Guarding the Seas and Sniffing Out Trouble: Japan’s Four-Legged Heroes
Ah, the Maritime Self-Defense Force of Japan—where the waves are calmer, the skies are clearer, and the guard dogs get paid for what most of us do for free: keeping an eye (and a nose) out for trouble! Yes, folks, it seems our canine friends have traded in chasing squirrels for fending off foreign enemies. And who said dogs couldn’t have a career?
Patrol, Sniff, Repeat: The Day in the Life of a Security Dog
So, picture this: vast military bases, suspicious characters lurking about, and a brave pup standing watch. According to Petty Officer 1st Class Hiroyuki Kikuchi, these guard dogs are the unsung heroes—certainly sniffing it out better than most humans at a buffet. With senses sharper than a cat’s temper, they patrol the premises, ensuring that everything is as it should be. And if it’s not? Well, let’s just say a barking dog is the least of your worries.
Now, if you think it’s just a stroll in the park for our furry friends, think again! These handlers are not just in charge of cuddling and snuggles; they’re conducting serious business—patrols, surveillance, and a bit of doggy diplomacy, if you will. Talk about a tail-wagging relationship!
Nurturing a Dog’s Inner Guard: A Real Master-Slave Relationship
It’s a classic master-slave relationship, but with far less potential for awkwardness than at your last family gathering. The handler is responsible for everything—from feeding and bathing to the most important part: playtime! Yes, nothing says military might like a German Shepherd doing zoomies after a good game of fetch. I mean, let’s be honest, how many of us would go into battle without a good play session first?
Training is also paramount here. It turns out, guard dogs have about as long an attention span as your average toddler on a sugar high—roughly 3 to 5 minutes! So, cramming an entire semester of guard dog training into a single session? Not going to happen, my friends. Instead, handlers embrace the power of positivity, offering exaggerated praise like they’re coaching the world’s next Olympic gold medalist. “Good boy! You’ve retrieved the object, not just your self-respect after that failed jump!”
When in Doubt, Bark It Out
You’ve got to love this: the idea that a dog’s job is more than just looking cute; they’re undergoing intensive training to bark at suspicious individuals, and, if necessary, nip at their heels. I mean, who wouldn’t want a trained professional barking at them? I’d bet that’s one job interview where an awkward handshake takes a backseat to showing off one’s “Barry Roar.”
But, no guard dog goes unappreciated! When our canine comrades retire, they get to kick back in familiar surroundings, living the good life, perhaps reminiscing about their days catching ninja turtles instead of foreign spies. Nothing like a tail-wagging reunion with the troops, right?
Conclusion: Who Needs Human Security?
As we’ve learned, the next time you think of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force, remember: it’s not just about ships and submarines; it’s about man’s best friend on a mission. So, whether it’s guarding ports, patrolling bases, or simply looking adorable while breaking up potential intruders, these dogs are showing the world that, beneath all that fur, there lies a steadfast and heroic spirit. Now, if only we could get them to do our taxes, eh?
– Shoot the intruders at the port!
*The article content is as of the time of release of the above issue.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), tasked with safeguarding the nation’s maritime territories, has specialized units trained for land engagements to address threats posed by foreign adversaries. Among these units is the Ground Police, which plays a crucial role in securing critical infrastructures such as ports and strategic locations.
The regional branches of the JMSDF, including Yokosuka, Kure, Sasebo, Maizuru, and Ominato, each maintain dedicated security forces. Each of these units operates under a guard commander, who, in turn, reports to a regional commander, ensuring that security operations are guided by a structured hierarchy. The Ground Police functions as a subordinate entity within the National Guard and is organized into several specialized sections, including a security response section and a guard dog operation section.
The Guard Dog Operations Department comprises skilled handlers who are responsible for the management, training, and nurturing of the guard dogs employed by the Ground Police. Yokosuka serves as the central hub for dog handlers and hosts a biennial seminar that gathers security dog operations personnel from across the nation to enhance collaboration and share best practices.
Nurturing dogs to serve as base security through repeated training
By patrolling the base and announcing the presence of a guard dog, it can serve as a deterrent to suspicious individuals. Facilities such as the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s base in Yokosuka City have vast grounds, so there are some parts of security that cannot be covered by manpower. Therefore, we utilize guard dogs, which possess extraordinary senses of smell and hearing, enabling them to detect threats more effectively than humans.
Petty Officer 1st Class Hiroyuki Kikuchi articulates the vital role of these trained dogs. Their key responsibilities encompass routine patrols throughout the base, conducting fixed-point surveillance of critical facilities, and ensuring thorough inspections during significant events such as ship reviews and public open-door days.
Once a harmonious bond is established between the handler and the dog, the canine can await commands from its handler merely by responding with a focused gaze. To facilitate this bond, daily training is imperative, primarily focused on obedience principles such as walking beside the handler, maintaining focus, and following commands like “stay” and “come.”
Build a master-slave relationship between handler and guard dog
The handler is responsible for every aspect of the dog’s care, encompassing feeding, grooming, and kennel maintenance. Once a guard dog retires, it is afforded a comfortable life, remaining with the troops at their familiar base.
Training also includes activities that promote remote control skills, such as overcoming obstacles and retrieving objects, crucial for a guard dog’s operational readiness. Among the critical skills taught are the “bark” to signal potential threats and the “attack” command, which engages the dog in apprehending suspicious individuals.
The training philosophy emphasizes an authoritative yet positive approach, with the goal being to forge a strong master-slave relationship. Given that dogs have attention spans lasting approximately 3 to 5 minutes, training sessions are intentionally brief and ideally conclude on a positive note to reinforce the idea that training is an enjoyable experience. Regular daily sessions over about three years will develop the dog into a proficient base security guard.
(MAMOR June 2023 issue)
– Shoot the intruders at the port! –
*The article content is as of the time of release of the above issue.
