Combat Dogs Take To The Skies For Secret Missions In Afghanistan

I continue to be blown away by what dogs are capable of doing and how much they help us humans!

— Kenn

(EuroPics) The picture shows an Austrian special forces trooper training parachuting with dogs.

By Tom Coghlan For TheTimesOnline.com

Two members of the Austrian special forces join Nato’s Operation Cold Response, one of Europe’s biggest military exercises, in Narvik, Norway.

Dropping from 10,000ft, they glide in order to land unnoticed. The dogs often carry cameras and are trained to attack anyone carrying a weapon.

Dogs don’t perceive height difference, so that doesn’t worry them. They’re more likely to be bothered by the roar of the engines, but once we’re on the way down, that doesn’t matter and they just enjoy the view,” said the dog handler.” He has a much cooler head than most recruits.”

Commandos from 14 countries, including British special forces and Royal Marines, took part in the Nato exercise. The use of dogs in High Altitude High Opening missions was pioneered by America’s Delta Force, which trained the animals to breathe through oxygen masks during the jump.

The SAS has adapted similar techniques and, according to special forces sources, bought a number of American-trained dogs for use in Iraq and Afghanistan. The dogs used by the British are fitted with a head camera, allowing special forces to see inside insurgent compounds, and Kevlar body armour.

As well as reconnaissance, the animals are trained to attack anyone carrying a weapon, although it is claimed that they will not attack those who are unarmed.

Two SAS dogs are reported to have died on raids in Iraq. Thor and Scotty were killed in 2008 when British special forces waged a successful campaign to destroy al-Qaeda’s bombing networks in Baghdad. Both animals are remembered on a stone memorial at the SAS headquarters in Hereford.

To Read More Click Here.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Markthomasll
Markthomasll
13 years ago

Great Kid !! This is the coolest photo ever !!!! Thanks Austria !!

John Laigaie III
John Laigaie III
11 years ago

You just cannot beat Dogs. They work their butts off for a kind word and a scrap to eat. Humans are really not worthy of their presence. 
“I strive to be the person my Dog thinks I am.”

SUBSCRIBE TO
DOG FILES

Top Posts

More Articles...

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x

Why haven't You Signed up For our Newsletter?

Find out why over 8000 Dog lovers have already Joined!

Receive our newsletter, get special deals & stay updated.