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Military Dogs: First line of defence in anti-terror operations- IN PICS

The only animal which can be closely associated with man are Dogs. Since World War II, the US army, for the first time, used dogs in combat for carrying out operations against enemies. Even in India, the Dog unit of the Indian army's Dog Squad is the first responder in any anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir. The loyalty and combat skills of dogs are incomparable, hence the pooches are specially trained and then inducted into the forces. 

The Indian army has special awards for the dogs for their bravery. From the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card, Vice Chief of Staff Commendation Card and GOC in Chief Commendation Card, these dogs are awarded for their performance during various operations.

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Zoom
Zoom

In an operation in Kokernag, Anantnag,  Army's dog 'Zoom' attacked terrorists and received 2 gunshot injuries. In spite of that, he continued his task which resulted in neutralisation of 2 terrorists. Army dog Zoom is stable after surgery was performed on him. His fractured rear leg plastered & splinter injuries on his face treated.

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Axel
Axel

Indian Army’s dog, Axel lost its life in action after being hit by a bullet in an op in J&K while being deployed with 29 RR. Postmortem revealed more than 10 wounds and fractures of the femur.

 

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Sallie
Sallie

During the Civil War, troops marching off to battle brought dogs along as unit mascots and companions. Among the most famous was Sallie, the mascot of the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry. She was with the unit from puppyhood, licking the wounds of her human comrades and lifting their spirits.

Two months before the war's end, she died of a bullet wound on the front line. Years later, the 11th Pennsylvania Regimental Association built a statue in her honor at Gettysburg National Military Park.

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Chips
Chips

Chips was a German Shepherd-Collie-Husky Mix who Served in the 3rd Infantry Division with his handler, Pvt. John P. Rowell. Among Chip’s greatest exploits was the time that he famously broke away from his handler and jumped into an Italian machine-gun nest during the invasion of Sicily.

Injured from Chip’s attacks, the four Italian gunners inside were forced to flee their position and were captured by US forces. Chips successfully made it out of the altercation with a scalp wound and minor gunpowder burns. Later that day, Chip would assist in the capture of 10 more Italian soldiers.

 

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Sophie
Sophie

Sophie, a brown Cocker Spaniel of the Special Frontier Force (Bomb Disposal Squad), saved lives by sniffing out the presence of initiator/accelerant during a search operation in Delhi, which could have been quickly used to fabricate an IED.

She was awarded with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Commendations on the 74th Independence Day

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Gabe
Gabe

Gabe was a pound puppy before he was adopted and trained for military service. Just weeks after completing training in 2006 with his handler, Army Staff Sgt. Chuck Shuck, the two deployed to Iraq, where Gabe sniffed out insurgent explosives, ammunition and other weapons.

He was exceptionally productive, racking up 26 finds during his 170 combat patrols. Gabe returned home laden with accolades, and Shuck adopted him when he retired.

 

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Vida
Vida

Vida, a black Labrador from an Army Dog Unit in the Northern Command, was instrumental in detecting five mines and one grenade buried underground, preventing casualties and injuries of troops.

He was awarded with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Commendations on the 74th Independence Day

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Sergeant Stubby
Sergeant Stubby

Sgt. Stubby was a brindle bull terrier mutt who served as the 102nd infantry regiment's mascot during WW1. Stubby was an important component of the 26th Yankee division, rescuing soldiers from mustard gas attacks and tending to the injured in over 17 fights.

Stubby's most courageous achievement was apprehending a German soldier who had infiltrated US-controlled territory to map trench layouts and troop placements. In an instant, Stubby grabbed the intruder's leg, immobilising the enemy combatant until US soldiers arrived. Stubby was elevated to the rank of Sergeant for his bravery.





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