Last Friday, the sands of West Flanders' Koksijde beach transformed into a stage for an exhibition by the Defense Force's Interforces Canine Unit, supported by Belgium's elite Ardennes Hunters (Chasseurs Ardennais).
The event, which coincided with the eve of International Dog Day, showcased the remarkable abilities of these specially trained canines.
As an armoured vehicle pulled up to a boat with two suspicious individuals onboard, armed members of the Ardennes Hunters disembarked with two dogs at their side. While one suspect gave himself up, the other tried to escape but was quickly subdued by a fast-acting canine. "Our training is designed to mimic real-life situations," noted Warrant Officer Ian Dierckx.
Among the canine participants was Sam, a five-year-old Labrador with specialised training in detecting explosives. Sam pinpointed a dubious package affixed to the boat, demonstrating his expertise in recognising a variety of explosive materials.
"Our detection dogs are chosen for their sociability and adaptability," said Michel Meersman, the unit's first Sergeant Major. He also mentioned that the unit employs a diverse range of breeds, including German and Dutch shepherds as well as several types of Belgian shepherds.
Credit: Vincent Bordignon / La Défence
At the same event, the army staged an attack by an "armed" assailant, who fired blanks into the air from the crowd, prompting an immediate and coordinated response from the dog team. The animals composed themselves and responded to the treat.
Training these invaluable canines is a rigorous process that begins when they are just puppies. "Early socialisation is key," said Michael Heinen, a military police Sergeant Major, who is currently preparing a six-month-old dog named Hulk for his upcoming militarisation test. "These dogs are trained to be versatile, capable of working in various environments and situations."
Credit: Vincent Bordignon / La Défence
With a roster of 200 active-duty dogs, the Defense Force's canine unit plays a crucial role in a range of security operations, from monitoring and detection to deterrence and protection. Their loyal and trusting nature makes them not only reliable heroes but also valued companions for those in service.
The army is currently looking for dog handlers to join its ranks. Belgium's army is trying to boost its ranks as it seeks to spend 2% of GDP on the military.
