K-9 Veterans: The Unsung Heroes
Published March 13, 2021
In honor of all the dogs that have served in the U.S Military, today we celebrate K-9 Veterans Day. Dogs are used in every branch of the Military from the Army, to the Air Force, to even the Navy Seals. As a result, we commemorate these amazing canines on the same day that they were officially recognized as part of the U.S Military.
Dogs have been participating in war campaigns for centuries. However, they were not recognized as an official part of the U.S Military until March 13,1942 when the Military War Dog Program, also known as “ K-Corps” was created.
Military Working Dogs (MWD) are trained to perform numerous tasks, such as, search and rescue, detection of explosives, scouting, and patrolling. Due to their visual, auditory and olfactory sensory abilities, dogs can sense things a soldier cannot. This can often intimidate a foe more quickly and with non-lethal force. In the Vietnam War alone, these dogs and their handlers have been credited with saving over 10,000 lives and preventing harm to countless others.
Dogs have been participating in war campaigns for centuries. However, they were not recognized as an official part of the U.S Military until March 13,1942 when the Military War Dog Program, also known as “ K-Corps” was created.
Military Working Dogs (MWD) are trained to perform numerous tasks, such as, search and rescue, detection of explosives, scouting, and patrolling. Due to their visual, auditory and olfactory sensory abilities, dogs can sense things a soldier cannot. This can often intimidate a foe more quickly and with non-lethal force. In the Vietnam War alone, these dogs and their handlers have been credited with saving over 10,000 lives and preventing harm to countless others.
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Since the founding of the K-Corps, dogs have become an essential part of not only the U.S Military but also, Border Patrol, Customs, Police Departments, Secret Service, Airport Service and FBI. Programs such as
US War Dogs Association and Mission K9, help to rehabilitate and re-home retired MWDs.
So, today, take a moment to think of our furry veterans and remember how beneficial they are to our society.
So, today, take a moment to think of our furry veterans and remember how beneficial they are to our society.