APPENDIX D 



MINE AND TUNNEL DOG HANDLER PATROL 

 BRIEFING GUIDE 



1. INTRODUCTION 



a. Assemble all patrol members so that they can see and hear all in- 

 structions and demonstrations. 



b. Identify yourself and your dog (names and unit). 



2. CAPABILITIES AND LIMITATIONS 



a. Capabilities. 



(1) The dog is trained to detect and respond by sitting within 3 feet 

 of mines, boobytraps, tripwires and other casualty-producing devices. 



(2) The dog can detect caches and tunnels. Although not specifically 

 trained for it, the dog may detect and alert on personnel. 



(3) The dog's alertness and senses of smell, sight, and hearing are 

 superior to those of a human. It can detect the presence of people or 

 objects far better than any human can. 



(4) A dog team should work point whenever possible for better per- 

 formance and to lessen the possibility of interference with the team's work. 



b. Limitations. 



(1) The dog should be worked only by a qualified handler. 



(2) If speed is essential, the team can still work until the speed 

 renders the dog ineffective. At this point the team should be moved to the 

 rear. 



(3) During contact, a dog team does not join the attacking or envelop- 

 ing elements. 



(4) Wind is the most important factor in the dog's work; its ability 

 to alert will vary according to wind velocity and direction, concentration 

 of human scent, humidity, density of terrain, and distractions in the area. 



(5) Never split a dog team. 



(6) If the dog is wounded, it should be evacuated as would a human 

 casualty. 



(7) If I am wounded and the dog becomes so aggressive as to prevent 

 first aicLAS A LAST RESORT IT MUST BE DESTROYED. 



(8) A DOG TEAM IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR NORMAL 

 SECURITY. 



(9) I will need one man assigned as security, since I must concentrate 

 on the dog and may need both hands to control it. 



(10) In hot weather, extra water must be carried for the dog. 



