Loyal guardians: Military working dogs enhance CJTF-HOA security capabilities

The long journey of a military working dog (MWD) begins at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, with their handlers. After undergoing rigorous agility, physical conditioning and behavioral training, these dogs secure a place in the Department of Defense’s operational fleet.

At Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti , trained K-9s assigned to the MWD unit train daily with their handlers to strengthen operational readiness and reinforce the handler-canine relationship. Training includes base-wide utilization exercises, gunfire acclimatization, and patrol simulations, preparing both dog and handler for an array of missions.

“Every day, we train our dogs to become as proficient as possible in numerous obedience, detection, and patrol tasks,” said U.S. Navy Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Caitlyn Fetter, kennel lead petty officer for Camp Lemonnier Military Working Dog Unit.

An essential element of training includes bitework. This is a patrol-focused discipline which enhances the capabilities of both the MWD and the handler. Although detection remains the primary role for MWDs, strengthening patrol proficiency improves their effectiveness in real-world scenarios.

The Camp Lemonnier Military Working Dog Unit, recently began incorporating service members into bitework sessions, turning them into demonstration opportunities. This initiative allows fellow military personnel to witness first-hand the skill and discipline of MWD teams, while also providing the dogs with valuable exposure.. This variety in personnel builds confidence and adaptability for the dogs.

“It’s beneficial for the dogs to work with decoys, or people, they don’t know,” said Fetter. “MWDs are smart,they pick up on the game.Giving them different targets helps them learn they can do their job, even when it’s not their handler in the suit.”

This enhanced training is vital to the various security missions MWDs serve during their time at Camp Lemonnier. One of the units they support is Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa Task Force Associator’s security squadron. They assist in vehicle searches, counter drug operations, and overall maintaining base security.

“We fostered a close partnership with the Navy MWD team,” said Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Frankford, Sergeant of the Guard, Task Force Associator. “(They’ve) facilitated joint training opportunities to familiarize us with their capabilities, and how to control the mission environment to help the team operate at peak efficiency.”

The bond between a handler and their military working dog goes far beyond standard teamwork. While MWDs are trained weapons used to detect threats and ensure the safety of those behind them, the relationship forged in daily training, shared missions, and constant companionship becomes deeply personal.

“To them, we are everything,” said Fetter. “We work together, play together, live together. They would do anything to please us and keep us safe.”

MWDs exemplify loyalty and selflessness, which are key values within the U.S. military, and embody what it truly means to be part of a team. The connection between handler and dog is one built on trust, discipline, and mutual respect.

“There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for my dog,” said Fetter. “Having him as my partner is the best part of this deployment. He keeps me humble, and we make each other better.”

As these dedicated teams continue their mission, they serve as a powerful reminder that strength, loyalty, and teamwork come in many forms – and sometimes, they walk on four legs.

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