As we honor and pay tribute to our brave men and women in uniform, we also recognize the incredible contributions of our four-legged heroes: military working dogs (MWDs). These courageous and loyal K-9s serve alongside their handlers and help keep our troops and country safe.
The Role of Military Working Dogs
Military working dogs are an integral part of our military, serving in various roles to support our troops. These dogs are carefully selected and rigorously trained to handle high-stress situations while staying calm. The Belgian Malinois is one breed of dog particularly valued for its skills as a military working dog. Malinois are known for their targeted aggression, speed, agility, and ability to survive in extreme heat.
One of the most well-known roles for military working dogs is detecting explosives. They are trained to sniff out explosives in various settings, including vehicles, buildings, and open areas. They can detect a range of explosive materials and can identify hidden explosives that human detection methods may miss. K-9s assigned to special forces units are familiarized with gunfire, and trained for rappelling out of helicopters, riding in Zodiac boats, and skydiving. These dogs can carry out their duties in even the most challenging situations and special forces units rely heavily on military working dogs for their unique skill sets.
Military working dogs also serve in patrol and security roles, where they are trained to alert their handlers to potential threats, such as intruders or enemy combatants. They can also be trained to attack and apprehend individuals, providing valuable support to soldiers in dangerous situations. In addition to these roles, military working dogs can also be trained for search and rescue missions and can locate individuals who may be lost or injured, even in rugged terrain. Their keen senses and unwavering loyalty make them ideal partners for soldiers on and off the battlefield.
K-9 Handlers
The role of K-9 handlers is just as important as the role of the MWDs themselves. These handlers are specially trained to work with and care for the dogs, forming close relationships vital to their missions' success.
Becoming a K-9 handler requires extensive training and dedication. Handlers must complete specialized training programs that teach them how to work with the dogs, including handling, training, and care. They even learn how to read the dogs’ behaviors and body language to ensure they are ready for duty. Handlers and K9s form strong bonds built on trust, respect, and mutual support.
Stories of Service
Countless brave and loyal military working dogs have served alongside their handlers. Here are a few examples of these canine heroes:
Sergeant Stubby
Sergeant Stubby was a stray dog found wandering the streets of New Haven, Connecticut, by Private Robert Conroy in 1917. Conroy took a liking to the dog and decided to bring him to his training camp. Stubby soon became the mascot of the 102nd Infantry Regiment and was given a custom-made uniform.
During his time in the Army, Stubby served in 17 battles in World War I. He was trained to sniff out gas attacks and to warn soldiers of incoming artillery shells. He even captured a German soldier spying on the American troops. Stubby was credited with saving the lives of many soldiers and became a beloved figure among the troops.
After the war, Stubby returned home to the United States with Private Conroy. He became a celebrity and met with Presidents Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, and Calvin Coolidge. He passed away in 1926 and was buried with full military honors.
World War I marked the first time in history where K-9s were trained for combat. The U.S. military established the first working military dog program in World War II. Today, all military working dogs are trained at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.
Conan
Conan, a Belgian Malinois, was part of the Delta Force team who raided an ISIS compound in Syria in 2019. The team came under fire, and Conan charged ahead, attacking the enemy and allowing special forces to enter the building safely. During the attack, Conan was injured but continued to assist in the mission. His bravery and quick thinking were credited with helping to save the lives of the commandos involved in the mission.
After the mission, Conan was treated for his injuries and later received a medal for his bravery. He was later adopted by the family of the soldier in charge of the mission.
Lucca
Lucca was a German Shepherd Malinois mix who served in the U.S. Marine Corps for six years, completing more than 400 missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. She was trained to detect explosives and was responsible for saving countless lives. During her time in the military, Lucca never had a single human casualty on her watch.
In 2012, Lucca was injured in an explosion and lost a leg. Despite her injuries, she was able to return to duty just two months later and continued to serve until her retirement in 2014. After her retirement, Lucca was adopted by her handler, Staff Sgt. Chris Willingham, and taken to California.
Cairo
Cairo was a Belgian Malinois who was part of the team that carried out the mission to capture Osama bin Laden in 2011. First deployed to Afghanistan in 2009, his handler was amazed by his ability to distinguish correctly between armed combatants and women and children. Cairo was responsible for sweeping Osama bin Laden's compound for explosives and was credited with playing a pivotal role in the mission's success. After the mission, Cairo became a celebrity in his own right. He was later retired from duty and lived out the rest of his life with his handler.
At IHG® Army Hotels, all properties are dog-friendly, and we understand that they are an essential part of our military community— it’s our honor to have the opportunity to serve them.
