FORT EUSTIS, Va., –
Military working dog teams from the 3rd Military Police Detachment at Fort Eustis, Va., and the 217th Military Police Detachment at Fort Lee, Va., participated in an annual qualification course July 15-18 at Fort Eustis, Va.
The multi-day course put handlers and their dogs through a variety of scenarios, such as locating explosives and narcotics, to aggression training that tested their ability to perform daily duties.
"In order for our military working dog teams to support the law enforcement mission here at Joint Base Langley-Eustis or downrange, they have to be certified," said U.S. Army Capt. Zachary Franklin, 3rd MP Det. commander. "The certification course is also a great opportunity for them to demonstrate skills they've learned and perfected throughout the year through routine training."
U.S. Army Pfc. Brenan Ward, 3rd MP Det. explosive dog handler, and his MWD Marie, are one of six teams from the 3rd MP Det. to go through the training.
"We have to certify on different tasks like obedience commands, detection, and patrol," Ward said. "We had to demonstrate how to search a variety of areas including vehicles, open areas and buildings."
Additionally, handlers had to demonstrate their dogs' ability to obey basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, heel, as well as respond to search commands for detecting narcotics or explosives, or attacking a fleeing suspect.
"We've got a great amount of resources, available to us here at Fort Eustis," Franklin said. "This allows us to put the teams through a wide variety of tasks and events both inside and."
After completion of the certification course, handlers and their MWDs continue intensive training on a daily basis, ensuring they are able to support the mission.