Let me begin by stating that the militaries of the world are literally hundreds of years behind in their use of dogs in combat situations. This is not based upon mere opinion but on observation and accounts from soldiers in the field. It is obvious to anyone that if military training and breeding is based upon civilian programs, programs which are based in turn on the sport world that failure is inevitable in live theater application.

The facts may trouble most but all good training is drawn from proven success. The German Military used dogs to great success in the First and Second World Wars. Secrecy was their strength. In our military politics is our main weakness. To be successful the civilian and sport world {these include any and all Law enforcement programs} must be shunned by the military. Look at these and take them as warnings not as symbols of correctness.

History shows that warriors once used dogs in great numbers and to great success. If in the time of Alexander the Great dogs moved among battling warriors targeting only the enemy, why is it so impossible today? It is only deemed to be impossible by those to whom it is not possible. It is these same individuals who when called upon to set up and run dog programs for the military face failure after excuse and excuse after every failure.

Just as courage must overcome fear within every soldier, genetics and training must enable versatility in every encounter, no matter how difficult or stressful.

Poor breeding and poor training is unacceptable in the battlefield. When common sense and dignity override the political ambitions of those in charge we will see results replace lies. Until that time we will continue to fall behind by centuries. Just as it is ones "Duty" not ones "Right" to serve his country, it is ones "Duty" to serve to the best of their ability. This is done with dignity and courage towards that which is both right and correct not popular.

Remember a soldier is trained not only to adapt and overcome but to kill. To kill with discipline and determination. These standards must fall also upon the dog. Wars are neither fought nor won upon groomed fields. They are dirty, depressing blood lettings. Only those best prepared through training and selection will survive. Those who sit in the trenches differ greatly from those who sit in debates over coffee. War is not a sport nor is it a game. With one method you can fill your wall with ribbons and your body bags with the boys who trusted your politics. The other takes blood and guts but promises victory through sacrifice and hard work.

The use of anything from the sport world or show world including even obedience exercises is the path to failure. We must constantly think "ASSAULT, ASSAULT, ASSAULT" not "INSULT, INSULT, INSULT". It seems that we are so careful not to "OFFEND" that we have dimmed both our desire and capability to "DEFEND". This is not acceptable to our men in the field. If it is not our intention to place the best in the field then let us surrender and throw ourselves to the mercy of our enemies. For until they replace I.E.D,s and grenades with balls and bite sleeves we must not permit the use of either as we train and prepare for war.

©Mike McConnery/Baden K9 Incorporated, 01/11/07

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