shares Steffey’s sentiments and takes pride in his job. “Dogs save lives,” said Burger. “They're a great asset here and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
