Onix the newest Gunfighter

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  When Onix, MHAFB's newest 366th Security Forces Squadron's Military Working Dog, arrived here he didn't experience the typical newcomer's briefing. Instead, he went straight to the veterinarian and received a check-up.
 
From there, he spent the next day going on a base tour and then was introduced to the 366th SFS Commander, Maj. Keith Quick.

"My first impression of Onix, our new K-9 Defender was very good," said Quick. "He is a two-year-old male German Shepherd who seems to have a positive working dog demeanor. He is very curious of his new environment and the kennel master feels he will be a great asset to the unit."

The primary purpose of the MWD section is to detect, apprehend and deter threats to the base.

"Security Forces is charged with enforcing the base commander's priorities, and MWDs like Onix play a vital role in assisting us with that," said Tech. Sgt. Justin Devaney, 366th SFS noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the military working dog section.

MWDs are a major asset when it comes to ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment because of their unique capabilities.

"Military working dogs like Onix are the professional athletes of the K-9 world," said Staff Sgt. James Colip, 366th SFS military working dog trainer. "They are trained from a young age in specialized tasks and have capabilities which far exceed all other animals'."

As a MWD, Onix is receiving extensive, task-specific, on-the-job training just like any other Airman. Knowing his limits and capabilities help his handlers train him to his full potential.
"The main tasks Onix is being taught are detection and patrol work," said Devaney. "By patrol work we mean biting techniques and how to find a suspect who is hiding inside a building or in a field. Our expectations for Onix are that he is basically fearless."

According to one trainer, there is a threatening persona surrounding MWDs.

"Military working dogs tend to make people nervous or scared, and rightfully so," said Colip. "Onix is new, but he is bred for combat; and frankly, most military working dogs are just plain crazy. However, our dogs are highly-trained and, skilled and like the other dogs here, Onix will be taught to bring down a suspect who is considered a threat."

In a few months Onix will attend regional training, which is like pre-mobilization training. There, he will go through a series of strenuous tests and exercises. Once his training is complete Onix and his handler will begin pre-deployment training.

"The ultimate goal is that Onix goes downrange, completes the mission he is assigned to do, saves lives and comes home with minimal to no adverse effects," said Devaney. "Not only will this make him a better and happier dog, but this will aid him for his future deployments.

"All of the training Onix is receiving is geared toward longevity so he can fulfill the stateside mission and support the downrange mission when necessary," he continued.

For now, Onix will play in the MWD section's yard where his handlers will throw a ball to him, scratch and pet him.

"It's almost like when a new human Airman comes in to a section and is trained up on the necessary things to help with the mission," said Devaney. "It's the same with Onix. We want him to be the best that he can be for any mission. It's our job to fulfill the base commander's priority and develop him into a combat ready Airman."