New Reserve Military Working Dog Squadron
The Army has announced the launch of its first Reserve Military Working Dog Squadron as part of the major restructure under Future Reserves 2020.
The new 101 Military Working Dog Squadron will form part of 1st Military Working Dog Regiment and will be based at St George’s Barracks, North Luffenham. This is the first time that reservists can train to become dog handlers, and men and women aged between 18 and 50 are invited to join the East Midlands based Squadron.
A recent open day saw trained Army Dog handlers put their canine charges through their paces in a bid to attract new reservists to their ranks. Amongst the skills demonstrated were vehicle search, obedience and protection training.
Reserves joining the Squadron will be trained as Protection Military Working Dog Handlers looking after the security and safety of military assets and their bases. Part of the soldiers’ initial training will be teaching them how to look after and care for their canine colleagues. Later on in the Reservist’s career there will be an opportunity to undertake specialist dog handler courses including vehicle search.
The Regiment is also recruiting reservist Veterinary Officers and Veterinary Nurses that maintain the health of the Military Working Dogs.
The recent Open Day offered potential recruits the opportunity to speak to serving members of the Regiment about the part-time roles available and view the latest kit and equipment. The event also included presentations on what a reservist can expect when joining the Regiment.
Abbe Boddy from Leicester was one of many that attended the recruitment event. A Financial Assistant for Leicestershire County Council she said: “I’ve always wanted to work with animals and also wanted to join the Army. Joining the Reserves will give me the best of both worlds.
“Joining the Reserves will mean I still have time with my son. It’s been amazing to watch the dogs. They are so intelligent. It’s mind-blowing what they can train the dogs to do; that’s what I love about it.”
