A Military Working Dog named Nick, a six-year-old German Shepherd, stands guard on the U.S. Department of Defense Global Directory login page at Fort Meade, Maryland. Nick is part of the 2nd Military Police Detachment and is one of six patrol explosive detection dogs in the kennel, along with three patrol drug detector dogs. Sgt. 1st Class Jon R. Silvey, the Kennel Master, highlighted the team’s readiness to deploy worldwide, emphasizing their daily operations within the Military District of Washington.
The Military Working Dog teams undergo rigorous training, including joint exercises with various agencies, to ensure their preparedness for any mission. Sgt. Silvey, a 19-year Army veteran, expressed his passion for working with K9s and his desire to continue in a similar role post-retirement. The U.S. military boasts around 1,600 such dogs across its branches, supporting operations on land, sea, and air.
Nick, the featured dog on the Global Directory, has been deployed to locations like Iraq, where he worked alongside handlers like Spc. Joseph J. Lane. During their time in Iraq, Lane and Nick conducted patrols, checked vehicles entering the base, and collaborated with airborne divisions. The iconic image of Nick wearing protective goggles, or “Doggles,” was captured during training exercises, showcasing the dedication and versatility of these working dogs.
Specialist Lane, now stationed in South Korea with a new K9 partner, reflected on his experiences with Nick, noting the challenges and rewards of transitioning from bomb detection to narcotics detection. Each dog, Lane emphasized, comes with unique traits and demands tailored training approaches. Despite Nick’s aversion to water and love for attention, his loyalty and obedience made him an invaluable asset in their missions.
Seeing Nick’s image on the Global Directory evokes fond memories for Lane, underscoring the strong bond and shared experiences they had while serving together. The impact of these Military Working Dogs extends beyond their operational duties, leaving a lasting impression on their handlers and fostering a deep sense of camaraderie and respect within the military community.
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