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Defence Connect will take a look at one of the Australian Defence Force’s most important, and adorable, helpers.
Military working dogs and their handlers are tasked with a massive variety of roles across the ADF, including detection, patrols, emergency response and security.
Dogs provide a sense of smell and hearing far superior to that of a human, are obedient and responsive when well trained, and can operate effectively for extended periods.
Special operations military working dogs (SOMWD) are a variety of breeds and ages, and are sourced directly from breeders or animal rescue organisations, while the RAAF prefers to use German Shepherds and Malinois Belgian Shepherds.
Dogs and handlers are carefully matched to ensure they work well together. Once matched, handlers and their dogs work together to maintain a high standard of fitness and training, including regular testing to ensure they are ready to deploy at any time.
For a look at the important work military dogs do in the ADF, please scroll through the image gallery above.
