Should we…..?
Warning this narrative includes the graphic description of a fatal attack by a military dog in defence of his team.
A recent conversation revealed a very articulate young lady totally opposed to the use of dogs for military purposes. As someone who has accepted the contribution of dogs in the military, I was somewhat surprised by her hostility but it was thought-provoking and in fairness, I listened to her objections intently.
Her vehement opposition revolved around four facts. The first was that in the UK and many other countries, military recruitment only involved volunteers, but the canine recruit has no say in the matter. The second was the obvious one of injury or death, and the third was that the protection of the Geneva Convention doesn’t apply to animals. Therefore, they do not have the protection afforded to their human counterparts. And finally, many of these dogs are euthanized when their military life comes to an end.
Much of what she said was true. There can be little argument. Therefore, I was left with little option but to enter into a discussion about the reality of war and the benefits of being a military dog and also the skills that they bring that we cannot replicate.
Military Service
In many democratic countries, particularly, for example, in Greece, where I now live, military service is compulsory. There are a few exceptions, but basically, the vast majority have no choice. Many of these individuals may have no interest whatsoever in military matters and consider it an imposition and an unnecessary intrusion into their lives. In the UK “national service” was abolished on 31 December 1960 as it was considered that a fully trained professional army was preferable to the alternative. The older generation rued its passing as they considered that it taught the youth of the day, discipline, good manners, timekeeping, and it prepared youngsters for life as an adult. So, not all military recruits are volunteers, even in a democracy. In the case of canine recruits, those chosen are already the cream of the crop, the very best, having been evaluated for being the appropriate canine for training for a specific task, including it’s physical and emotional suitability. This training can be intense, will take many months and is expensive, thus making the dog a valuable asset with unique skills. The period of training is to the dog a great adventure, he will spend his days with a handler, learn tasks, his brain will be exercised, and he will be fit and healthy. He will spend his days learning to abseil cliffs, parachute from planes, rappel from helicopters, search for hidden explosives and maybe protect his team members among other tasks. Compare this lifestyle with that of the average family pet, who, by comparison, leads an extremely mundane life
The training programme will require trainers of the highest calibre, and each and every aspect must be done in a way that is not harsh or oppressive. A badly trained dog is unreliable therefore, only highly skilled personnel with an understanding of canine psychology and empathy are allowed anywhere near these dogs. Cruelty is totally unacceptable and completely counterproductive. Trainers are aware of how dependent today’s soldiers are on the dog’s ability to perform its task particularly special forces who operate in hostile environments. Anyone who is in any doubt of the necessity for the inclusion of the canine in a military operation and their ability to save lives and prevent serious injuries should read about Mali who did in fact retire. ( Military Dogs 1/11/ 2020 )
These dogs also benefit from regular checks from veterinary surgeons to ensure their health.
Injuries
Yes, I had to concede that some dogs are injured and even killed in action, but those that are injured are given the very best of veterinary attention, similar to the treatment given to soldiers. Those that lose limbs are routinely fitted with prosthetics where appropriate and, being extremely resilient, adjust with little difficulty.
I had to admit that I was not aware that the Geneva Convention does not offer animals protection but anyone who abuses any animal is subject to the laws that prevail in that country at the time. Regardless of war, animals in democratic countries are generally protected by the legislation already in place. It is a valid point that maybe the Convention needs updating. However, even if it is, will it make any difference? Recently, I read of an attack on a restaurant in Ukraine which killed 13 civilians, including children, and severely injured many more. The Geneva Convention didn’t stop that attack or the countless others that are in direct contravention of the rules of war. The Convention only works anyway if the belligerents have signed up and even if they have there is no guarantee that individual members of the military respect it.
Now, we come to the most controversial aspect. The fact is that a number of these dogs are euthanized at the end of their working life.
Afghanistan
This, again is true. However, in many instances, there are just not enough experienced handlers available to take these dogs into civilian life. An incident in Afghanistan shows why some of them can be difficult to rehabilitate and will always need an experienced handler.
The story goes that a special forces team were ambushed by insurgents and pinned down under deadly crossfire. The only salvation available was a building close by that was already inhabited by an insurgent who was contributing to the gunfire. The team released their dog and directed him toward the building. He entered and moments later hideous screams were heard, the gunfire that was coming from the building stopped and the team made there way in. The insurgent was dead. Copious quantities of blood soaked the floor. His throat had been ripped out. The senior officer’s report stated that without the intervention of the dog, the entire team would probably have been killed. The unnamed dog has saved the lives of the men who will return home to their loved ones. The dog, however, when the time comes may not be able to enjoy a retirement unless an experienced handler is available to ensure he is safe among the general population.
So while he may not live to a ripe old age what an incredible life he will have lived. Not for him a boring existence staring at four walls all day, the daily walk and if he is lucky a toy to play with, no, every day filled with the sort of challenges that pet dogs could only dream about. I truly believe that life is not just about longevity but what is much more important is how that life has been lived. That applies to us all canines and humans.
Also, where do we stop? If we remove dogs from the military then the next logical step is to ban dogs from serving with the police then maybe even security guards. Furthermore, because we stop using them, then we are handing a military advantage to potential enemies who have no such scruples.
How do we balance the lives of soldiers against the premature euthanasia of a loyal canine? I guess the families of the soldiers who have made it home will have no hesitation and over the years those numbers have grown from tens of thousands to the hundreds of thousands worldwide. The words of Staff Sergeant Chris Wilmington US Marine Corps spring to mind as he spoke about his dog Luka who he adopted after he retired.
“She is the reason I made it home to my family, I am fortunate to have served with her”
Without doubt, there are now so many people alive today who are the direct descendants of military personnel. They would never have even been born without the sacrifice of military dogs who were responsible for their forebear’s survival.
Finally, can any of us really understand the almost unbelievable trust that so many military personnel put in these dogs? Going out on patrol knowing that mines and IEDs are just waiting to kill and main you and the only thing between you and death or hideous injury is a dog that looks no different than many people’s family pet. I have no doubt that many soldiers would be more reluctant to go on patrols without their “bomb dog” and It’s not surprising therefore, that in military circles, these fabled canines have become legends.
Long may they continue.
“If you think that you are a person of influence try ordering someone else’s dog around.”
Will Rogers