Keeping the Dogs in the Fight

The growing need to counter improvised explosive devices prompted the resurgence of explosive detection military working dogs in the theater of war and furthered the need for an off-leash requirement in order to increase standoff distance from an unexploded device to allied patrols in the area. History has provided a plethora of evidence to support continued research in the military working dog community to enable Combatant Commander's the ability to have a mission ready canine force available to counter emerging threats before casualties are incurred. This book explains why it is necessary, although controversial, to train all DoD explosive detection dogs to the same off-leash standard in order to best provide Combatant Commander's the ability to protect the joint force. It further explains how differing home-station mission sets and improper program alignment promote interservice rivalry and preclude a joint solution. Finally, it offers a series of recommendations to ensure the canine community provides combatant commanders the most capable military working dogs in the world.