Over a million dogs, like movie star Rin Tin Tin, served during World Wars I & II
The US Army’s War Dog Program, also known as the K-9 Corps, became officially recognized on March 13, 1942. Over the course of World War I, more than one million pups had already served with distinction. These brave animals were employed to carry messages across complex trench networks, as well as to provide a small measure of emotional support to the soldiers in the trenches. [i] In addition to their military duties, these animals were also a source of comfort in difficult times, bringing moments of joy and laughter to the war-torn battlefields. The War Dog Program was a testament to the bravery and loyalty of these animals and a reminder of the importance of the human-animal bond in times of great adversity. [I]
The US Army’s War Dog Program was also known as the K-9 Corps.
It became officially recognized on March 13, 1942. Over the course of World War I, more than one million pups had already served with distinction. These brave animals were employed to carry messages across complex trench networks, as well as to provide a small measure of emotional support to the soldiers in the trenches. [i]
In addition to their military duties, these animals were also a source of comfort in difficult times, bringing moments of joy and laughter to the war-torn battlefields. The War Dog Program was a testament to the bravery and loyalty of these animals and a reminder of the importance of the human-animal bond in times of great adversity. [i]
In August 1942, dog training centers were established throughout the United States.
They were established in an effort to enlist canines in the war effort. Dogs for Defense, the organization responsible for the recruitment of dogs, examined thousands of dogs and selected 18,000 for further testing at the training centers. [ii] Unfortunately, of those 18,000 dogs, 8,000 were unable to pass the exams due to a variety of reasons, leaving only 10,000 trained dogs available for service. These dogs served as sentries, messengers, scouts, and rescue personnel during the war, providing an invaluable service and saving countless lives. [ii]
The canine training process typically spanned a period of 8-12 weeks, beginning with ‘basic training.’ This initial stage was designed to acclimatize the dogs to the military lifestyle, teaching them the basics of obedience and discipline. [iii] Following the completion of basic training, more complex drills and maneuvers were taught to the dogs, such as responding to orders from their handlers and tracking down enemy combatants. The dogs were also taught explosive detection, search for casualties, and even guard military installations. The training was designed to prepare the dogs for any situation they may encounter while serving in the military. [iii] The US Army’s Quartermaster Corps was responsible for training both the dog handlers and the dogs.
He was a German Shepherd rescued from a World War I battlefield by American soldier Lee Duncan. Duncan soon realized that Rin Tin Tin had a special intelligence and an uncanny understanding of human cues, so he trained him to perform stunts and tricks. [iv]
Rin Tin Tin went on to become a Hollywood star, appearing in many silent films and later talkies. He became an international sensation and a symbol of bravery in times of war. His legacy continues to this day, with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a museum dedicated to him, and a new breed of dog named in his honor. [iv]
War Dog platoons were established in March 1944.
They provided assistance to American military forces engaging in offensive operations in Europe and the Pacific. The war dogs, consisting of German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and Giant Schnauzers, were specifically trained for a variety of tasks. These included detecting mines, locating enemy positions, and warning of approaching enemies. [vi]
The dogs were also trained to carry supplies and messages, attack enemy combatants, and even pull small carts. The animals were highly valued and respected by the soldiers they served, and they helped turn the tide of the war in favor of the Allies. [iv] It is widely believed that the Japanese never dared to ambush or attempt to surprise attack a patrol that was being led by a war dog. The animals’ superior senses of smell and hearing, as well as their natural protective instincts and unwavering loyalty to their handlers, made them invaluable allies to the American forces during World War II. [v]
Their ability to alert their handlers to any potential danger or threat was a major factor in keeping the American troops safe and preventing them from being taken by surprise. Furthermore, their courage and bravery in the face of danger instilled a sense of confidence and security among the American troops, allowing them to carry out their missions with a greater degree of success. [v]
This testing was first conducted at Carlisle Barracks in Pennsylvania on May 4, 1944. [v]
However, the Army eventually abandoned the program because the dogs were unable to effectively distinguish between men who were not wounded, had received wounds, or had died. This inability to effectively identify casualties led the Army to conclude that the program was not feasible for use on the battlefield. [v]
Following the end of World War II, the responsibility of training military dogs was transferred from the Quartermaster Corps to the Military Police Corps. Dogs and their handlers continued to serve with distinction during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. [v]
Nowadays, the United States Army employs 578 dog teams that are actively seeing service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
These teams are tasked with a variety of missions, ranging from bomb detection and tracking to patrolling sentry duty, and scouting. The Army also continues to use specialized breeds, such as German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers and Belgian Malinois, to help keep their personnel safe. [v]
The Department of Defense (DOD) identifies and recruits dogs from specialized, elite breeders located around the world. To ensure the highest quality of canine recruits for their program, the DOD has its own Military Working Dog Breeding Program to provide puppies born and bred right here in the United States. Each year, the program produces around 50-90 puppies, representing only roughly 13% of the total number of canine recruits acquired by the DOD. [vi]
The program only raises one breed of dog, the Belgian Malinois.
These dogs are considered ideal for a variety of reasons, including their high energy level, strong scenting abilities, willingness to be trained, agility, speed, drive, work ethic, loyalty, and when the need arises, fierceness. [vi] They are a popular choice for those who may need a dog for a specific purpose, such as law enforcement, search, and rescue, or other types of specialized work. The Belgian Malinois is a highly versatile breed and can be trained for a variety of tasks. They are also incredibly loyal and devoted to their owners and make excellent companions. [vi]
As their moms nurse them, human caregivers carefully observe the canines and expose them to a variety of stimuli in order to get a better understanding of their individual personalities. During this process, the caregivers will look for particular traits that make the dog suitable for military service, such as intelligence, obedience, and trainability. [vii]
Caregivers also watch the dogs closely to see how they respond to the stimuli and observe any signs of fear, anxiety, or aggression.
This allows them to determine which dogs are best suited for the job and which ones may need more training or socialization. By doing this, caregivers can ensure that only the best-suited dogs are chosen for military service. [vii]
The puppies go to live with foster families when they are between six and eight weeks old. During this period, they receive a great deal of socialization which helps them develop into healthy, well-adjusted dogs. [viii]
After this period, they are brought back to the base, where they begin an intensive training phase.
This training focuses on the skills necessary to become a successful working dog. The puppies stay in the training program until they are ready to be matched with a handler and begin their duties. [viii] The Military Working Dog Training Program is an important part of the US military’s canine division. The program evaluates dogs at the age of one to determine if they are suitable for enlistment. The evaluation process involves a “consignment test,” which all dogs must pass in order to be purchased by the Department of Defense. [viii]
During this test, the dog’s behavior, physical attributes, and overall health are assessed by a trained evaluator.
The evaluator will look for characteristics such as alertness, obedience, intelligence, and physical soundness. If the dog passes the test, it will be consigned to the squadron and will receive further training in order to become a successful military working dog. [viii]
Upon finishing the 120-day program, pooches that have succeeded can be qualified to become dual-purpose canines, either searching for explosives or finding drugs while patrolling. The 341st Training Squadron, based in San Antonio and active since the 1950s, is responsible for instructing the dogs. [viii]
References
[i] History, U.S. Army launches K-9 Corps March 13, 1942 (Mar. 11, 2020) [ii] Dr. Arthur W. Bergeron, Jr., U.S. Army Military History Institute, War Dogs: The Birth of the K-9 Corps (Mar. 16, 2016) [iii] Id. [iv] Susan Orlean, Rin Tin Tin (2023) [v] Dr. Arthur W. Bergeron, Jr., U.S. Army Military History Institute, War Dogs: The Birth of the K-9 Corps (Mar. 16, 2016) [vi] U.S. Department of Defense, Four-Legged Fighters (2023) [vii] Id. [viii] Id.
