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Archive for the ‘K9’ Category

PROJECT7 Armor Revolutionizes K9 Protection With New Tactical Dog Vest

Monday, October 7th, 2024

PROJECT7, an armor brand exclusively distributed by Aardvark Tactical, is proud to announce the latest innovation in tactical K9 armor: the P7K9 Vest. Born from the PROJECT7 line of advanced tactical armor, this innovative platform is designed to provide four-legged tactical officers with the same industry-leading armor technology found in the full PROJECT7 lineup.

Representing three years of intensive research and development, the P7K9 Vest provides unmatched coverage, mobility, and protection for canine units. Developed in collaboration with dozens of elite handlers and tactical experts, the vest addresses critical shortcomings of traditional K9 tactical gear with its innovative biomechanical design. A detachable yoke collar shields vulnerable neck and chest areas without hindering the dog’s ability to move, bite, or search. The P7K9 includes structured ballistics and a contoured profile for maximum coverage. Quick-release buckles on the yoke pivot seamlessly with the dog’s body, offering flexible and adjustable protection. The P7K9 can be donned, doffed, or scaled in under 30 seconds, making it quick to adjust and ideal for protecting dogs in various high-threat environments.

Designed for real-world operations, the P7K9 maximizes coverage with a sleek profile that ensures safety in any environment. Stowable handles, concealed buckles, and optimized profile prevent snags and hang-ups, making it nearly impossible for a suspect to remove the armor during a mission.

“We are incredibly proud to bring the P7K9 Vest to market,” said Jon Becker, Founder of AARDVARK Tactical and PROJECT7. “From the beginning, our mission with PROJECT7 has been to deliver the best possible protection, developed in direct collaboration with the professionals who rely on it. The P7K9 is no exception. By working closely with elite handlers and tactical experts, we’ve created a vest that provides unmatched protection while optimizing mobility.”

Available in three colors and three sizes, the P7K9 Vest can be customized for a perfect fit on any K9, with adjustability to maintain that fit as the dog’s weight fluctuates. The P7K9 is made in America and backed by PROJECT7’s nose-to-tail 5-year warranty. This specialized product is exclusively available to sworn military, law enforcement, and federal agents through its exclusive distributor, AARDVARK Tactical.

Discover the P7K9 Vest here.

Employing Military Working Dogs in Large-Scale Combat Operations

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024

SECTION 1

Introduction

“As they approached a grass-covered hut, a machine gun opened fire. The hut was, in fact, a camouflaged bunker. Chips (military working dog [MWD]) quickly escaped Rowell’s (handler) control and made a beeline for the bunker. Within seconds, the machine gun fell silent and an Italian soldier tumbled out with Chips chomping at his throat and arms. In short order, three others exited the bunker with arms raised. Chips was lightly wounded in the incident, suffering powder burns and several cuts.”

—Seth Paltzer, THE DOGS OF WAR: THE U.S. ARMY’S USE OF CANINES IN WWII[1]

From 13 to 18 May 2024, an analyst from CALL’s Corps and Division Branch (CDB) attended the 2024 U.S. Army Military Working Dog Leadership and Training Symposium. The analyst observed military initiatives for MWD support to large-scale combat operations (LSCO) at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, MI.

The symposium demonstrated the value MWDs contribute during LSCO, especially by providing Soldiers stand-off during detection and clearing tasks. Also, of note, many MWD programs especially, those in which MWDs perform tasks untethered to the handler, require long-term investment to train and groom MWDs to work in challenging operational environments.

During the symposium, MWDs demonstrated their capability sets, which are unique from any other instrument of war, through a broad range of scenario-based training events, such as search, tracking, detection, and bite techniques. The analyst also interviewed MWD experts from U.S. and allied partners to identify lessons learned from ongoing conflicts and gaps that exist within the U.S. Army MWD program in the context of LSCO.

SECTION 2

Key Symposium Takeaways

Canines have been useful to military organizations since their domestication. Few, if any, instruments of war have the successful track record and longevity of MWDs. They remain effective in a variety of environments, including dense vegetation, subterranean complexes, and trench networks. Even in the current operational environment, there are many situations in which MWDs outperform drones and conventional equipment. Unlike machines, MWDs make decisions, use intuition, and think outside of the realm of algorithmic predictions. This is a unique aspect to their employment in detection, search, attack, and reconnaissance roles. See figures 1, 2, and 3.

Figure 1. An MWD negotiates a tunnel at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea.[2]

Figure 2. An Army MWD receives its protective equipment before training at Al Asad Airbase, Iraq.[3]

Figure 3. An MWD is zip-lined in rolling jungle terrain with the handler in tow.[4]

The U.S. Army has adapted MWDs for the challenging environments of each conflict it has fought in, ranging from LSCO in WWII to counterinsurgency in the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Army MWDs must adapt for 21st-Century LSCO. This will require experimentation, investment, and training for MWDs to aid U.S. Soldiers in their fight against a peer adversary in challenging environments.

SECTION 3

Ongoing Conflict Observations

Israel-Hamas Conflict. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have employed MWDs at a large scale since their counterattack against Hamas and invasion of Gazan territories in 2023. The IDF MWD attrition rate has averaged several dozen per week in their employment roles of detection and assault. This has led to significant IDF investment in MWDs to sustain such attrition.[5] Current IDF replacement rates will likely create shortages in the long term. The U.S. acquires MWDs from many of the same suppliers as the IDF, Chinese, British, and others while producing few domestically. The rate of procurement and attrition of MWDs by the IDF is likely going to impact the world market and the U.S. Army’s ability to procure MWDs.[6]

The IDF have primarily employed MWDs to clear the pervasive subterranean environments in Gaza while limiting risk to their Soldiers. MWDs require familiarization with subterranean environments from a young age to be effective in those conditions. Changes in air flow, sound echoes, temperatures, confined spaces, and low light reduce MWD detection and cognition abilities without familiarization.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict.[7] Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) have used MWDs in many situations. MWDs have been used in rear areas and the close fight to achieve effects that cannot be accomplished by drones or other equipment. The AFU primarily employs their MWDs in unexploded explosive ordnance (UXO) detection roles while maintaining stand-off distance with a handler.

Since February 2022, the AFU has detected vast numbers of UXO using MWDs in rubbled urban environments and captured trenches.[8] Metal pollution from shrapnel and other debris have required them to use MWDs in addition to standard detection equipment. MWDs are more effective than detection equipment because of high metal pollution from shrapnel. The U.S. Army can expect similar mine-clearing requirements during LSCO.

Russian tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) have evolved to rigging positions with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and booby traps before abandoning them to inflict casualties on the pursuing Ukrainian forces. MWD capability has enabled the AFU to clear these positions rapidly and to occupy them to consolidate territorial gains while preserving human life.

SECTION 4

U.S. Army Military Working Dog Gaps

Combat Training Center Involvement. The U.S. Army is currently transforming into an organization focused on fighting in large-scale conflicts against peer and near-peer adversaries. The U.S. Army uses combat training centers (CTCs) as venues for experimentation and adaptation during the shift away from counterinsurgency-focused warfighting. Two of the seven key tasks assigned to the CTC Program in Army Regulation (AR) 350-50, Combat Training Center Program, 2 May 2018, are to —

  • Provide a data source for lessons learned to improve doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, facilities, and policy (DOTMLPF-P) in preparation for unified land operations.
  • Embed the most recent TTPs from current operations in theater to better prepare follow-on units.[9]

MWDs have had minimal involvement at the CTCs since 2022. The National Training Center (NTC) at Fort Irwin, CA, is the only CTC that has resident MWD handlers (military occupational specialty [MOS] 31K) assigned as observer coach/trainers (OC/Ts) and has only hosted three MWDs since 2022.[10] This has created several shortfalls. Current doctrine does not address the role of MWDs in LSCO.[11] Maneuver commanders are unfamiliar with their doctrinal employment. These two impacts have created integration gaps for MWDs in LSCO-focused training and operations.[12]

CTCs provide a realistic training environment to observe MWD’s integration into unit operations. To generate lessons for LSCO, MWD participation at the CTCs should increase. This can be accomplished by adding MWD capabilities to the CTC troop lists outlined in U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) Regulation 350-50-1, Training at the National Training Center, 29 October 2018.

“Off-Leash” Capability. A patrol explosive detector dog-enhanced (PEDD-E) is an MWD trained to operate off leash. The PEDD-E enables the handler to employ MWDs in the roles of detection, attack, and reconnaissance while maintaining distance from the search area. The value of this during LSCO when operating in unknown environments cannot be overstated for the preservation of human life while enabling maneuver.

The U.S. Army maintains additional MWD capabilities that have retained their funding. These capabilities each require the handler to employ MWDs “on leash.” This reduces MWD agility, flexibility, and the ability to preserve human life. The on-leash capability is not recommended for LSCO.

Scenarios where MWD capability is most valued during LSCO are near the forward line of own troops (FLOT). The off-leash PEDD-Es, when employed in environments such as rubbled urban structures, subterranean networks, and trench clearing, can identify and neutralize threats, inform U.S. personnel, and preserve human life.

U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) stopped funding the PEDD-E course in fiscal year 2024. Consequently, the Army will exhaust its inventory of off-leash trained MWDs between 2030 and 2032. The re-establishment of a PEDD-E training program and procurement of MWDs, training, and certification to restore this capability would likely range between two and three years.

SECTION 5

Conclusion

MWDs have consistently proven their value over centuries of evolving warfare. The United States and others have continuously adapted the employment tactics and training methodologies to tailor MWDs to the current operational environment. Drones and other detection and sensing technologies will continue to evolve. The ability to counteract and deny these technologies will also evolve. MWDs can operate in technologically nonpermissive environments and outperform technology in many situations.

AFU and IDF experiences demonstrate the value off-leash MWDs provide to maneuver forces during LSCO. The U.S. Army should consider these recent experiences and leverage resources like the CTCs to refine TTPs being employed by AFU and IDF partners. The U.S. Army may also want to reconsider funding levels for the program, considering the lead times required to train off- leash MWDs.

SECTION 6

Endnotes

1. Paltzer, Seth, THE DOGS OF WAR: THE U.S. ARMY’S USE OF CANINES IN WWII, The Army Historical Foundation, https://armyhistory.org/the-dogs-of-war-the-u-s-armys-use-of-canines-in-wwii/.

2. Photo by SRA Ashley L. Gardner, U.S. Air Force, www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/706335/ mwd-train-to-keep-paws-on-the-ground.

3. Photo by SPC Derek Mustard, Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, www.dvidshub.net/image/6231629/military-working-dogs-wear-protective-equipment-live-fire-exercise.

4. Photo provided by the U.S. Army MWD Program, www.facebook.com/photo/.

5. In-person interview with an operations officer from the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment, British Army, 16 May 2024.

6. Ibid.

7. Ibid.

8. Ibid.

9. AR 350-50, Combat Training Center Program, 2 May 2018, page 2, armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN8650_AR350_50_Final.pdf.

10. SFC Phillip Ventimiglia, NTC 31K OC/T, in-person interview, 14 May 2024.

11. Army Techniques Publication (ATP) 3-39.34, Military Working Dogs, 19 May 2022, armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_d/ARN35094-ATP_3-39.34-000-WEB-1. (common access card [CAC] required)

12. SFC Phillip Ventimiglia, NTC 31K OC/T, in-person interview, 14 May 2024.

By CPT Alexander Spook, CPT James Campbell, Center for Army Lessons Learned

52nd SFS Hosts International Training for Military Working Dog Handlers

Wednesday, July 10th, 2024

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) —  

The 52nd Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog Section hosted U.S., German and Luxembourgish military units and law enforcement organizations for advanced interoperability training at Spangdahlem Air Base, June 26.

The training challenged the communication and command skills of the over 25 working dog teams and reinforced their ability to detect explosives and locate suspects and missing persons in a variety of environments.

“The knowledge learned from the events our teams were run through today will allow us to set forth a training plan that will strengthen our capabilities over time,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Aaron Vinson, 100th Military Police (Military Working Dog) Detachment, 709th Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade operations noncommissioned officer.

The 52nd SFS staged multiple training simulations throughout the seminar including explosive scent detection outdoors and in low-light conditions, which required the use of night vision goggles, search and rescue, and suspect apprehension. The opportunity to work through cultural differences and training techniques increased the operability of the course overall.

“These are areas we all have some level of expertise in,” said Air Force Staff Sgt. Nathan Fortmayer, 52nd SFS/MWD Section trainer. “As the hosts, we wanted to make sure we provided teams with realistic scenarios the dog teams could very well face, so they not only get the training, but get it in a way where we all learn something from each other as a result.”

Handlers also received instruction and hands-on practice in canine tactical combat casualty care from U.S. Army veterinarians and animal care technicians assigned to Veterinary Readiness Activity Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. Handlers practiced first-aid techniques using the Advanced K9 Medical Trainer mannequin, which is designed to simulate breathing, verbal reactions and realistic stimuli.

“To us, these dogs are much more than dogs – they’re partners,” Fortmayer said. “We care about these dogs the same way we would any of other human because they defend us with their lives. It’s critical we can help them when they are most vulnerable.”

The training included the following units: 86th Security Forces Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, U.S. Army 100th MP (MWD) Detachment at Miesau Army Ammunition Depot, as well as the German Bundeswehr, Germany’s Rhineland-Pfalz and Saarland Polizei, the Search and Rescue departments in Trier and Grand Ducal Police in Luxembourg.

SSgt Max Daigle,

52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Dark Systems Defense Unveiled its New K9 Lighstick Dropper at Eurosatory 2024

Wednesday, June 19th, 2024

Pending patent Lightstick dropper represents a significant advancement in tactical and search-and-rescue operations, offering an innovative solution for marking and tracking in various environments. Mounted on a dog’s vest, these devices serve as essential tools for handlers who rely on their canine partners to navigate challenging terrains and critical situations. The primary function of the Dark Systems K9 Lightstick Dropper is to deploy lightsticks—small, self-contained sources of illumination that can be seen from considerable distances. 

These lightsticks are available in multiple colors and infrared (IR) versions, catering to diverse operational needs.

What sets the lightstick dropper apart is its seamless integration with modern technologies such as the Dark Systems Darkmesh K9 camera system. This compatibility enhances the device’s utility by allowing handlers to monitor their dogs’ movements in real-time while deploying lightsticks as needed. The deployment mechanism can be controlled via the Advanced Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) or a remote control, providing flexibility and precision during missions.

With a capacity of about 44 lightsticks, the dropper ensures that handlers have ample resources at their disposal to mark objects, areas, or track their dogs’ paths over extended periods. This combination of durability, versatility, and technological integration makes the lightstick dropper an invaluable asset for those requiring reliable marking solutions in complex scenarios.

Dark Systems Launches the DarkFighter K9 Helmet GEN4

Thursday, May 30th, 2024

Dark Systems is proud to present the GEN4, a state-of-the-art helmet system that defines a new paradigm for equipment modularity and electronics integration without the extra weight and bulk of legacy systems.

Improved capabilities for mission optimization and situational awareness.

The product, although containing many innovations, remains compatible with accessories from previous generations: muzzles, hearing protections, optronics, strobe, etc.

“Our focus at Dark Systems has always been on the end-user – the dogs who require the best protection available. With the DarkFighter K9 Helmet GEN4 we have taken a significant leap forward in delivering helmets that not only protect our end-users but also enhance their operational capabilities. Every gram count when it comes to the gear our K9s carry. Each feature is a demonstration to our commitment to innovation and excellence in providing the best protective equipment to those who serve ».

Dark Systems is the world leader in K9 helmets. Worldwide, over 3,000 of the company’s products have been deployed to the military and law enforcement agencies, SAR and K9 handlers. Each day, they use the DarkFighter K9 Helmet to protect their personnel. Dark Systems is a company of high-level engineers and professionals committed to listening, understanding and responding to our customers’ mission-critical needs.

Dark Systems K9 Products Receive NATO Stock Numbers

Wednesday, January 17th, 2024

Several Dark Systems products have been assigned NATO Stock Numbers (NSNs). Dark Systems is world-leader in K9 helmets. The DarkFighter K9 helmet protects K9s in +40 countries and is used by hundreds of units and agencies. This K9 helmet is a modular system available with more than 20 accessories and modules (hearing protections, muzzles, mounts, strobe light, cameras) and offers advanced two-way audio communication in collaboration with the most famous tactical headsets manufacturers: OpsCore, Falcom, Invisio, 3M, Walkers, etc.

The products to receive NSNs are the DarkFighter K9 Helmet, accessories and payloads.

An NSN is a 13-digit numeric code, identifying all the “standardized material items of supply” as they have been recognized by all NATO countries including United States Department of Defense, and allows for any of the 31 NATO militaries to purchase the items on a “military catalogue” basis, significantly simplifying the procurement process.

The assignment of an NSN is also relevant to non-NATO customers in that it is considered to signify that the product has achieved a certain level of acceptance by the world’s most discerning military customers, the members of NATO and NATO’s allies.

Dark Systems expects that the receipt of these additional NSNs will assist its sales efforts in both NATO and non-NATO countries.

www.darksystems.com

Aspetto Delivers Industry-Leading K9 Modular Vest System to the Norwegian Armed Forces

Monday, January 8th, 2024

The Norwegian Defence Material Agencies’ 15-year project seeking a tailored Modular K9 System has come to a conclusion in 2023. Upon delivery of the versatile system, Aspetto supplemented users with training and familiarization of the new kit, stimulating new and vital capabilities K9 Handlers will develop for the future.

Counter-IED operations remain a necessary tool in today’s war and continue to evolve through each conflict. With the guidance of Norwegian K9 Handlers and Leaders, team Aspetto and partners, Visual Engineering and Recon K9, developed a drop kit system that solved mission critical requirements.

This mesh-enabled TM-K9 solution emphasizes versatility across the various K9 verticals as the mission requires. GPS, IR, Thermal, and Audio functionalities allow users to communicate, locate, and gather valuable data in operation with the Military Working Dog.

The highly regarded tech is paired with Recon K9s DT alpha, ensuring proper fitment across various K9 breeds ranging in size and shape. This roping-rated vest is used globally in special operations.

The global solutions provider, Aspetto, will support Norway for years to come with its wide range of K9 products through several strategic partnerships. Aspetto invests and focuses on highly technical solutions like this to push the industry’s boundaries and ultimately protect our end users and their allies.

Aspetto has extended its global footprint to 38 countries with strategies to strengthen such partnerships and increase collaboration between nations.

Aspetto will exhibit the K9 MVS at SHOT show this month in Las Vegas. Stop by Booth #41250. Additionally, they will schedule meetings in their Venetian suite throughout SHOT – contact: ross.whitehead@aspettoinc.com for an appointment.?

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs Joins Prestigious Congressional Initiative to Advance the Medical Service Dog Industry

Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024

 [WILLISTON, FL]- Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs has been selected as one of the two dozen medical service dog organizations nationwide to participate in a special initiative mandated by Congress. The primary objective of this program is to determine if the in-depth details outlined in this initiative for training and pairing service dogs meet the needs of permanently disabled service members and veterans. 

This initiative, directed by Danny Benbassat, Ph.D., Commander, U.S. Public Health Service, CofS, Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and managed by the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium OTA and acting Wounded Warrior Service Dog Program integrator Jeremy Ramirez, DrPH, MPH, Veteran, US Army, Assistant Professor of Health Informatics, California State University Long Beach Department of Health Care Administration, was created to maintain safety measures to protect service dogs and the public while using data-driven decisions to ensure continued improvement within one of the most vulnerable communities these organizations serve. 

As a leading medical service dog organization with highly advanced programs and over a decade of experience, Guardian Angel Medical Service Dogs will work with other organizations like themselves to collect and share their best practices, which will then be used to refine and improve the prototype guidelines for future organizations when it comes time to train and pair assistance/service dogs with qualified service members and veterans.

“Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is proud to have been selected for this crucial project. They have been a highly sophisticated leader in this industry for nearly 14 years, bringing forth many programs above and beyond the current industry standards, thus raising the bar of excellence with our milestones and benchmarks,” said Carol Borden, Founder and CEO of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs.

The current “prototype guidelines” will be tested by the Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs and other selected organizations where they can share best practices to refine existing guidelines, which will allow them to improve service dog programs. This initiative will evaluate the effectiveness of the suggested guidelines while examining a range of issues affecting service members and veterans with service dogs and those who train service dogs.

Once each organization has gathered empirical data on each of the protocols in this program, they will participate in focus group meetings for further discussion and analysis that will help build future guidelines and best practices related to the quality-of-service dog training, the optimal education and matching of service dogs with service members and veterans, and the safety to canines, service members, and the public.

“Our goal is to further shape the future of this life-changing, life-saving industry that deserves much more clarity and respect for the work these amazing dogs do every day. With this valuable opportunity to assist Congress, we will accomplish another enormous milestone in moving the service dog industry forward,” said Borden.

When the study concludes, the findings will be presented to Congress. Currently, it can take 2-10 years for someone to get a service dog. With the additional funding, Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs will be able to hire more people and enlarge their facilities, which means they will be able to pair more dogs more quickly with veterans and service members in need. 

To learn more about Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, visit www.medicalservicedogs.org.