Military working dogs hold a special place in the hearts of the troops who work with them. In a practical sense, they’re treated with the same honor and respect as any other troop.
They have a ceremony when they receive awards and are buried with military honors. They hold a rank, and as tradition dictates, one higher than their handler. It’s a tongue-in-cheek custom to ensure the handler treats them properly while giving the working dog some leeway to be a dog if they ever disobey an order.
They have very specific skills tailored to each mission. The role of an MWD can range from a mercy dog, assisting in locating wounded on the front lines, military police K-9s sniffing out narcotics, and EOD dogs sniffing out explosives. Even fighting dogs join troops on raids, scouting missions, and as sentries in guard posts.
These dogs are comrades, allies, battle-buddies, and – of course –friends.
Here are 13 photos of military working dogs being very good boys (and girls):
1. Cpl. Chesty XIV was the mascot of the U.S. Marine Corps from 2013-2018. He was also far more disciplined than nearly every Lance Cpl. in your unit
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17320182/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
2. Sgt. Maj. Fosco was the first MWD to complete an airborne jump while being held by his handler, 1st Sgt. Chris Lalonde.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17320183/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
3. Selection and training of MWDs starts the moment they’re born. The more energetic the puppy, the more willing they are to learn.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17320184/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
4. The training process is a rough 93-day program but positive reinforcement is the key.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17320185/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
5. As with human troops, nothing can prepare you for a deployment.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17320186/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
6. Many statues and memorials have been dedicated to the commitment and loyalty of the Military Working Dogs.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17320187/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
7. Aeromedical personnel need to learn the basics of veterinary care in case they get the call to evacuate a wounded MWD.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17320188/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
8. MWDs never complain about spending time with their handlers, even if that means they have to train.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17276261/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
9. Did you know that tennis balls are a key item in the detection of explosives?
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17276260/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
10. MWDs are the only troops who are 110% willing to train constantly and at all times of the day.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17276259/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
11. When they call us “Dogfaced Soldiers,” this isn’t what they had in mind.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17276258/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
12. As a handler, it is your solemn duty to love and care for your dog. If they want to play, well, technically, they outrank you.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17276257/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
13. MWDs are given the same respect of an American human troop. Complete with their own canine-version of the battle cross.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17320189/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)