CCTP 506

Emily Fuerst, Yong Lee, Sagorika Sen, Wanyu Zheng

Georgetown University04/29/2013

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

ultimately design 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 are political 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 future that 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 are prevalent 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.

Video

We created a video to provide a visual representation of our research. The video begins by

illustrating our assumption that the general population lacks knowledge on military working

dogs. After showing several of our interviews with civilians, our video highlights some of our

interviews with subject matter experts such as Warren Getler, an ex-military journalist. Most

importantly the video lists popular misconceptions we have about war dogs and dogs we

consider as our pets. The video exposes these misconceptions and then sums up our project by

showcasing important facts about military dogs.

Survey

We created an online survey to acquire the pre-existing attitudes and beliefs of the general public

on military working dogs. The survey is designed to discover whether people are aware that

canines assist our troops overseas. The survey consists of 10 questions that are intended to reveal

people’s knowledge on war dogs, along with the different levels training and some of the

technologies they use. We chose to set up this survey online in order to reach a larger community

and to save paper. This survey will help our group test the hypothesis, that the majority of the

general public is unaware of this technology’s existence and the numerous benefits they provide

our military.

Conclusion

After de-black boxing military working dogs, our entire group has a newfound respect

and appreciate for these animals that we aspire to share with the public. It was apparent

throughout our interviews with the public that many people lack awareness that these courageous

canine’s serve our military. If more people learned about the various benefits war dogs provide

our soldiers, the re-classification of these animals from equipment to canine members of armed

forces could be passed sooner. This technology has assisted our military for several generations

and we are confident that war dogs will continue to serve our military in the future. The various

jobs, the trainings and treatment of these animals has evolved throughout history. It will be

interesting to observe how military working dogs evolve in the future. As the demand for these

animal increases, more studies will be performed in order to discover new ways these animals

can help our soldiers overseas.

Bibliography

Bumiller, Elisabeth. "The Dogs of War: Beloved Comrades in Afghanistan." The New York Times. N.p., 11 May 2011. Web. 18 Apr 2013. <http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/12/world/middleeast/12dog.html?_r=2&>.

Epatko, Larisa. "Military Working Dogs: What Happens After They Serve?." PBS Newshour. PBS, 28 May 2012. Web. 14 Apr 2013. <http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2012/05/military-working-dogs.html>.

Harris, William.  "How War Dogs Work"  01 June 2011.  HowStuffWorks.com. <http://science.howstuffworks.com/war-dog.htm>  25 April 2013.

Hoover, John. E-mail Interview. 09 Apr 2013.

Miles, Donna. "Military Working Dogs." About.com US Military. American Forces Press Service. Web. 25 Apr 2013. <http://usmilitary.about.com/od/jointservices/a/militarydogs_2.htm>.

Rizzo, Jennifer. "When a Dog Isn't a Dog." CNN Security Clearance. N.p., 06 Jan 2012. Web. 20 Apr 2013. <http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/06/when-a-dog-isnt-a-dog/>.

Rosenthal, Cathy M.. "Animals Matter: Military Working Dogs Still Considered "Equipment"." My SA: San Antonio's Home Page. N.p., 03 Apr 2013. Web. 19 Apr 2013. <http://www.mysanantonio.com/life/life_columnists/cathy_m_rosenthal/article/Animals-Matter-Military-working-dogs-still-4400607.php>.

Russo , Karen. "War Dogs: U.S. Soldiers Talk About the Comfort of Having Dogs With Their Unit in Afghanistan." ABC News. N.p., 05 May 2011. Web. 13 Apr 2013. <http://abcnews.go.com/International/war-dogs-us-soldiers-afghanistan-talk-comfort-dogs/story?id=13537829>.

Sesana, Laura. “Military Working Dogs Today Have Long History of Heroism.” The Washington Times. N.p. 11 January 2013. Web <http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/world-our-backyard/2013/jan/11/military-working-dogs-today/>

Slater, Jim. Phone Interview. 23 Apr. 2013.

"The Military Working Dog History." Military Working Dog Foundation, Inc.. U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum, n.d. Web. 15 Apr 2013. <http://www.militaryworkingdog.com/history/>.

"War Dog." HighTech Edge . N.p., 06 Jun 2011. Web. 23 Mar 2013. <http://www.hightech-edge.com/war-dogs/10857/>.

Weinberger, Sharon. "Upgrading the Dogs of War."BBC. N.p., 31 Aug 2012. Web. 22 Mar 2013. <http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20120829-upgrading-the-dogs-of-war/1>.

Apendix A: Survey Rationale

One of major reasons we chose to de-black box war dogs as our technology, is because

we feel that the majority of the general population are unaware of the benefits and services they

provide our military. After walking around the Georgetown Waterfront, we asked several

pedestrians questions relating to military working dogs. The majority of their responses indicated

that the average person was semi-aware that this technology exists but was unclear as to what

their roles, responsibilities and the importance of a war dog was. This experience at the

waterfront led our group to the assumption that the general public knows very little about

military working dogs. In order to test our hypothesis that the general public is uninformed, we

created a survey with ten questions that are intended to discover each participant’s knowledge on

war dogs.

Throughout our research on the topic, we discovered several contextual components

which surround military working dogs. Among the questions, we touch upon a political

component by asking the survey participant if the war dogs should be classified as equipment or

as a canine member of the armed forces. This question is essential to include within our survey

since this controversy is stirring up a lot of disagreement and concerns between the Department

and Defense and advocates of war dogs. By including this question, it will give each participant

the change to provide their own opinion on the matter. Personally, we look forward to analyzing

the responses we receive with this particular question.

Since military working dogs have been serving our military throughout history, it was

important to include a question to see whether the public is aware that these canines have served

since World War 2. With this historical approach in mind, we also asked participants if they

knew a war dog was present when Navy SEALs took out the US’s most wanted terrorist, Osama

Bin Laden. By mentioning important historical dates such as this one, we hope that this question

will heighten our audience’s curiosity on the subject. This curiosity could lead to participants

researching war dogs or connecting with our various message channels to learn more about these

amazing animals. Throughout our research, we found it shocking that military war dogs were

euthanized after serving up until 2000 when Robby’s Law was passed. Fortunately there are

several adoption agencies now that match the retired war dog with a suitable family. This

transformation from euthanizing to adoption is an important element within our research. We felt

it was important to discover whether our participants agree or disagree that the retired dogs

should be euthanized. Following that question, we asked participants whether or not they would

consider adopting a retired war dog. Along with contextual components, we wanted to discover

through our survey if are participants are familiar with any technologies that assist war dogs with

their different missions and responsibilities.

The online presence will also allow us to evaluate the results in a more effective and

efficient manner. We hope that the results of the survey indicate that the general public is

oblivious to this technology. This will allow our group the opportunity to truly make a difference

among our community by sharing our research on the benefits and services war dogs provide to

our armed forces.

Apendix B: Survey

Our survey can be accessed online using this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/339B65J

1. There are specific breeds of dogs that are trained to serve our military. a. Trueb. False

2. Military working dogs have served our military forces since World War 2. a. True b. False

3. When the Navy SEALs raided and took out Osama Bin Laden in 2011, a war dog was present.

a. Trueb. False

4. Military Working Dogs are just soldier’s pets. a. Trueb. False

5. A military working dog is currently the best technology we have to detect Improvised Explosive Devices.

a. Trueb. False

6. Once a military working dog has finished their service, they should be euthanized. a. Strongly Agreeb. Agreec. Undecidedd. Disagreee. Strongly Disagree

7. Military working dogs should continue to be classified as equipment, instead of being re-classified as canine members of the armed forces.

a. Strongly Agreeb. Agreec. Undecidedd. Disagreee. Strongly Disagree

8. I would adopt a military working dog after it is retired from duty. a. True b. False

9. Military working dogs have vests with infrared, night vision cameras. a. Trueb. False

10. Military working are an important component within our military’s defense. a. Strongly Agreeb. Agreec. Undecidedd. Disagreee. Strongly Disagree