'Dogs of war' saving lives in Afghanistan - story with pics

[Kadie]

'Dogs of war' saving lives in Afghanistan
by Jason Gutierrez Jason Gutierrez – Thu Jan 28, 1:38 am ET

SOUTHEAST OF MARJAH, Afghanistan (AFP) – For the US Marines patrolling the dusty footpaths of southern Afghanistan, a bomb-sniffing black Labrador can mean the difference between life and death.

These "dogs of war" have saved countless lives and their record for finding hidden explosives has won them a loyal following.

"They are 98 percent accurate. We trust these dogs more than metal detectors and mine sweepers," says handler Corporal Andrew Guzman.

Trained to detect five kinds of threat, from military grade C-4 plastic explosive to common chemicals used by the Taliban to make improvised explosive devices (IEDs), the dogs play a vital role alongside their human comrades.

Bomb expert Sergeant Crush is all concentration as he leads a foot patrol by two squads of US Marines deployed to Afghanistan as part of Washington's fresh surge to end an eight-year insurgency by the Taliban.

His job along with Corporal Goodwin is to lead the men to safety through dusty footpaths and compounds where Taliban militants plant deadly bombs that have left many troops dead in recent months.

They are from a group of four Labradors, who are on average four years old and have all seen action in Iraq and Afghanistan.

more...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100128/wl_asia_afp/afghanistanunrestusmarinesdog



US Marines are using sniffer dogs, complete with military rank, to lead them to safety as they move along dusty foot paths where insurgents are increasingly using improvised explosive devices to target US forces. Corporals Goodwin and Brooks are half of a quartet of expert dogs trained to sniff five kinds of explosives. Duration: 01:
17(AFP)


Bomb sniffer dog Corporal Ace seaches for explosives near a US Marine during a patrol around Huskers camp in the outskirts of Marjah in central Helmand on January 26. Corporal Ace is one of a quartet of expert dogs trained to sniff five kinds of explosives, from military grade plastic C-4 bombs to chemicals used by the Taliban to make their so-called improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
(AFP/Christophe Simon)


US military police with bomb sniffer dog Corporal Brooks during a patrol around Huskers camp in the outskirts of Marjah in central Helmand. With the Taliban increasingly relying on IEDs to cripple the US advance, officials say up to 70 dogs are now on operation in southern Afghanistan alone, where the insurgency is festering.
(AFP/Christophe Simon)


Military police relax as a bomb sniffer dog Corporal "Books" drinks water in Huskers camp on the outskirts of Marjah in central Helmand. Brooks, a three year-old Labrador with tan fur, has been deployed three times in Iraq and Afghanistan and has helped with the recovery of approximately 14 bombs and saved many lives.
(AFP/Christophe Simon)


A US Military policeman relaxes with his bomb sniffer dog corporal "Books" in Huskers camp on the outskirts of Marjah in central Helmand. These "dogs of war" have saved countless lives and their record for finding hidden explosives has won them a loyal following.
(AFP/Christophe Simon)



This is a pic from sfgate.com


Lab dog thinks he's a lap dog: Bomb-sniffing corporals Good One (foreground) and Books take some well-deserved R and R with Marine MPs at Huskers camp outside Marjah, Afghanistan.

Photo: Christophe Simon / AFP / Getty Images

[hlthe2b]

1. Man's best friend, indeed... (and woman's for sure)

:loveya: stay safe, all

[Myrina]

2. What did humans ever do to deserve dogs?

They're so amazing, and in so many cases (not speaking of this article), we're so shitty to them. :(

I volunteer with a rescue so when I see stories like this, it just makes me love them more because they're so, so loyal and devoted to us and so many people take them for granted.

[roguevalley]

3. I don't know. I just know that they are among the greatest living creatures.

[happyslug]

4. The old Native American legend of creation started with the Great Spirit coming to earth his dog...

Yes, the Great Spirit came down to earth with his dog, made man and woman and then seeing how helpless they were told his dog to stay with them. Yes, Native Americans could NOT accept the thought that they was ever a time without dogs thus the Great Spirit came with a dog, i.e. dog was NOT created, like man, by the Great Spirit, dogs always existed.

[Myrina]

5. I like that.

:hi: