Goggles, ear defenders and even their own boots… see how the British Army trains pooches
New pictures show pooches from the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment on live fire exercises in Sennelager, Germany
DRAMATIC and adorable pictures have been released showing British Army dogs training with their handlers.
The snaps show soldiers and animals from the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment on live fire tactical training exercises on Sennelager Ranges in Germany.
One image shows Lance Corporal Nicola Parfrement with loveable pooch Zafari – all kitted out for battle.
The combat-ready canine is decked out in a body cooler, paw protectors, ear defenders – and even mini dog goggles.
Another pic shows Pte Caen Morris holding adorable Army dog Bracken in a little harness as he makes his way through the woods in full camo gear.
But despite the cute miniature equipment, the animals are training to do a serious and dangerous job.
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One photo shows the hounds sitting calmly next to their handlers as the soldiers fire their weapons amid the smoke and chaos of the simulated battlefield.
The troops and canines of the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment are trained in a range of tasks, including counter insurgency, detecting roadside bombs, searching buildings and vehicles, and providing security.
The official Army website says: “The military effects the Regiment provides in support of operations range from that of deterrence and detection, right through to the use of sub-lethal force.”
The regiment consists of three regular and two reserve squadrons, with 299 regular soldiers and a maximum capacity of 384 dogs.
It has also served in every major conflict since World War I, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo and Northern Ireland.
Military Working Dog Regiment personnel are also deployed around the world in exchange or training programmes in other countries such as Colombia, Kenya, Holland and Jordan.
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