Airman's best friend

Dogs serve airmen in countless ways from battlefields to the homeland. With a heightened sense of smell that is stronger than what any human possesses, the dogs are trained to detect explosives and drugs and to accompany their handlers on patrols. The US military has predominantly used four working dog breeds since World War II: Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Belgian Malinois. JBSA-Lackland, Texas, home of the Defense Department's military working dog program since 1958, has the world's largest training center for military dogs and their handlers. Dogs at the squadron's kennel section receive training once a year at the base pool to familiarize them with bodies of water and encourage them to perform in different environments. Military working dogs go through a 60- or 90-day training program where they learn to detect explosives and drugs. They also learn deterrence training and how to protect their handler.