MP Soldiers Work To Uncover Explosives With Military Dog Teams
U.S. and Coalition Forces have begun to use new and different tactics in their efforts to fight terror in and around Mosul, Iraq. One of the new tactics is utilizing Canine Dog Units to help sniff out explosives in the Ninewah Province Capital.
Dogs from the 552nd Military Police Company began working in February 2008 to inspect and seize any explosives that they find in random searches they participate in. In a series of random traffic and checkpoint searches, the Dogs and their Canine handlers inspect vehicles, packages, cargo and personnel for any trace of explosives, or explosive device parts.
“We are using our detection dogs to help deny the enemy the ability to bring explosives into the area,†said Sergeant 1st Class Michael Ford. Sgt. Ford is a platoon sergeant for 1st platoon, 552nd Military Police Company. Insurgents try to create bombs out of explosives and other improvised materials. Denying them access to explosives and bomb parts is a huge part of stopping roadside blasts and other enemy bombing efforts.
In January there was a huge explosion in a building in Mosul, causing a large number of injuries and death to Iraqi Civilians. About 20 thousand tons of explosives went off in a three-story Mosul building on January 24th, creating a huge casualty scene.
“We are going to deny the availability of supplies to the enemy, that is our goal,†said Sgt Ford. Sgt Ford is on his third deployment to Mosul.
