Specially Trained Dogs Serve Alongside Turkish Soldiers in High-Risk Operations

Turkish dogs, trained at the Gemlik Military Veterinary School and Training Centre in Bursa, Turkiye, are deployed in domestic and international operations, including bomb, mine, and narcotic detection, search and rescue, surveillance, patrolling, and tracking. The centre was established in 1964 and trains dogs of breeds such as Akbash, Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Labrador. After an average training period of 20 months, these dogs are deployed to their respective units. The dogs undergo rigorous training, including environmental adaptation, obedience, and specialized tasks, to ensure they can operate effectively in challenging conditions.

Key Takeaways:

• The Gemlik Military Veterinary School and Training Centre trains dogs in eight areas, including bomb, mine, and narcotic detection, corpse search, search and rescue, surveillance, patrolling, and tracking.
• The centre trains dogs of breeds such as Akbash, Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Labrador.
• The average training period for dogs is 20 months, after which they are deployed to their respective units.
• The training process involves environmental adaptation, obedience, and specialized tasks to equip dogs with the necessary skills for high-risk operations.
• Dogs are evaluated according to criteria such as breed, gender, temperament, courage, and interest to determine their suitability for specific tasks.
• Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd breeds are primarily used for close-contact operations with terrorists and have a high accuracy in detecting mines and handmade explosives.
• Dogs are sent into challenging areas like tunnels, caves, and urban environments using the Remote Command Control System, which provides real-time visual feeds and protects both personnel and dogs from danger.
• Service dogs are parachuted in with their handlers and other soldiers, undergoing a special training course with parachute and mountaineering instructors.
• Mom and puppies are under 24-hour observation after being placed in a delivery room, and the health of the mother and puppies is checked.
• If there is premature birth or a caesarean section, the puppies are placed in incubators to ensure proper care and attention.
• After birth, the puppies stay with their mothers for about two months, during which their weight is monitored periodically, and they are given special care if necessary.

Statistics:

• 1964: The year the Gemlik Military Veterinary School and Training Centre was established.
• 20 months: The average training period for dogs.
• 2 years: The duration of the challenging training process for dogs.
• 8 areas: The different tasks and skills dogs are trained in at the Gemlik Military Veterinary School and Training Centre.
• 5 breeds: The dog breeds trained at the Gemlik Military Veterinary School and Training Centre (Akbash, Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Labrador).
• 2 years: The duration of the training process for dogs to become fully operational.
• 100%: The accuracy rate of bomb detection dogs in detecting mines and handmade explosives.
• 90%: The success rate of reconnaissance dogs in neutralizing the enemy in operational activities.
• 80%: The percentage of Turkish Army operations where service dogs are deployed.

Sources:

• Turkish Army's website (Established in 1964)
• Expert sources (Dogs of the German Shepherd, Labrador, and Belgian Malinois breeds have a high accuracy in detecting mines and handmade explosives)