Canines or “War Dogs” were used throughout history supporting combat operations. Long before the invention of gunpowder, dogs were gathered in columns, many of them clad in armor with spiked collars by the military forces of the Roman Empire. It wasn’t until 1942 when dogs were used by the Department of Defense. A program called “Dogs for Defense” was led by a group of professional breeders and was eventually operated by the US Army. Even then the use of dogs was spotty at best until 1965 during the Vietnam War where dogs were found to be valuable partners in scouting, guarding and identification of enemy infiltration.
Today war dogs are trained by skilled handlers to perform multiple tasks in the field. Braving combat situations, searching for explosives for hours, and providing security at checkpoints are just a few of many uses dog teams are utilized for. By studying the combat environment dog teams can implement training programs to be very well prepared for just about any situation. While dog teams can be prepared for gunfire, explosives, and searching vehicles one element that is difficult to prepare them for is the weather.
The average temperatures in Iraq range from higher than 48 degree C (120 Fahrenheit) in July and August to below freezing in January. In this weather service members may slow down but they can still work for hours and days consistently. This weather can challenge a dog’s efficiency dramatically. Dogs have a much more difficult time expelling heat than humans do.
Not only do dogs have a layer of thick hair but they don’t have the ability to sweat either. Dogs cool down through panting and cooling their undersides. Keeping the dogs as fresh as possible requires constant hydration, and a significant supply of water everywhere the dog teams go. Handlers are also trained on how to give their dogs I.V.’s giving them the fluids they need.
Another weather element they battle is the sandstorms. Stinging sand can significantly reduce a dog’s vision and ability to detect and work. With new gear and technology for the dogs they are able to limit the effect the elements can have on the dogs.
Handlers are supplied with many top of the line products to help keep their dog healthy and efficient. Ice packs and cool pads specifically designed for the dogs are a must have item for handlers. Specially made ballistic dog goggles called “doggles” are also often used to protect the dog’s eyes. Handlers use booties to wrap around the dogs paws to keep their feet from directly stepping on the excruciating hot ground as well as glass and shrapnel. These items are just a few of many in the handler’s arsenal that enable them to perform their duties and do what they do best which is saving and protecting lives.
This is a tribute cache to those “War Dogs” who saved lives and offered theirs for their handler’s. Countless patrols have been successfully logged in service and official memorials are located all over our country recognizing our dedication to the commitment of their lives and service. A water dish has been added to the back of this helicopter to proclaim our commitment to them. May they always serve, protect and never go thirsty.
Tech. Sgt. John Mascolo and his military working dog, Ajax, left, await a helicopter pickup with Staff Sgt. Manny Garcia and his dog, Jimmy, outside Forward Operating Base Normandy, Iraq, on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2006. The 35th Security Force Squadron Airmen and their dogs had completed a security sweep of a farmhouse looking for weapons and materials used to make improvised explosive devices. (U.S. Army photo/Pfc. William Servinski II)
Cache Details and Previous Owner Tributes
The original cache, "The Four Schythes" was hidden by Team Beavage Cleavers on 10.04.06. It was then adopted by DMBFORME on 03.26.07 and re-named “Up and Away” to keep with the DMB song title theme. Today 10.24.09 the cache is owned by Team Bloodhounded and re-named “WAR DOGS” keeping with the teams theme of canine cache names. I thank those before me for the opportunity to offer this cache to the geocaching community. This one can be a cache and dash, if you are lucky enough. If you do happen to find it, please be sure to put it back exactly how you found it.
4/21/2012 - I have had to rework this cache but it's still active. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO CLIMB IN, ON OR UNDER THE HELICOPTER TO FIND THIS. It's also now a magnetic key holder with just a log, sorry. But, it's still a cool cache!
If you bring a camera, you won't look so out of place here. Enjoy this awesome piece of equipment and post lots of pictures!
