MWDs: sniffing out mission success

Staff Sgt. Zachary Seroogy, 341st Security Forces Squadron MWD handler, rewards MWD Paul after successful detection training Aug. 20, 2020, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. K-9s are taught patrol, drug and explosive detection, law enforcement and specialized mission functions for the Department of Defense during their basic training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob M. Thompson)

Senior Airman Dustin Sullivan, left, 341st Security Forces Squadron MWD handler, Staff Sgt. Zachary Seroogy, 341st SFS MWD handler, and MWD Paul, practice bite training Aug. 20, 2020, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. K-9s are taught patrol, drug and explosive detection, law enforcement and specialized mission functions for the Department of Defense during their basic training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob M. Thompson)

Senior Airman Dustin Sullivan, left, 341st Security Forces Squadron MWD handler, Staff Sgt. Zachary Seroogy, 341st SFS MWD handler, and MWD Paul, practice bite training Aug. 20, 2020, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. K-9s serve as deterrents against criminal activity. Training missions provide different scenarios for both the dogs and their handlers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob M. Thompson)

Staff Sgt. Zachary Seroogy, 341st Security Forces Squadron MWD handler, and MWD Paul, perform detection training Aug. 20, 2020, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. K-9s are taught commands that can be done at the side of the handler, the end of their leash and off leash. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob M. Thompson)

Staff Sgt. Zachary Seroogy, 341st Security Forces Squadron MWD handler, and MWD Paul, perform detection training Aug. 20, 2020, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. MWD handlers and their dogs are given monthly training requirements to ensure they are receiving proper training and improving on their skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob M. Thompson)

MWD Bond is pictured in his kennel Aug. 26, 2020, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. MWDs are trained in law enforcement, including how to detect drugs and explosives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob M. Thompson)

Staff Sgt. Vincent Mendez, 341st Security Forces Squadron MWD handler, and MWD Bond, embrace each other Aug. 26, 2020, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. MWDs and their handlers establish a bond through training play, and spending time together. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob M. Thompson)

Staff Sgt. Vincent Mendez, 341st Security Forces Squadron MWD handler, and MWD Kay, perform sound detection training Aug. 26, 2020, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. MWDs and their handlers practice sound detection training to locate and detain adversaries. K-9s begin their training at young age and continue training throughout their career to effectively accomplish their mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob M. Thompson)

Staff Sgt. Vincent Mendez, 341st Security Forces Squadron MWD handler carries MWD Kay during sound detection training Aug. 26, 2020, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. In addition to sound detection, MWDs are trained in a variety of other law enforcement procedures, including how to detect drugs and explosives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob M. Thompson)

Senior Airman Dustin Sullivan, left, 341st Security Forces Squadron MWD handler, and MWD Erik, prepare for a medical evaluation Aug. 26, 2020, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. In addition to training, handlers are also responsible for the medical well-being of their K-9 and learn basic veterinarian skills during their technical schooling. MWDs have become a vital asset to security and protection due to skills humans are unable to possess, such as heightened sense of smell and faster ground speed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob M. Thompson)

Tech. Sgt. James Tullis, 341st Security Forces Squadron kennel master, collects a skin sample Aug. 26, 2020, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. In addition to training, handlers are also responsible for the medical well-being of their K-9 and learn basic veterinarian skills during their technical schooling. MWDs have become a vital asset to security and protection due to their heightened senses and faster ground speed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob M. Thompson)