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MWD: best friend or worst enemy

A German Shepard military working dog stares at someone wearing a bite suit acting as a perpetrator during an interrogation while his handler stands beside him.

Beny, a U.S. Air Force Military Working Dog, waits by his handler during a demonstration at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., March 12. During a demonstration, perpetrators act compliant and non-compliant to enhance the MWDs training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Montano)

A german shepard  military working dog looks onward with his tongue hanging out as his handler is detaching his collar during a bite demonstration.

Beny, a U.S. Air Force Military Working Dog, stays alert during a demonstration at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., March 12. Demonstrations are done routinely to help MWDs and MWD handlers stay ready. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Montano)

A German Shepard military working dog chases after someone wearing a bite suit during a demonstration.

Beny, a U.S. Air Force Military Working Dog, runs after a acting perpetrator during a demonstration at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., March 12. Demonstrations are done routinely to help MWDs and handlers stay ready. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Montano)

A German Shepard military working dog runs during a demonstration.

Beny, a U.S. Air Force Military Working Dog, runs during a demonstration at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., March 12. Demonstrations are done routinely to help MWDs and MWD handlers stay ready. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Montano)

A German Shepard military working dog sits next to a person wearing a bite suit during a demonstration

Beny, a U.S. Air Force Military Working Dog, stops next to an acting perpetrator during a demonstration at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., March 12. Demonstrations showcase the MWDs ability to stop on command when a perpetrator becomes compliant. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Montano)

A German Shepard military working dog pulls away from his handler during a bite demonstration.

Beny, a U.S. Air Force Military Working Dog, pulls away from his handler during a demonstration at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., March 12. Demonstrations are done routinely to help MWDs and MWD handlers stay ready. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Montano)

A German Shepard military working dog prepares to bite the arm of a bite suit during a bite demonstration.

Beny, a U.S. Air Force Military Working Dog, prepares to bite an acting perpetrator during a demonstration at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., March 12. Demonstrations are done routinely to help MWDs and handlers stay ready. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Montano)

A German Shepard military working dog bites the arm of a bite suit during a bite demonstration.

Beny, a U.S. Air Force Military Working Dog, bites an acting perpetrator during a demonstration at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., March 12. Demonstrations are done routinely to help MWDs and MWD handlers stay ready. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Montano)

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --

The 55th Security Forces Squadron hosted a 5K ruck march and Military Working Dog demonstration at Offutt Air Force Base, March 12, in honor of MWDs Veteran’s Day.

“It’s important to honor MWDs, not only for their capabilities and what they do, but because they don’t choose to do this, they are chosen for it,” said Staff Sgt. Blake Radey, MWD trainer. “They don’t have the option to voluntarily put their lives at risk like we do.”

To honor all military working dog veterans, the 55th SFS hosted a ruck march, learned preliminary veterinary care, and conducted a bite demonstration.

“During the demonstration, MWD Beny showcased what happens when we approach a suspected perpetrator,” said Staff Sgt. Brandon Knight, MWD handler. “Just as if a real situation were to arise, Beny stood by my side to act as a physical and psychological deterrent.”

Demonstrations happen routinely to ensure the MWD and the handlers are ready for any emergency situation that occurs.

“It helps keep them sharp, and polishes the training they received at Lackland Air Force Base,” said Knight.

Military working dogs are trained on detecting different scents.

“Sometimes we can’t see what we are looking for, so the dogs are there to protect us,” said Knight. “They are trained to detect drugs or anything that can be used to make an explosive.”

Military Working Dogs Veteran’s Day occurs every year on March 13 to honor, recognize and celebrate dogs who are serving, and have served, in the all branches of the military since World War I.

“Military Working Dogs have added an incredible force multiplier to the battlespace,” said Radey. “They account for numerous saved lives throughout history, and the companionship they offer is unmatched.”

The mission set for MWDs range from detection and patrol to psychological and physical deterrence.

“Working dogs are the most valuable asset anyone can have on their installation,” said Radey. “It’s not just their nose, they offer so many intangibles on day-to-day operations that often go unnoticed.”