Emily Fuerst, Yong Lee, Sagorika Sen, Wanyu Zheng /
Abstract
Throughout the semester, our group has collaboratively worked together to de-black box the technology, war dogs. The following paper examines military working dogs and the contextual components that surround this technology. We aspire to unpack this technology so we can enlighten the general public of their existence and the beneficial attributes they provide to our military. In order to fully understand all aspects surrounding military working dogs, we used two primary research methods. We conducted several interviews and researched credible sources online. We interviewed the general public to understand their overall knowledge on the topic and interviewed subject matter experts to learn about the training methods, treatment and lifestyle of these animals. Currently there are 2,700 military working dogs serving our military, many of these dogs are deployed in warzones such as Afghanistan (Bumiller). The Defense Department currently classifies war dogs as equipment but many advocates believe they should be re-classified as canine members of the armed forces. Our objective is to unpack this technology to improve our knowledge on the subject so we are able to share our research with the public. By creating public awareness, war dogs will receive the appreciation and respect they deserve which could potentially accelerate the re-classification of these animals.
Introduction
Military working dogs also referred to as war dogs have served and supported our military in several ways throughout history. Presently all branches of the military use these animals to assist our soldiers in various missions overseas. Even though war dogs have steadily served along our armed forces throughout the years, the majority of the general population are unaware of the benefits these canines provide our military. We chose war dogs as our technology to de-blackbox in order to better understand how these animals support our troops. Since war dogs participate in several missions overseas, many technologies have been designed to enhance the animal’s capabilities and to protect them during warfare. Tactical body armor, wireless surveillance cameras, radio communications and extensive training are all examples of tools used to complement these courageous canines. By unpacking this technology, we aspire to share our knowledge with the general public so these animals receive the respect and appreciation they deserve.
In order to reach this goal, we took several approaches to research. We tested our hypothesis by creating a survey and interviewing the general public. Then we focused our research on bibliographic references and interviewed several subject matter experts so we could ultimatelydesign various message channels to share our discoveries. To fully understand all aspects of military working dogs, we strived to learn about their historical presence, whether there arepolitical and social circumstances surrounding the animals and lastly the technical aspects of the technologies that are designed to assist these animals in their missions. We began this journey by researching their historical background within the military.
Context and Content
One of the most surprising facts of data we learned throughout this project was military working dogs historical presence. Before the United States began to utilize these animals, many other countries used military dogs in combat. France, Belgium, Russia and Germany used war dogs in the early 1900s, “to warn of enemy attacks, find the injured, and to carry supplies and messages during combat” (Sesana). When the United States learned about this tactic in 1942, the US Army developed the organization “K-9 Corps” also referred to as “Dogs for Defense” and began training war dogs in Front Royal, Virginia (Military Working Dog History). It is important to note that the missions and responsibilities of these animals have transformed throughout time.
Throughout our research we learned that after the Vietnam War, the US Army’s K-9 Corps program was handed over to the Air Force where life was vastly different for the dogs. Sharon Weinberger, a writer for BBC wrote “…Air Force, which used them to patrol missile fields in the United States. Those dogs were used to being guided on leashes, living in a air-conditioned kennels and working limited shifts: a far cry from a war zone” (Weinberger). It appears the atmosphere the animals lived in along with their treatment changed once the program shifted to the Air Force. The transformations military dogs have gone through in regards to trainings, responsibilities and their treatment led us to the belief that this technology is not considered linear.
The responsibilities of military dogs have evolved rapidly throughout history. During wars such as Vietnam they were primarily used for their smelling and hearing abilities to detect the enemy, for sentry duty, scout dogs, the protection of military bases and to scout out the perimeters (Harris). However in 2007, the role, appreciation and desire for military dogs changed drastically when they realized the canines could detect improvised explosive devices (IEDS), “better than even the most advanced technologies” (Harris). This discovery led to a higher demand for the dogs and their training procedures were altered in order to train more bomb sniffing dogs.
The treatment of these animals has evolved as well. Before Robby’s Law was passed in 2000, war dogs were often euthanized after they served (Epatko). Robby’s Law ensured that the animals were adopted after serving and that war dogs were only euthanized if they were deemed too aggressive/dangerous or if the dog was severely injured (Epatko). It was shocking to our group that only thirteen years ago, the United States realized how cruel and unjust it was to euthanize or leave these animals behind after they have sacrificed their lives while saving so many of our soldiers. Fortunately for these courageous canines, the waiting list to adopt a retired military dog ranges from 300 to 400 potential owners (Sesana).
Another aspect we considered was the political circumstances that surrounded this technology. A major debate currently exists whether war dogs should be considered equipment or soldiers. Currently the Defense Department classifies military working dogs as surplus equipment, however many advocates believe this needs to be changed (Rizzo). These animals are sacrificing their lives to protect and assist our soldiers, yet we classify them in the same category as a helmet. In 2012, advocates were excited when the The Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act was introduced. This act, “…proposed reclassifying military dogs as Canine Members of the Armed Forces, simplified the adoption process for retired military dogs and directed the military to set up a program for retired dogs’ veterinary care, at no cost to the taxpayer, and it allowed for the secretary of defense to recognize military dogs killed in action or for performing courageous acts of service in the line of duty” (Rosenthal). However when this legislation was eventually passed, the re-classification of military dogs was not included within the bill (Rosenthal). As a group we hope in the near futurethat military working dogs receive the respect they deserve and are re-classified as canine members of the armed forces.
When considering whether this technology is grand, we could not decide on a yes or no response. In one aspect, war dogs are grand because they help protect our soldiers in the line of duty. One article we came across throughout our research described war dogs as therapeutic to soldiers while they are overseas in war zones (Russo). The article discusses how having these animals on military bases brings comfort to the soldiers during a time of stress, fear and anxiety. However one aspect of this technology that is not grand is when military working dogs are injured or killed during combat. Since these animals are ordered to enter into dangerous areas, there is always the possibility that they will be injured or killed. During our research we were unable to find substantial data on the amount of war dogs that are injured yearly. Hopefully the reason we were not able to access this data is because the numbers are so low.
Lastly within our context related research we discovered that this form of technology is extremely efficient. It is currently estimated that a military working dog saves around 150 soldier lives throughout each dog’s service (Sesana). This statement alone proves that this technology is not only imperative for our military to utilize but is also very effective.
One of the primary ways war dogs save our soldier’s lives is through the detection of improvised explosive devices (IED). The war with IEDs in Iraq and Afghanistan has resulted in the loss of many US soldiers. Sharon Weinberger wrote in 2012, “Over the past six years, the Pentagon has spent over $18 billion trying to find ways to detect and neutralize roadside bombs – the leading killer of US troops in Afghanistan – by investing in everything from better mine detectors to newfangled devices that shoot beams of energy” (Weinberger). JIEDDO is a government agency who is in charge of conquering the war on IEDs. After spending billions of dollars to discover ways to detect IEDs, JIEDDO announced, “that the single greatest force in detecting IEDs was indisputably a dog and its handler” (Frankel). Since dogs have an impeccable sense of smell, they are able to sniff out and detect these explosives.
There are various technical aspects within this technology that are important to examine. War dogs endure extensive training before they are deployed. Along with training, many different types of vests have been designed to either protect these animals or to improve the animal’s capabilities during missions. Throughout our project, we discovered through online research and interviews with subject matter experts that the training process for these animals is rather challenging.
The primary breeds used are German and Dutch shepherds and Belgian malinois. These breeds areprevalent among war dogs since they are recognized as “very aggressive, very smart, very loyal and very athletic”(Miles). In order for the dog to be able to complete the rigorous training procedures, the canine needs to demonstrate that it possesses these traits. Once the dogs are chosen, they are sent to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio Texas to begin training.
We interviewed John Hoover, who has been a dog handler for over 23 years and currently works with an Explosive Detection Dog in Afghanistan for the government. He explained that trainers typically work with the dog for 8 hours a day or for our 40 hours a week and that most training schools last around 12 weeks (Hoover). Mr. Hoover also discussed some of the tasks the canines are trained for, “Military dogs are trained to detect contraband and explosives. They Can also be trained for handler protection and suspect and criminal apprehension” (Hoover). Lastly we felt it was important to inquire the estimated costs of this technology. Mr. Hoover explained that once a dog is trained, the estimated cost of the trained dog can vary between $10,000 and $15,000 (Hoover). Since there are several levels of training, the dog will be more expensive if it is trained to perform an array of jobs.
Many technologies have been designed to improve and enhance the dog’s capabilities during missions. There are several different types of vests war dogs wear to protect the animals and to assist the animals during various missions. Some of the vests are designed to hold infrared, night-vision cameras and audio communications that allow the dog handler to communicate commands to the dog (War Dog). We were fortunate to interview Jim Slater, the founder of the company K-9 Storm which manufactures the vests for military and police dogs. Mr. Slater informed us that it is extremely important for the vests to be light weight and custom-fit for each dog which provides war dogs with full mobility (Slater). Since military working dogs are often in war zones, many of the vests are designed to safeguard the animals from injury. Many heavy armor vests are designed to prevent rifle rounds, edged weapons and handguns from injuring the dogs (Slater).
Throughout our online research and interviews with experts, we were able to understand the content and contextual components of military working dogs. We were surprised to discover the different social and political controversies surrounding these animals and were truly fortunate to interview an array of experts on the topic. The different research approaches we used supported our overall mission to de-black box war dogs.
Research Approach
To unpack our technology, we aspired to collaboratively understand the context and content surrounding war dogs by using several approaches within our research. We began by surfing the web for credible references that discussed the historical, social and political components involved with these animals. By researching government websites, mainstream news articles such as CNN and BBC and websites focusing on K-9 military organizations we were able to develop a solid knowledge base on war dogs. Before reaching out to experts on military working dogs, we wanted to have personal insight on the topic which would assist us in developing well composed questions for our experts.
The interviews with subject matter experts were by far the most informative and effective method within our research. By interviewing K-9 military trainers, we received terrific insight about the extensive training process the dogs undergo. It was very difficult to find detailed information online about the various vests the dogs wear. Our interview with the founder of K-9 Storm (company who manufactures the vests) helped our group understand the different technical properties within the vests. By interviewing experts and collaboratively researching information online, we were able to de-black box war dogs and the technologies that assist them.
Component Summaries
Online Presence
Since one of our main goals is improve awareness of war dogs with the public, it was essential for us to have several online message channels. We created a Wordpress Blog, a Tumbler account, a Facebook and Twitter page. Our blog, War Dogs shares the research we have compiled throughout the semester. Many of our blog posts discuss the interviews we conducted with subject matter experts. Our blog displays our Twitter activity on the home page to encourage viewers to follow us on Twitter. Our Twitter presence proved to be extremely beneficial since we were able to connect with K-9 military dog trainers and handlers. After tweeting back and forth with a training location on the West coast, Vohn Liche Kennels, we set up a phone interview with one of their trainers. When we had upcoming interviews, we updated our social media outlets to alert our followers. Overall our blog is the most informative channel for our online presence and will contain all of our project deliverables.
Poster
As a group, we were very pleased with the outcome of the technical poster Wanyu designed. Our poster contained vibrant colors to draw in audience members while encompassing an array of information on our topic. Along with the poster, we designed a post card that included our contact information, links to our online presence and brief information on war dogs. Both the poster and postcard were essential elements of our project since they provided a visual representation on military working dogs.
Interviews
Our interviews with subject matter experts were extremely beneficial to our overall research. While interviewing the public at Georgetown waterfront, we came across a man named Warren Getler. He is an ex-military journalist who was extremely knowledgeable on our topic and agreed to a video interview. He gave us great insight on why the military uses German Shepherds as a primary breed. We also conducted an interview with a military and police dog trainer who works for Vohn Liche Kennels. The trainer, Jessie discussed the various training methods used along with basic information as to how long the trainings are and the traits they look for in a military working dog. Another significant interview we conducted was with Jim Slater, the founder of K-9 storm, a company that manufactures the tactical vests war dogs often wear. He explained some of the technical aspects of the vest while providing us with a better understanding of why the vests are important for the animals to have. Overall these interviews provided our group with important information surrounding war dogs and assisted us in unpacking this technology.
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