Leaders of the pack

Published May 7, 2010
By Brandice J. Armstrong
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Tinker's Military Working Dog program has proven to be a cut above the rest. Outside organizations are still in awe.

Recently, two 72nd Security Forces Squadron handlers and their canine partners participated in a training program with the 421st Combat Training Squadron in New Jersey and a U.S. Marine Corps program in Arizona. They excelled in the program and were deployed overseas to support contingency efforts. A third handler has recently begun the program.

"Tinker has the best kennel that I have seen in three years of doing this job," said Tech. Sgt. Luke Plemmons, 421st CTS non-commissioned officer-in-charge of Military Working Dog Operations. "It's rare to have such outstanding MWD teams come from the same base. I would take them anywhere at any time with me if I was a kennel master or a squad leader down range."

But, 72nd SFS leadership isn't surprised.

"The 72nd Security Forces 12 MWDs and their handlers are a fantastic tool for engaging the public as everyone enjoys seeing an MWD demonstrate their skills in patrol, detection, and of course biting the bad guy," said Lt. Col. Troy Roberts, 72nd SFS commander.

Staff Sgt. Kenneth Clinton, with MWD Malik, and Staff Sgt. Manny Gamboa, with MWD Blacky, are just two of 12 handlers at Tinker. There are also 12 MWDs within the unit, ranging in age from 2 to 10. Senior Airman Joseph Hall, with MWD Buli, is the latest Airman to enter the program.

With their handlers, the canines act as a psychological deterrence against drugs and explosives. They perform sweeps across base and often deploy to the Mexican border to assist the Drug Enforcement Administration. They also deploy and work outside the wire scoping out improvised explosive devices. Additionally, the handlers and canines provide direct support for the U.S. Secret Service in the protection of president of the United States, first lady and vice president, their families, plus Department of Defense senior ranking staff and general officers.

"A lot of people see them walking around the base on duty and they see a cute little puppy dog not realizing that the cute little puppy dog is taking it within themselves to put their lives on the line," said Master Sgt. Wavelon Jackson, 72nd SFS MWD Section superintendent.

Exposed to the possibilities of a car bomb mere feet away or bounties on their heads for seeking out drug mules, there is little to protect handlers and canines from danger.

"It's an extreme sacrifice that our guys make," Sergeant Jackson said.

The 421st CTS programs are held at Fort Dix, N.J., and Yuma Proving Grounds, Ariz., and provide handlers and their canines with scenarios they might find overseas.

"It gives a more realistic picture of what handlers may expect to face when they go down range and they're out doing patrols in urban areas," Sergeant Jackson said.

Tech. Sgt. Mike Jones, 72nd SFS MWD trainer, agreed.

"It's almost identical with the buildings, garbage and roadways, plus the sound that they play in the mosques," he said. "It's very area-of-responsibility specific."