MWD TEAM TRAINING

MWD teams require continual proficiency training to maintain their skills, since their normal day-to-day duties do not provide the necessary opportunities. Without frequent reward reinforcement for performing a task correctly, the dog would soon lose interest in performing the task. Likewise, without continual practice, the handler loses the ability to "recognize" the MWD's responses. Proficiency training also improves the team's performance capability.

Training exercises that closely resemble actual performance requirements are the best form of training. Stereotyped exercises lead to stereotyped results, with little training value. Exercise scenarios used over and over are easier for the kennel supervisor and handler, but it conditions the MWD to anticipate required actions, and the MWD will soon begin acting without waiting for commands from the handler. If this is allowed to continue, serious control problems could result.

The kernel master (supervisor) determines the duty cycles, duty hours, and methods of using MWD teams to best support installation operations. In making these determinations, the kennel master should consider mandatory proficiency training requirements and the care of dogs, kernels, and equipment.

The prescribed duty cycle for proficiency training allows at least 2 hours a day-10 hours per week. Daily work schedules provide 2 hours for feeding, grooming, exercising, and maintenance of equipment and kennel facilities. A normal work day should consist of a minimum of 4 hours of actual work, 2 hours of proficiency training, and the remaining time for administration and kennel maintenance.

Proficiency training is conducted on-base and balanced to address each dog's capabilities. Any deficient or weak areas should be stressed during subsequent training periods until proficiency is regained.

MWDS ABOARD SHIP

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Describe how MWDs are used aboard ship. List the additional measures required when MWDs are employed for long periods aboard ship. Explain the considerations for detection in shipboard spaces, and describe the hazards involved in movement to and from below-deck areas.

MWDs have been used as an effective deterrent to the introduction of illegal drugs aboard naval ships for several years. Use of MWDs aboard ship, however, presents special problems that require careful planning by the kennel master, MWD team, and commands using the services.

The mere physical presence of an MWD team presents a deterrence. This deterrent effect will remain as long as the handler makes sure that daily proficiency training is conducted in a controlled training environment. Even so, some individuals will attempt to introduce controlled substances onboard. If these individuals are successful, the deterrent and credibility effect that an MWD team may have will be diminished.

The MWD team should anticipate the probability of flying out to a ship by helicopter or other aircraft. Kennel masters or handler personnel should prepare their team and themselves in the same manner as they have introduced the MWDs to ships. Initial introduction should consist of entering and leaving the various types of aircraft when they are not operational. This should be followed by frequent walks near the flight line to expose the MWD to the noise and odors. (Make sure personnel in charge of flight lines and base operations have been briefed.) When possible, have the MWD team inside these various types of aircraft during turn-ups, taxi trips to the fuel farm, or during compass settings. Local short hops will also ensure that the MWD team will require very little adjustment time after a flight to a shipboard commitment.

LONG TERM USE OF MWD TEAMS ONBOARD SHIP

The use of MWD teams aboard ships and submarines for a long period will require additional measures as follows: . When MWD teams are required to remain overnight or for extended periods, the security officer/CMAA is responsible to make sure that security is provided for the MWD team(s). At least one reliable senior petty officer, preferably an MA, will be assigned to the MWD team as long as they are on board. This senior petty officer should assist in providing for the safety and well-being of the MWD team. 

l Berthing/kenneling arrangements should be provided. A stateroom is strongly recommended for security purposes. The Master-at-Arms force should make frequent checks of the area at varying times, but not less than at hourly intervals. 

. Additional secure areas will be required to allow the MWD to exercise and to relieve itself. These areas should be secluded and security provided. The handler is responsible for cleaning up any stools or urine in this area.

The MWD team(s) visiting a ship must understand that they are professionals who are providing a service. Their conduct while on board should be in keeping with those standards.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR DETECTION IN SHIPBOARD SPACES

Although most spaces aboard ship are very confined and congested, the MWD team should be able to complete an effective search if the MWD has been properly conditioned to this type of environment.

Berthing Areas

In berthing areas, the MWD will be required to clear very tight areas. The handler's presentation should be smooth and systematic to prevent false cuing of the MWD. The handler should also be more aware of the MWD's initial response and allow the MWD to have a little more freedom than usual. Handlers should remember that the ventilation system will be operational and the effects of air circulation will be apparent.

Storerooms

Storerooms are normally congested and cartons are stowed loosely unless the ship is underway. The handler should be very conscious of the safety risk for the MWD, but still perform an effective search. Do not expect the MWD to climb shifting stacks of cartons. The rapport that you have with the MWD could be ruined or the MWD could be injured by falling cartons.

Machinery, Engine and Fire Room Spaces

Handlers must remember that machinery spaces, engine, and fire rooms are not only a safety hazard to the MWD but also a health problem because of various types of fumes and heat. The MWD should be kept on just enough leash to work effectively. The MWD should be given frequent relief from the heat of these areas. A panting MWD cannot perform an effective search. However, this is not an excuse for not working these spaces.

Galleys/Sculleries

Galleys and sculleries should be inspected as routinely as any other space. Again, the handler should be aware of the health and safety hazards and the heat. Searches should be conducted during non-meal hours.

Movement below decks

Handlers should be aware of the many hazards involved in movement to and from below-deck areas. Some ladders are constructed in a manner that may cause MWDs to catch their toe nails, which could be pulled out. Other ladders are so steep that the MWD might refuse to negotiate them. Prior conditioning of the MWD should alleviate these problems.

MWD SEARCH TECHNIQUES

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Explain the guidelines to be followed when MWD searches are conducted.

Although MWD utilization is coordinated independently at each command, it is imperative that all methods of team employment remain within the constraints imposed by military law. The local Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) can provide advice and updated guidelines pertaining to proper search and seizure. All searches should be conducted within these guidelines-without exception.

Searches should be conducted at the request of the commanding officer. All functions concerning the search (coordination, personnel assignment, duration, and so on) are the responsibility of the commanding officer or the Chief Master-at-Arms/Security Officer.

Commanding officers and other officials delegated the authority to grant command authority to search should observe the MWD team's effectiveness prior to a search as a basis for ordering a probable-cause search. This certification demonstration may be conducted in conjunction with, but prior to, a scheduled search or separately at a time and place acceptable to the command and the MWD team personnel. This validity certification should be recorded and a letter filed in the MWD's probable-cause folder.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SUCCESSFUL DDD SEARCHES

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: List and describe nine recommendations for successful DDD searches.

In order for DOD searches to be successful, they must be conducted properly. The following recommendations apply: l For safety purposes, only those individuals trained to assist a working MWD team will be permitted to actively participate in training scenarios and operational evolutions. Command representatives who are present should be warned to stay clear of the MWD. 

. The date, time, and location of the search should not be published. Requests by telephone or message are not recommended as the element of surprise maybe lost. Individual contact is always the best method. 

* The minimum number of personnel, preferably only the commanding officer, executive officer, and the Chief Master-at-Arms/Security Officer, need to have prior knowledge of the search. 

. On the day of the search, a minimum number of reliable petty officers should be selected, briefed, and detailed at each entrance and/or exit of the search area to provide security and prohibit entry while the MWD team is conducting the search. One individual, to act as a recorder, should be provided to accompany each team requested. 

. During searches, all doors/hatches to areas to be searched should be unlocked and left closed. The areas to be searched should be cleared of all nonessential personnel prior to the arrival of the MWD team. 

l All vents, fans, windows, and air conditioning units should be secured (unless prohibited by considerations of safety) prior to the arrival of the MWD team in order to permit maximum retention of scent. 

. Photography should not be permitted during actual searches. Demonstrations may be arranged through the kennel master, senior handler, and local public affairs office, if requested. 

. To avoid possible injury to the MWD team or command personnel, the handler should request that all routes to be used by the team be cleared of personnel. 

. MWD handlers are available for testimony concerning their operations at any non-judicial, judicial, or administrative proceeding. Prior notice of at least 48 hours is required in order to maintain the schedule of operations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CHIEF MASTER-AT-ARMS OR COMMAND REPRESENTATIVE

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: List and explain six duties or responsibilities of the Chief Master-at-Arms or command representative.

The Chief Master-at-Arms (CMAA) or command representative should do the following:

1. Maintain liaison and coordinate search efforts with the kennel master or senior handler for the scheduling of searches, results, feedback and so forth.

2. Make sure that a recorder for each MWD team is assigned and awaiting the team's arrival.

3. Prior to the MWD team's arrival, muster and brief selected senior petty officers to act as a security detail. The detail should do the following:

a. Clear all areas to be searched of all nonessential personnel.

b. Make sure that no one removes suitcases, seabags, parcels, or other items from the search area. Personnel who must get dressed before leaving should be observed while they dress, to prevent their hiding small parcels or contraband on their person.

c. Make sure that all search areas remain secured, permitting no one to enter until that area has been searched. If the DDD "responds" in that area it should remain secured until all "responses" have been searched and the CMAA/command representative opens the area.

4. Make sure that all vents, fans, windows, and air conditioning units are secured prior to the arrival of the MWD team unless prohibited by safety considerations.

5. Make sure that the areas to be searched are cleared of all toxic substances, paints, volatile substances, metal and wood shavings, broken glass, oil and grease spills, powdered substances, unsecured food, and other items that might distract or be hazardous or harmful to the MWD team.

6. Make sure that all "response" areas are searched. A search of the response area based upon a "consent search" or "command authorized search" should be conducted as soon as possible after the team has completed searching the space. If a significant quantity of drugs is found during the search (indicating sales), the local NCIS office should be notified immediately. Results of the searches will be forwarded, using search data sheets, to the base security officer responsible for the MWD team.