DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --
Editor’s note: This article is the second of a three-part series on the multiple missions of Airmen assigned to the 7th Security Forces Squadron at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.
Imagine walking into your shop and there’s hair everywhere, a smell that makes you scrunch up your nose and being greeted by a furry beast who is always happy to see you.
This is common for the Airmen assigned to the 7th Security Forces Squadron as military working dog handlers. Security Forces Airmen are charged with keeping all people and resources within the gates safe, and MWD handlers play a big role with man’s best friend.
“Working with dogs can be challenging because each one is different from the other, but that’s why we train,” said Tech. Sgt. Andre Hernandez, 7th SFS kennel master. “It’s a unique experience and the best job in the Air Force.”
The handlers start their day by showing up at the kennels at 6 a.m. to feed the dogs, then they arm up for their shift at the armory. Once armed up, they conduct checks around the base.
“While at home station, our mission is to provide multiple aspects of security for the base,” Hernandez said. “These include psychological deterrents by walking patrols in public areas, and performing explosives and narcotics interdiction in multiple ways.”
Patrols discourage thefts and burglaries, while providing a sense of security to the residents and workers at Dyess. The K-9 unit also assists local law enforcement with explosive detection when necessary.
The 7th SFS K-9 section is responsible for providing explosive detection support for the Big Country area. When called upon, the handlers and dogs are adequately prepared because they are well-trained.
“Training is always being conducted, and it ranges from obedience to detection, patrol and bite work,” Hernandez said. “Performing these exercises is pivotal to ensure the handlers and their dogs don’t get comfortable or careless.”
Training for handlers and dogs begins at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Technical training school for handlers lasts three months and is comprised of multiple phases to test the handler and the dog’s progression.
“The first phase is the bare basics, and you’re given an ammo can to practice correction and praising before we are given an actual dog,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Mitchell, 7th SFS MWD handler. “The next phases consist of covering patrols, an obstacle course and detection.”
While covering patrols, the handlers train on bite work with the dogs. Obedience is achieved through the obstacle course and detection is where handlers learn the most on how to read their dogs while finding explosives and narcotics.
Once technical training is over, the handler receives orders and is assigned a dog at their new base. While at their base, the handler and dog deploy and go on multiple assignments together. If the handler receives orders to a new base, the dog stays with the same unit, but the security of that base is never impaired.
“We are responsible for ensuring the safety of all who enter Dyess and the resources we house here, whether it be through conducting health and wellness checks or sweeps for cargo that is loaded on a plane headed down range,” said Staff Sgt. Eric Rendon, 7th SFS MWD handler. People count on our military working dogs and we have their back.”