1/13/2024 0 Comments Tactical dog tags for pets![]() The handlers take a lot of pride in their work, not only in the security they provide to the installation, but in training the dogs to be the best they can be. With projects like this, USACE is able to remove barriers that inhibit servicemembers from performing a necessary job to ensure national security. “Whenever we get different types of resources coming in on the ground, we use our explosives dogs to sweep the area that crews go into. “We support through securing the installation and law enforcement and conducting security patrols,” Hyatt said. ![]() The 22nd Security Forces Squadron dog handlers support that mission in many different ways. MAFB’s mission is primarily air refueling, a vital part of the Air Force’s capability. “ go through a great deal of care to make sure that these facilities are designed to generate the least amount of stress on the dogs.” “The military working dogs have a very strict regimen that the trainers and the dogs have to follow,” said Shirley. The Kansas City District is working to ensure that problem is not repeated with the new facility. According to Shirley, the current facility doesn’t meet nearly a third of the current DoD requirements. Overall, the current facility is insufficient for the handlers and the dogs who work there. “So first we take care of the dogs, giving them the space they need, giving them the ability to rest… Operationally, it will make things much easier.” “When I first took on this project and saw the kennel … the first thing I thought of was how to make the dogs more effective because without the dogs, there’s no handlers,” said Hyatt. Noah Hyatt, kennel master for the 22nd Security Forces Squadron, joined the team in November 2022, and his first thought when he was asked to provide feedback on the new kennel design was to improve quality of life for the dogs. The team ensured that the handlers of the 22nd Security Forces Squadron were part of the design process so that the new facility meets the needs of the unit. ![]() Shirley and his team understood that the design of the new facility needed to accommodate the specific conditions at MAFB, not only for the dogs but also for their handlers. “The design of the kennels themselves is absolutely critical.” “We take into consideration sun angles for the outdoor kennels so the dogs aren’t sitting out there in the late afternoon getting hot, or get all northerly wind exposure,” said Shirley. For example, the design for the new facility at MAFB will take into account sun and wind exposure, among other things. The DoD requires the use of a standard design template but allows for modifications to accommodate each specific facility. Like the training of military working dogs, the kennel facilities that house the dogs must meet strict requirements that are mandated by the Department of Defense, or DoD, and the U.S. “ just antiquated,” said Gary Shirley, military programs project manager with the Kansas City District, “it doesn’t meet the current requirements for housing working dogs.” The current kennels were constructed several decades ago and require much-needed updates. Army Corps of Engineers, is currently working on the planning, design and construction of a new kennel facility for the working dogs of the 22nd Security Forces Squadron located at McConnell Air Force Base, or MAFB, in Wichita, Kansas. Military working dogs might look like your average pet, but they are highly trained animals used for security on military installations and in deployed environments. (Photo Credit: Christine Paul) VIEW ORIGINAL Noah Hyatt, kennel master for the 22nd Security Forces Squadron K9 unit at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, points at the design plan for the new kennel facility being built by the Kansas City District, U.S. (Photo Credit: Christine Paul) VIEW ORIGINAL 5 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Army Corps of Engineers is designing and building a brand-new facility for the squadron, which will include a new training yard. ![]() The current training yard for the 22nd Security Forces Squadron K9 unit at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. (Photo Credit: Christine Paul) VIEW ORIGINAL 4 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Army Corps of Engineers is designing and building a brand-new facility for the squadron. The current facility for the 22nd Security Forces Squadron K9 unit at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. (Photo Credit: Christine Paul) VIEW ORIGINAL 3 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Jjiago, one of the military working dogs for the 22nd Security Forces Squadron K9 unit at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. (Photo Credit: Christine Paul) VIEW ORIGINAL 2 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Joshua Espinoza Stewart, Senior Airman Ashley Skeels and Staff Sgt. ![]() Noah Hyatt, kennel master, Senior Airman Joseph Fox, Staff Sgt. Members of the 22nd Security Forces Squadron K9 unit at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |