MWDs Bad to The Bone

Rico, 2nd Security Forces Squadron military working dog, conducts a perimeter patrol at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., July 19, 2016. Rico and his handler Senior Airman Brandon McCarty from the 2nd Security Forces Squadron have worked together as a team for over one year. Handlers train and work with their designated dogs to strengthen the bond necessary to make an effective team. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mozer O. Da Cunha)

MWDs Bad to The Bone

Senior Airman Brandon McCarty, 2nd Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, looks for simulated improvised explosive devices during training at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., July 19, 2016. MWD teams work together to identify simulated IEDs and trigger pressure plates buried underground. This exercise provided the team with a safe environment to sharpen skills used in daily applications on and off base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mozer O. Da Cunha)

MWDs Bad to The Bone

Rico, 2nd Security Forces Squadron military working dog, flags a suspicious item during training at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., July 19, 2016.The training scenario provided the handler and MWD a safe and secure environment to hone detection skills crucial to completing real world missions. Teams are required to train multiple times a week on a variety of simulated scenarios. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mozer O. Da Cunha)

MWDs Bad to The Bone

Rico, 2nd Security Forces Squadron military working dog, plays with a toy after completing an explosives/narcotic detection training at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., July 19, 2016. MWD teams train about 15 hours weekly, rotating between scenarios involving explosive/narcotic detection, law enforcement, deployment and patrol exercises. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mozer O. Da Cunha)

MWDs Bad to The Bone

Aura, 2nd Security Forces Squadron military working dog, rests after completing an explosives/narcotic detection training at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., July 19, 2016. Barksdale’s MWDs are trained in patrol certification, narcotics and explosives detection. In addition to patrolling the base, they also provide support to all four branches of the military, local law enforcement and federal agencies. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mozer O. Da Cunha)

MWDs Bad to The Bone

Aura, 2nd Security Forces Squadron military working dog, takes a break after completing an explosives/narcotic detection training at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., July 19, 2016. MWDs are bred at Lackland Air Force Base, and some eastern block countries with the sole purpose of performing law enforcement duties. MWDs train for two years from birth before becoming certified and sent to their first base of operation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mozer O. Da Cunha)

MWDs Bad to The Bone

Senior Airman Brandon McCarty, 2nd Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, inspects a perimeter fence at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., July 19, 2016. McCarty conducted the security check as part of daily patrols. MWD teams perform a versatile mission, covering various aspects of base security and personnel safety. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mozer O. Da Cunha)

Military Working Dogs: Bad to the Bone

Published Aug. 8, 2016
By Senior Airman Mozer O. Da Cunha
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Rico, 2nd Security Forces Squadron military working dog, conducts a perimeter patrol at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., July 19, 2016. Rico and his handler Senior Airman Brandon McCarty from the 2nd Security Forces Squadron have worked together as a team for over one year. Handlers train and work with their designated dogs to strengthen the bond necessary to make an effective team. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mozer O. Da Cunha)