3 December 2021
Army’s Military Police Working Dog capability now boasts eight additional members and their dogs, with the completion of the Military Working Dog Handler Basic Course at RAAF Base Amberley, Ipswich.
Over 14 weeks between August and November, eight 1st Military Police Battalion soldiers completed the course at the RAAF Security and Fire School (RAAF SFS) alongside six Air Force colleagues.
Course coordinator Sergeant Greg Sherriff said the first week involved decoy training.
“We ran the students through dry drills before watching how they handled experienced dogs from No. 2 Security Forces Squadron,” he said.
“They also had to pass a safety exam and experienced being the decoy in a 'bite suit' during apprehension training.”
A week of theory followed, which included lessons on military working dog capability, dog psychology, kennel hygiene and husbandry, feeding and dog first aid, the handler and dog matchmaking process commenced.
“The course instructors trained the new dogs for six weeks before the course, so we had a pretty good idea of their personalities,” Sergeant Sherriff said.
All the dogs were either young Belgian Shepherd Malinois, with some bred by Air Force and others purchased from vendors, or more experienced dogs that were being re-teamed with new handlers.
On occasion, instructors will swap handler and dog pairings to ensure a better fit, but in general the team will stay together for many years to come, until circumstances change, such as when a dog retires.
Once the handlers were paired with their dogs in week three, the practical components of the course re-commenced.
Using high-value rewards such as food or toys, the handlers and their dogs trained in basic obedience, obstacle training, wind detection and human-scent tracking.
In week four, field training started and dogs were introduced to weapons.
“We introduced the sound of gunfire from a distance and worked up to the point where the students could fire blank rounds right next to their dog without the dog becoming startled or scared,” Sergeant Sherriff said.
On return to RAAF Base Amberley, the course continued with building searches and clearances, and urban detection as well as night scenarios such as security patrols, with dog and handler safety reinforced at all times.
With enhanced focus on the physical fitness required to be a dog handler, RAAF SFS introduced a six-week strength and conditioning program prior to the start of the course to help prepare the students for holding a dog in drive, noting the strength of the dog against the handler.
Australian Army Private Hailey Lennon and Military Police Dog Max from the 1st Military Police Battalion conduct training exercises at RAAF Security and Fire School, RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland.
Two 1st Military Police Battalion members were presented with RAAF SFS awards at the end-of-course ceremony.
Private Hailey Lennon from Delta Company was awarded Dux of the Course and Private Carson Gardiner from Alpha Company received the Personal Qualities Award.
“Private Lennon excelled during the theory assessments and in the field,” Sergeant Sherriff said.
“She listened to the instruction, took the time to learn and absolutely rocked the gunfire assessment.
“Meanwhile, Private Gardiner took every opportunity he could to soak in all the knowledge around him.”
Military Police Dog capability manager Warrant Officer Class Two Dean Hedberg said the 1st Military Police Battalion was extremely proud of its students’ achievement and dedication.
“We’ve developed a strong relationship with the Air Force and the success of our new handlers is a testament to RAAF SFS’s support of our specialist capability,” he said.
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