Quote:
Originally Posted by Tress
I knew a Phase III instructor that static-lined with his Lab in a CIWI bag.
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When I had Tower Branch and HHC 1-507th, our BAC companies had dogs as mascots and all of them were airborne qualified with diplomas and jump wings.
Such mascots were an old tradition in the 507th going back to their original formation and training in Alliance, NE, prior to movement to Europe for Overlord.
The dogs were a great motivator for the students going through the BAC; would run every morning up front with the Co Cdr, guide-on bearer, and keeper of the wings; and would be jumped with the class during Jump Week. We would just put a modified rucksack harness on the dogs with lowering line, attach them under the reserve like a ruck, and then they were jumped by company cadre; never had one defecate, urinate, or bite anyone during a jump. The dogs would be led around among the students while they were waiting to board the a/c and it had a great calming effect on them.
The dogs were also one of the best therapies for a student who was either struggling with the training or with a personal matter - you would go by the CQ desk and see a student or two sitting there on the floor with the dog, petting and talking to them and among themselves; better than a psych or a chaplain for many of them.
Richard
