I never quite thought about it in this way but yeah... this makes sense (from the AFA's 03/09/2011 Daily Report):
A Working Dog's Workout: Air Force military working dogs at several bases are testing a new fitness regime to improve their readiness for deployment. "The program ensures we send the most physically fit dogs to a combat zone," said SSgt. Rick Laird of the 460th Security Forces Squadron at Buckley AFB, Colo., one of the trial bases. Focused on building both strength and endurance, the regimen includes muscular exercises such as "power fetch," obstacle training, and weight pull. There are also cardiovascular exercises that transition between brisk walks, jogs, and full-out runs. Security forces dog handlers run with their four-legged partners four times per week, including trots on the treadmill. "I love the fact that I am able to PT with our K-9s. When we are down and do not feel like running, they are always up for it," said SSgt. David Duritsky, a 460th SFS dog handler. (Buckley report by A1C Marcy Glass)
We've all seen fat puppies and anyone who's ever had a dog understands the importance of exercise for the health and longevity of our best friends. But I never considered the ins and outs of getting military working dogs in shape for combat. I'm glad someone thinks about these things.
Here's the caption that accompanied the above pic:
Buckley Air Force Base, Colo.- Staff Sergeant David Duritsky and Pier, 460th Security Forces squadron, enjoy their time physically training together at the fitness center Mar 2, 2011. Buckley is one of few bases instituting this new program to keep the military working dogs physically fit and deployment ready. ( U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Marcy Glass )Click the pic for larger, of course.
Air Force military working dogs at several bases are testing a new fitness regime to improve their readiness for deployment. New? What took them so long? Just kidding, ALL soldiers need to be fit, no? Did you know that even dogs can suffer PTSD?
ReplyDeleteDid you know that even dogs can suffer PTSD?
ReplyDeleteI do now. Srsly... I didn't know.
Our tax dollars at work!!
ReplyDeleteToo cool! Bouie would love it!
ReplyDeleteWhat was fun was the first time our squadrons deployed with MWD and had, on their return CONUS to justify the expense of renting cars at each entry point. Turns out the heat was awful and the dogs couldn't handle it at all. They were allowed to rest in the A/C in the cars which sat their idling day after day.
ReplyDeleteBring your dogs to the Lazy B and my red heeler will chase them around all day biting their butts until they are in shape or crazed.
ReplyDeleteDale: You should SEE the gyms at AF bases now. They are remarkable.
ReplyDeleteMoogie: The sight of a dog on a treadmill is a bit much for me.
Curtis: Great story! I can understand the need for the AC, having watched my dogs in 100-degree temps... which ain't even CLOSE to the heat in Iraq.
Lou: Or until the war-dogs turn and have a snack. Most of those dogs ain't NOTHIN' to mess with!