Patron: Colonel Bob Sayce, CSC (Retd)
AN ASSOCIATION PROFILE
The Association was formed in 2001 to promote awareness of the use of Military Working
Dogs within the Australian Defence Force as well as cementing the common bond between
those who served in Combat Tracking Teams and also to provide help for those in need. This
awareness was quickly expanded to include serving members of the ADF who by now were
involved in operational service in East Timor.
Originally formed under the banner of "Australian Army Trackers & War Dogs Association"
this was changed in 2007 to our current name so as to reflect Military Working Dog Units
from all of the Australian Defence Force.
There is a continuing relationship between the Association and the various Military Dog
Units, the serving members and their families. This point of contact is vital as it develops,
promotes and perpetuates the comradeship inspired by those involved within all ADF
Military Working Dog Units.
Members of the Association continue to regularly give talks on the history and current role
of Military Working Dogs within the Defence Force to school children and other community
organisations in regional areas and major cities in all states of our country.
By attending events such as School Fetes, Military Fairs, Air Shows and Pet Expos etc the
Association is able to provide further awareness of the history of MWD's to the general
public. This communication is vital as so many of the general public are not aware of the
previous history or even the current role of dogs within the Military.
Through the successful relationships with the various MWD Units the Association has a
prime objective to foster and promote those practices that are to the forefront in the well
being of all Military Working Dogs. It is paramount that the MWD is respected as a Canine
Member of the ADF.
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MEMBERSHIP
The Association has an "ordinary" membership base of over 820 who are serving Military
Personnel and Veterans from Korea to today. Our Associate membership (over 160) includes
dog personnel from other Federal and State Government Agencies and others who have a like
minded affiliation with MWD's.
Those with email access regularly receive updates on aspects that relate to MWD’s, other
items of interest and welfare issues. A Newsletter is published each quarter and distributed to
all including those who do not have email access. All members also have access to our web
sites and Facebook page.
There are no membership fees.
Pensions, Welfare and Advocacy
The Association through a Pensions Officer seeks to provide the necessary
pension/advocacy/welfare support and advice for those members who have served our nation
and require representation at Veteran Affairs Review Boards and Tribunals. Care and support
is also given to the Widows and family members of our deceased members in their time of
need.
Hospital and home visits are organised as well as referrals to other Agencies when further
care and assistance is required.
Medals for MWD's
The ADFTWDA held the belief that MWD's are Canine Members of the Defence Force and
in 2007 a project was established to have Military Working Dogs recognised in a similar
fashion to Military personnel. The Defence Act does not recognise Medals for animals and
many discussions were held between our Association and the various authorities before
permission was finally granted for us to proceed with this project. In 2008 we began
awarding Medals to Military Working Dogs.
Two Medals are awarded:
The "Canine Service Medal" for MWD's who have served for at least 5 years and The "War
Dog Operational Medal" for those dogs who have served on overseas operations for a period
of 28 days. This Medal includes a Clasp to denote the area of service operation.
Since the inception on this Medal program in 2008, 448 Canine Service Medals have been
issued and 220 War Dog Operational Medals have been awarded. These figures are current as
at December 2015.
MWD's proudly wear their Medals on Parade and receive generous support from the public
on such occasions.
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Funding
This project is entirely funded by the Association with no Government assistance.
Funds are raised by attending events and selling merchandise and seeking donations from the
public and other organisations who have a keen interest in MWD's.
Handler and Dog Profiles
As part of our history we collate profiles on both Military Dogs who have served our country
as well as profile stories from Military Dog Handlers who have served in various conflicts.
This aspect is an important part in giving the general public an insight into the life of MWD's
as well as their handlers. Profiles extend from Korea to current serving members of the ADF.
Previous history:
Military Working Dogs have served in the following conflicts:
KOREA 1950 to 1953 - British Engineers Dogs attached to an Infantry Battalion
MALAYA 1948 to 1960 - Tracker Dogs with Infantry Battalions
BORNEO 1963 to 1965 - Tracker Dogs
VIETNAM 1967 to 1972 - Trackers Dogs
SINGAPORE 1969 to 1973 - Tracker Dogs
SOMALIA 1993 - EDD attached to 1RAR, these were the first MWD's to return to Australia
from an overseas deployment
BOUGAINVILLE 1994 – EDD
EAST TIMOR 1999 to 2004 - MP's, RAAF & EDD
SOLOMON ISLANDS 2003 to 2004 - MP's & EDD
AFGHANISTAN - EDD & SASR
Dogs also used in WW1 & WW2 although these dogs were supplied by allied forces. RAAF
had used MWD's in an asset protection role at Butterworth, Malaysia and Singapore.
Training in Australia
Training has been conducted in Australia by the various Defence Units over the following
periods:
Army Experimental Dog Training Unit, 1943
RAE from 1954 to 1959 after Korea
Infantry Tracker Wing from 1965 to 1975
RAE from 1971 to present
Army MP's since 1977
RAAF since 1943 & breeding program since 2003. Also the RAN had a MWD capability at
Nowra from 1977 after a fire that destroyed a number of aircraft however this was formally
disbanded in April 2000 and the dogs were returned to the RAAF.
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Today:
MWD's currently serve with Combat Engineer Regiments, Army MP's, RAAF, SOER, SASR
& 2CDO.
MWD capabilities include searching for explosive devices, airfield & asset protection,
building searches, back up with Infantry as in East Timor, tracking, protection for
Government & International Officials, used to complement civilian and other government
agencies i.e. the 2014 G20 World Leaders' Summit held in Brisbane.
RAAF have a breeding program at Amberley with a Puppy foster program care for puppies
from about 12 weeks to 7 to 11 months of age. This provides the dogs an avenue for normal
activities plus exposure to various environments that are not obtained within a unit.
Retirement of MWD's
The Association has continued to provide advice to the ADF in aspects of retiring MWD's
and depending on the breed of dog this has been a difficult process. The Association has also
examined ways to provide Animal Insurance for retired MWD's that have been accepted into
a family but due to the age on most dogs comprehensive insurance from public providers is
difficult to access. This remains a continuing project for the Association.
The 7th June
The 7th June is recognised by the ADF as National Military Working Dog Day and is
celebrated with Parades and Ceremonies at the Military and Service Working Dog National
Monument at Wacol in Queensland as well as other venues and Military Bases throughout
Australia.
This day was chosen as on the 7th June 2010 Sapper Darren Smith and EDD Herbie were
killed in action in Afghanistan. Darren was the first dog handler in the Defence Force to be
killed in action while working an Australian Military Working Dog. Sapper Jacob Moreland
was also killed in action in the same incident.
Monuments/Memorials
The Association has been instrumental in establishing Monuments to Military Working Dogs
in various States and this has led to recognition on Anzac Day Ceremonies where Wreaths
are laid in their honour.
Military & Service Working Dog National Monument & Memorial to Sapper Darren Smith
& EDD Herbie, RSPCA Animal Care Campus, Wacol, Qld
War Dogs Monument, Alexandra Headlands, QLD
Royal Australian Regiment War Dogs Monument, Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, QLD
Australian Army Trackers Monument, Goolwa, SA
Australian Trackers & War Dogs Memorial Park, Lowestoft Bay, Berriedale, TAS
Australian Trackers & War Dogs Memorial, Baldivis, WA
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Military Base Memorials
Significant Monuments/Memorials have been erected at various Military establishments and
these include:
The Royal Australian Regiment National Memorial Walk, Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera.
QLD
MP Platoon, Oakey, QLD
RAAF Base Amberley, QLD
RAAF Base Townsville, QLD
School of Military Engineering, Holsworthy, NSW
Campbell Barracks, WA
RAAF Base Pearce, WA
Museum Exhibits
Victoria Barracks Historical Society Museum, Church Street, Fortitude Valley, QLD
Kedron Wavell RSL, Chermside, QLD
Gold Coast War Museum, 42 John Rogers Rd, (off Springbrook Rd), Mudgeeraba, QLD
Bardia Barracks Museum, Ingleburn, NSW
School of Military Engineering Museum, Holsworthy, NSW
Vietnam Veterans Museum, Phillip Island, VIC
Vietnam Veterans Museum, Geelong, VIC
SASR Historical Society, Campbell Barracks, WA
Conclusion
The Association is very mindful of the continuing role and welfare of MWD's and their
handlers within the ADF both while serving and in retirement. In addition the Association
through a Pension/Welfare Officer seeks to provide the necessary support for those handlers
who have served on overseas deployments and require extra care. Utmost in this support is
the recognition of the family unit of all concerned.
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Dictionary
ADF: Australian Defence Force
ADFTWDA: Australian Defence Force Trackers & War Dogs Association
EDD: Explosive Detection Dog
MP: Military Police
MWD: Military Working Dog
RAAF: Royal Australian Air Force
RAE: Royal Australian Engineers
RAN: Royal Australian Navy
SASR: Special Air Service Regiment
SOCOM: Special Operations Command
SOER: Special Operations Engineer Regiment
2CDO: 2nd Commando Regiment
Contacts:
President: Robert Jennings OAM
07 5426 7223 or 0419 641 962
president@aussietrackers.org
Secretary: John Quane
07 3324 8958 or 0428 554 008
secretary@aussietrackers.org
ADFTWDA
PO Box 302
COORPAROO QLD 4151
07 3324 8958
0428 554 008
www.aussietrackers.org
www.aussiewardogs.org
https://www.facebook.com/aussiewardogs
The ADFTWDA acknowledges supporters and affiliates:
RSPACA Animal Care Campus, Queensland
Sunshine Coast District RSL
Victoria Barracks Historical Museum
Young Diggers
Cash's Awards & Promotion Solutions
American Pacific Agencies
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