A dog: both man's best friend and a wingman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anthony J. Hyatt
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Military working dogs first entered the service during World War I. Since then, they have served in every major war since then: WW II, Vietnam War, Korean War, and Desert Storm.

MWD have been on the frontlines fighting terrorism with their handlers for nearly 100 years. The MWD is a very versatile tool to the Air Force.

"They can detect explosives and narcotics saving thousands of lives annually," said Tech. Sgt. Christopher Romano, 325th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler. "Furthermore, they can scout out law violators as well as locate missing people."

Military working dog Tucker, from the 325th Security Forces Squadron, is on his way to adoption. His career is nearly at an end.

Public Law 106-446, enacted by Congress in November 2000, allows the adoption of DOD dogs to law enforcement agencies, former handlers of the dogs or other persons capable of caring for the dogs upon the completion of military time.

Prior to this change, MWD's were either optioned two ways: euthanized or sent to Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

MWD's were euthanized by Lackland AFB veterinarians in extreme medical cases for humane reasons, or because the animal possessed an overly aggressive demeanor, and were considered a liability to be placed in the care of non-DOD personnel.

Other retired MWD's sent to Lackland AFB were placed in the care of the 341st Training Squadron and used to train students attending the Handler's Course.

"In some rare cases, some MWD's are still being euthanized, because of aggressive behavior," said Sgt. Romano.

Upon adoption, persons must complete an adoption package stating that they have the proper living conditions for the MWD and are fully capable of caring for the dog should it need medical care.

A video of MWD Tucker is making its way to Lackland AFB. The video is part of a program that displays to Lackland the "decommissioning" of the MWD, which involves footage of the MWD displaying calm and rational behavior.

After the video is reviewed, Tucker will be officially allowed to be adopted.
His adoption is expected to take place within approx. two months.