SF Canine article and Vid

[abc_123]

Article on SF Canine 'Argus'.... there is a couple-minute video embedded in the website of the dog working with his team in AFG.

http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/484245.aspx


Special Canine Forces Sniffs Out Trouble
By Chuck Holton
CBN News
November 19, 2008


CBNNews.com - AFGHANISTAN - U.S. Special Forces have the most highly specialized soldiers in the world.

Each soldier trains for years and also learns the jobs of all the others. They become experts in weapons, communications, engineering and even diplomacy. Years of combat experience hone their senses to a razor's edge.

For some, those senses seem super human. One member of the 7th Special Forces can sniff out hidden explosives and has other unique qualities - like four feet and a tail.

Meet Argus, one of only a handful of Special Forces canines. His training is incredibly diverse and thorough.

His handler, a Special Forces staff sergeant, explains, "Argus can fast-rope, he rides on helicopters, and even jumps out of airplanes - wherever we go, he goes."

It's a program enjoying huge success and is very popular with the soldiers. Argus even trains as a member of the team.

This day, its medical refresher training - learning how to give an IV. Each man practices on his buddy, and has to be on the receiving end as well. And that includes Argus.

"He obviously doesn't like it, but since he's one of the most likely to be injured, it's important that we know how to do this because we want to be able to save him if he ever gets hurt," his handler explains.

In addition to being able to find IEDs (improvised explosive devices) , Argus can track the bad guys by scent, look for drugs or even take down a bad guy.

"To date he's found three different IEDs and two different caches," his handler said.That makes him a hero to the guys on the team.

"We love having Argus around. He brings a lot to the team, and we treat him just like one of the guys. Every man here would put his life on the line for Argus, just like we would for each other," said one Special Forces soldier.

Later, on a mission, Argus's skills were put to the test when an IED went off in front of a convoy. Fortunately, the explosive missed the lead vehicle and nobody was hurt. But just in case there were more, Argus jumped into action.

"We cleared the road up ahead to make sure its safe," Argus' handler said.

While Argus doesn't receive hazardous duty pay, he does receive lots of love and appreciation from his teammates.

At the end of the day, that - and his ball - are all he needs to stay happy.

[SF_BHT]

Thanks for the Post. Great article.

[PSM]

Originally Posted by abc_123

Article on SF Canine 'Argus'.... there is a couple-minute video embedded in the website of the dog working with his team in AFG.

So, is Asco preparing for Selection?

Pat

[SF_BHT]

Originally Posted by PSM

So, is Asco preparing for Selection?

Pat

He did the short course.
OJT and TAB was awarded......

[abc_123]

I think PSM was referring to my dog. His name is Asco.

The picture in my avatar is him about 1.5 months ago barking while I was teasing with a jute tug. I hadn't given him a bite yet and it was making him crazy.

At this point I harness him when working him on a tie-out so he doesn't hurt himself.

[Razor]

They fastrope with him? That has to be an interesting harness.

[stickey]

Good video. I like his markings...all of our german sheps are dark. I got sick when the 18C mentioned that the dog would be the first in line to be wounded....i couldn't imagine loving a dog and then sending them into possible danger like that, but i guess that's the reality of it. I don't know, I'm an animal lover.

[Nonna]

My 18E was learning to work with their team dog and was being considered for a dog handler training slot before he was injured by a Taliban bullet in August. He'd still like to do that, but his arm is pretty messed up and it will be awhile before he can use it fully. Yesterday was surgery #6, with more to come. He said the dogs are amazing, and are really protective of their team.